Types of Translation Software Used in the Translating Business

The emergence of computer technologies in the industry of language translation brought in a new dimension in the process of converting languages into other languages using translation software. The most obvious contribution of these technological advancements created an increase in the demand for translators and translation job. Businesses have realized that with these computer technologies, more translation jobs can be processed. And this means more translation projects to be finished in short turn-around time, and, on a higher note, accuracy and quality are emphasized further.

Translation Software

There are a variety of translation software programs as there are motley of translators too. These programs differ in usage, scope and capability. The most common of these are:

— CAT Software programs

These are essential tools to translators and language companies. CAT software programs help translation companies to create a diverse database of sentences. Because these programs usually have a glossary feature which allow translators to put in sentence structures for a translation work. This allows other translators to contribute by putting in their own translation on a particular sentence. Over time, this glossary creates a gigantic database from which other translators can check and update how a sentence was previously translated. This comes very helpful when a loyal client gets the same services. By checking through a database, often specifically managed for a client, the translation can be checked, working appropriately for projects that require industry-specific terminologies or sentences. DejaVu and Translator Workbench are examples of CAT tools.

— Project Management Systems

Such translation software programs are perhaps the most sophisticated tools being used in the industry of language translation. The program can perform a number of functions that can range from the simpler tasks to the more intricate and complicated functions. It can do planning and estimation, cost control, organizing, scheduling, even quality management and some administrative functions – name it, the Project Management System has it! This electronic application is so trustworthy that no translation company can work without it. This program can provide applications and information at a click of a button. The diversity of function that this software can do makes it a relevant and imperative tool in the business of translation.

— Machine Translation or MT

Machine translation is a software program that is used without the intervention of human, at least after the initial phase. These are statistical or rules-based tools that come in handy especially during post editing processes. One very popular example is SDL Trados Studio.

— Software Localization

This is another translation software tool used in the business of language conversion. Programs of these type aid in the localization of all key items and elements in the project software. SDL Passolo is classified under this category and helps in localizing icons, menus and other pertinent elements.

— Translation Memory and Translation Terminology

These tools store up a huge database for words and terminologies that are used in translation. Most useful with industry-specific projects, these tools can store and generate a large amount of words and terminologies.

Translation software tools help language companies realize their goals. It makes work easier, and helps translators in their projects to such extent that is beneficial not only for their translators but to the entire industry too. Quality and accuracy is ensured with the use of these tools .