We work with various translation tools (also known as CAT tools or Translation Memories) which enable us to translate consistently. Please click here for a list of the tools we work with.
What is a translation tool?
Documents that are available in electronic and editable form (i.e. not scanned documents and pdf files) can be translated using translation tools. Translation Memories (TMs) (e.g. Trados Translator’s WorkbenchTM) store source and target text during the translation process. Together, the source texts and their translations form so-called "translation units", which can be retrieved again at a later date. Each new sentence to be translated is compared with the translation units stored in the TM. If similar or identical source sentences are found, then the translation tool automatically suggests a translation for the sentence. Each proposed translation can be accepted and/or edited by the translator.
What are the advantages of working with translation tools?
Working with Translation Memories saves time and helps produce consistent translations whenever source texts and their translations closely resemble each other. Terminology programmes also help ensure that terms are always translated the same way throughout a project. Another advantage is that the original formatting of the source text is maintained.
Translation Memories can also be compiled from earlier translation projects, if necessary. For this, however, the original text and the translation must both be available in electronic form (e.g. as a Word file).