Translation technology - Translation memories

Translation memories, or TM, are a type of software used in the translation process in conjunction with computer assisted translation (CAT) tools, word processing programs, terminology management systems and multilingual dictionaries to help human translators.

Translation memories are made up of text "segments" in a source language and their corresponding translations in the target language. These "segments" or "blocks" may be formed of paragraphs, sentences, or phrases.

Of course, this resource by no means replaces the role of the translator; it simply serves as a reference.

The program breaks the original, source text into "segments" and seeks coinciding "matches" with previously translated source-target "segments" stored in a translation memory. The results are presented as translation options, which the translator can accept, replace with a new translation or modify to match the new source. Any new or modified translations are added to the translation memory.

Any "segments" for which no "match" is found in the translation memory must be manually translated by the translator. These newly translated "segments" are stored in the memory and can be used both for future translations and as references for future "segments" within the current text.

Translation memories work best with repetitive texts, such as catalogues, technical manuals and specifications, product lists and legal texts, for example. They are also helpful for translating subsequent additions to previously translated documents, such as changes in new versions of user manuals or updates of catalogues.

If translation memories are used consistently over a period of time, they can both save translators a considerable amount of time and work and save clients a considerable amount of money.

Summary of the advantages of using translation memories:

• Guarantee that the entire content of each document is translated.
• Guarantee the consistency of definitions, phrasings and terminology both throughout subsequent translations and throughout large projects that require the participation of multiple translators.
• Reduce time spent during the translation process.
• Reduce the cost of translation projects.

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