In the modern world, translators have almost abandoned handwritten translation and are using automation systems everywhere (Computer-Assisted Translation tools, popularly just “cats”). Increasingly, employers want to see a translator who has the skills to work with CAT tools, which makes them even more popular and necessary for further work.
"Computer assisted translation" or "automated translation" should not be equated with machine translation, where you enter text in one language, press a button, and get its translation: automated translation is a broader concept.
CAT tools include various linguistic resources, for example: Translation Memory databases - translation memory databases that contain previously translated text segments (phrases and sentences). They are created and supplemented on the basis of pairs of parallel texts. Another important resource is glossaries, which contain terms and concepts accepted in a particular company (or approved for a particular group of projects).
Majority CAT tools are desktop programs, that is, they are installed on one computer, and you can use the program only on it. If you want to translate on another computer, you need a separate license or some other tricks.
The undisputed leader among automated translation programs is SDL Trados. Also known and common desktop versions are: STAR Transit NXT, Deja Vu X, MemoQ. The following is a brief description of these programs.
Trados is a computer-aided translation system originally (since 1992) developed by the German company Trados GmbH. It is one of the world leaders in the class of Translation Memory systems.
Transit NXT is a program for creating, viewing and editing projects for translations and other translation-related and localization operations, produced by STAR AG since 2008. On the this moment there is only a version for the Windows platform.
Deja Vu / Deja Vu is a proprietary system of the Spanish company Atril Language Engineering. There are different versions for freelance translators and translation departments and agencies.
Program MemoQ was developed in Hungary back in 2005 and has been constantly updated ever since. Today it is one of the most popular products on the market of automated translation systems (environments).
In the world of advanced Internet technologies and the possibility of remote work, online versions are widely used. CAT programs. There are several criteria for choosing a program: work with various formats(conversion and support by other services), adding and editing existing translation bases, saving document formatting and simultaneous work of several translators on one project, for example, SmartCAT, Memsource, Wordfast, MateCAT.
SmartCAT– computer-aided translation system, including translation memory, machine translation, glossary management, function joint work translators on one document. The system is a "cloud" service and cannot be installed on a computer. Work with SmartCAT is carried out using a browser, development is expected mobile application. The user interface is available in Russian, English and Japanese; documentation - in Russian and English.
Memsource Cloud is a complete translation environment that includes a translation memory, as well as built-in machine and manual translation, terminology management, and a translation editor for online and offline work.
Wordfast was originally developed by Yves Champollion in 1999 as a cheap, simple alternative to Trados. Wordfast Anywhere is the free Wordfast web platform with user interface, repeating Wordfast Classic. It launched in May 2010. MateCat was released as software open source under the Lesser General Public License (LGPL) from the Free Software Foundation. It's relative new service, which allows freelance translators and students to work in a browser with many formats.
With such a variety, each translator chooses a "cat" for himself according to his taste, based on specific tasks, existing skills and funds to purchase the program. At the same time, the fact remains indisputable that knowledge of CAT-tools today is not just another additional requirement of translation companies, but a key aspect of the survival of translators in a competitive labor market.
This article contains programs (translation memory programs, electronic dictionaries, text recognition programs, statistics calculation programs, application localization programs, website translation programs, other programs for translators), including free ones that allow you to translate more texts in less time. Also given short descriptions these programs with links to the original sources for downloading and installing. We hope you find something useful here.
TRANSLATION MEMORY PROGRAMS
Translation memory (translation memory, translation drives) - programs that allow "not to translate the same thing twice." These are databases that contain previously translated units of text. If a unit is found in the new text that is already in the database, the system automatically adds it to the translation. Such programs significantly save the translator's time, especially if he works with texts of the same type.
Trados. At the time of this writing, it is one of the most popular Translation memory programs. Allows you to work with MS Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, HTML documents, and other file formats. Trados has a glossary module. Website: http://www.translationzone.com/trados.html
Deja Vu. Also one of the leaders in popularity. Allows you to work with documents of almost all popular formats. There are separate versions of the program for freelance translators and translation agencies. Website: http://www.atril.com/
OmegaT. Supports a large number of popular formats, but documents in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint need to be converted to other formats. Nice feature: the program is free. Website: http://www.omegat.org/
MetaTexis. Allows you to work with documents of the main popular formats. Two versions of the program are offered - a module for MS Word and a server program. Website: http://www.metatexis.com/
MemoQ. The functionality is similar to Trados and Déjà Vu, the cost of the program (at the time of writing) is lower than that of more popular systems. Website: http://kilgray.com/
Star Transit. Designed for translation and localization. Currently only compatible with Windows OS. Website: http://www.star-group.net/DEU/group-transit-nxt/transit.html
WordFisher. Free system Translation Memory created and maintained by a professional translator. Website: http://www.wordfisher.com/
Across. There are 4 different versions of the program, differing in the amount of functionality. Website: http://www.across.net/us/translation-memory.aspx
Catnip. Bes paid program, the "successor" of the MT2007 program. Website: http://mt2007-cat.ru/catnip/
ELECTRONIC DICTIONARIES
Here we have presented only electronic dictionaries for battery life(no internet access). There are much more online dictionaries, and a separate article will be devoted to them. Although the Internet has penetrated the most remote corners of the planet, it is useful to have at least 1 dictionary to work offline. We have considered dictionaries for professional use, phrasebooks and dictionaries for language learners are not included here.
ABBYY Lingvo. It currently allows you to translate from 15 languages. There are several versions of the program with different volumes of dictionaries. There is a version for mobile devices. The paid version of the dictionary is installed on a computer and can work without an Internet connection, the free version is available only online. The program is compatible with Windows, Symbian, Mac OS X, iOS, Android. Website: http://www.lingvo.ru/
Multitran. Not everyone knows that there is an offline version of this popular dictionary. It can be installed on computers (stationary and pocket), smartphones. Works with Windows, Symbian and Android, as well as Linux (via browser). At the moment it allows you to translate from / to 13 languages. Website: http://www.multitran.ru/c/m.exe
prompt. This program has versions for professional use. The advantage of Promt is that it allows you to work with Trados. Website: http://www.promt.ru/
Slovoed. Can translate c/into 14 languages. Installed on desktop computers and laptops, mobile devices and Amazon Kindle readers. Works with operating iOS systems, Android, Windows, Symbian, BlackBerry, bada, Tizen. The dictionary has several versions, including highly specialized thematic dictionaries. Website: http://www.slovoed.ru/
SOFTWARE FOR TEXT RECOGNITION
ABBYY FineReader. Recognizes text on photos, scans, PDF documents. The latest (at the time of this writing) version recognizes text in 190 languages, and for 48 of them it does spell checking. You can save the resulting text in almost all popular formats (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF, html, etc.) Site: http://www.abbyy.ru/finereader/
CuneiForm(OpenOCR). The program was created as a commercial product, but is currently distributed freely. Compatible with operating Linux systems, Mac OS X , Windows. Website: http://openocr.org/
PROGRAMS FOR COUNTING STATISTICS
Translator's Abacus- free program for counting the number of words in documents various types. Website: http://www.globalrendering.com/
AnyCount- a paid program that has a large number settings. For example, you can count the number of characters with or without spaces, the number of words, lines, pages, or set the counting unit yourself. Website: http://www.anycount.com/
FineCount- the program is available in two versions, paid and free, which differ in the amount of functions. Website: http://www.tilti.com/
APP LOCALIZATION PROGRAMS
PROGRAMS FOR SITE TRANSLATION
OTHER PROGRAMS FOR TRANSLATORS
ApSIC Comparator- a program for comparing files (original text VS text with changes made by the translator). Site.
CAT programs - special applications that help automate the translation process. Services work according to the principle text editors, but with differences. CAT-programs offer access to dictionaries, glossaries, remember the translator's choice and automatically substitute the translation of previously translated words in the following similar files. These programs help reduce the time translators work on the same type of texts, as well as reduce the percentage of grammatical, punctuation and spelling errors. We've rounded up the top 7 CAT programs and reviewed them so you can choose the best assistant.
What are CAT programs and how do they work
Computer-Aided (Assisted) Translation is computer-assisted translation, but it is completely different from the generally accepted concept of "machine translation". Programs remember previous texts or individual fragments and automatically substitute matching segments in new documents. For example, a translator works on documents where there are fragments and paragraphs that are repeated. A specialist can re-translate texts each time or do it once, and the CAT program will offer them. The second option is also suitable for working with fiction, for example, with jokes, idioms, author's techniques.
CAT tools help with:
- translation of documentation;
- software localization;
- work with dictionaries of terms;
- creation of projects and organization of work with them;
- checking the quality of the translation.
Such services will improve work with large amounts of information, help to collect a separate database with highly specialized vocabulary for a specific field of activity.
What are the main advantages of CAT programs
Modern automated translation allows you to build your own translation library. This is especially true in cases where words, phrases and even sentences are repeated many times. In such cases, the CAT program automatically replaces already familiar words and helps the translator not to do the job twice.
What CAT programs can do:
- help the translator collect personal dictionaries and glossaries, which consist of words and phrases on specific topics (economics, law, marketing, medicine);
- keep formatting source code, which is very convenient when working with multilevel lists;
- create author's glossaries with terms, abbreviations, specific concepts that are used in some narrowly focused area.
7 Best CAT Software for Businesses
From the birth of the idea of automated translation in 1933 to our time, many services have appeared to automate the translation process. Some of them are free. We have collected the most convenient paid tools that you can use in your work today.
- Trados Studio. A professional program with a large number of specific settings helps to work with texts in the format of documents, presentations, HTML. The service is suitable for large projects, so it is most often used by companies that specialize in translations.
- smartCAT. Modern program with a clear interface, which is more suitable for small projects. Most often, it is used by freelancers, as well as specialists from companies who rarely have to translate texts.
- MemoQ. The tool is suitable for localization, works with any documents, regardless of the size of the files and their content. The service is popular with programmers and specialists who adapt software for foreign users.
- wordfast. This CAT tool provides additional features TM for Office Word or a standalone tool for translators to work on any platform. The advantage of this product is its intuitive interface, the ability to customize the set of functions, as well as work with external dictionaries in any format. The utility is suitable for freelancers, translation agencies and corporations.
- OmegaT. A free computer-aided translation program with an intuitive interface suitable for freelancers and specialized agencies. The service works with 30 file formats, has a built-in spell checker, and an interface for Google Translate.
- Deja Vu. Program with simple interface suitable for freelance translators and agencies. The service works with 32 most popular formats, there are additional functions for convenient work with glossaries and dictionaries.
- Transit NXT Pro. Special Program for localization of products, sites and applications. Its peculiarity is that it does not save the translation of a single expression, but of the entire context. This makes it very easy to work with marketing texts, where style comes to the fore. Convenient and simple service, there are many service packages, so that both a single freelancer and a large company can find something useful here.
Beginners and professional translators should pay attention to CAT programs. Services only at first seem complicated and inconvenient, but after a couple of weeks you will not be able to imagine your workflow without these tools. For a faster learning experience, find dedicated CAT courses or learn on your own from YouTube videos or specialized forums.
Automated translation is the future that makes life and work easier. Professional programs reduce the cost of time and resources, but do not eliminate human participation. The saved time on translating repetitions can be used for creative purposes, for example, in marketing texts.
The workflow of a modern translator can no longer be imagined without auxiliary systems and automated programs that allow you to speed up work at times. First of all, technology has penetrated the field of written translation.
Machine translation is still popular and is rapidly improving. By taking over the laborious process of searching for and translating unfamiliar expressions, a computer allows translators to save a lot of time. Improvements in machine translation may lead to the fact that in the future specialists will have to work exclusively on editing machine text.
This trend is already emerging. Machine translation is often confused with automated translation, which is fundamentally wrong, since the latter involves the use of complex systems and tools designed for different types of translation.
CAT-tools (Computer Assisted Translation tools) are familiar to almost everyone involved in the field of professional translation.
This is a whole range of programs, including:
- Translation of documentation
- Software localization
- Maintenance of terminological dictionaries
- Translation quality check
- Creation and distribution of projects
The use of such systems is especially effective in areas of translation with a high frequency of repetition of texts, for example, in financial, technical or legal activities. The use of CAT-tools also allows several translators to work simultaneously on a common project, carrying out a translation consistent in terms of terminology and style.
Benefits of CAT systems
Why do professional translators today increasingly prefer automated translation? The answer is pretty simple. The biggest advantage of CAT systems is "translation memory" (Translation Memory).
It allows you to accumulate data in the translation database and create thematic glossaries in various fields of knowledge. Thus, the translator does not need to re-translate every time what he has done before. The database contains large arrays and ready-made translation templates that allow you to quickly carry out high-quality translation.
Technical or other highly specialized documentation, as a rule, is replete with specific vocabulary and set expressions. This is where an automated CAT system comes to the rescue. It is enough to upload a document to it, and it will analyze everything in accordance with the accumulated database. possible options translation.
To date, there are quite a few on the market wide range CAT-automated translation systems: from easy-to-manage and accessible to any layman to complex programs used for large projects. The following is a list of the most popular technological solutions to speed up and simplify the translation process.
1.TRADOS
It is a professional automated translation software. Includes many features and fine tuning. Software modules allow you to work in unforeseen situations. Suitable for large projects and is used mainly by translation companies.
The downside of the system is its complexity and the fact that translators need a lot of time to master the program. However, many companies work on the basis of TRADOS precisely for the sake of specific settings that are not implemented in other systems.
2. SmartCAT
A progressive online platform that implemented the ideas of users of CAT systems. Includes the ability to work with many plugins (machine translation, QA). Of the benefits - a user-friendly interface. This is one of the easiest programs to learn.
Of the minuses - common mistakes and problems with big files. Despite a number of shortcomings and shortcomings, it is popular among freelancers, as it allows you to significantly speed up the translation process, and, in addition to the CAT system, is a kind of project portal. It has a database of clients for translators, as well as a database of performers for clients, supported by the ability to conduct mutual settlements directly in the system.
3.MemoQ
This system is especially popular with localizers because, unlike others, it is compatible with multilingual Excel files. You can download the most different types files, and, unlike TRADOS, it is not picky about the size and content of files.
However, it is less popular among translators, since the program has unusual functionality, and many who are familiar with TRADOS first experience some difficulties in the settings. Nevertheless, MemoQ is especially appreciated by localizers and programmers, in this environment it is very popular.
4. Deja Vu
Very simple program, nothing superfluous, but there are very few opportunities. Doesn't take up much space on your computer.
Popular for its simplicity.
5.Multiterm
A program that translators everywhere use to create a translation base (TB-term base). It is especially popular with highly specialized translators who undertake translations of texts on a specific subject. The main advantage is that it creates glossaries for use in CAT systems, which can later be connected to TRADOS, or to other automated systems manually.
The main disadvantage is that this program was created specifically for the SDL product family and is not particularly user-friendly. For beginners, it is quite difficult to understand the settings.
6.XTM
A complex system used by large companies for industrial purposes. It involves working with large-scale projects and huge amounts of data.
The main disadvantage of the program is its specialization. If the company has configured it correctly, then it will be very convenient to use. You can save a lot of time on translation. And such a program is not suitable for a translator with different orders.
7.Across
Quite a popular system. Despite the simple interface, it is quite inconvenient to use. Its ambiguity in "transparency" - design data is in open access. Suitable for work, if the issue of data protection is not important.
Across is extremely popular in Europe, unlike Russia. Another significant disadvantage is that the mistake made is not so easy to fix (as, for example, in "Smartkat").
8.OmegaT
The program is free to use, but does not support work in MS Word.
This is a plus for those who like simple software, where there is nothing superfluous. But for a professional, this option is not suitable. There is a necessary minimum, but no more.
9.AfterScan
An excellent program for auto-checking and correcting sources. Detects typos, spaces, recognition errors. The program is shareware (the functionality is 100% only for a fee), to work with English texts you need a completely different version of it. This is definitely a significant drawback.
Of the advantages, it should be noted the Russian-language interface, the unlimited size of the user dictionary and the wide possibilities of OCR editing.
Are there technologies for interpreting?
While many programs and technologies come to the aid of professionals in translation, the field of interpretation, whether simultaneous or consecutive, still relies on the professional skills of an interpreter.
However, even in this area, technology can greatly simplify the process. We are talking about the opportunity to use the services of interpretation at any time.
This solution is developed by our company. It allows using a smartphone or tablet to carry out video remote translation.
Such services exist in the West as well. For example, in the USA there are analogues that began to take shape at the same time as our service. One of the largest companies Language Line, previously engaged in telephone translation, began to introduce the service of video translation and video translation from sign language. Purple also offers sign language translation, including video translation. In turn, Certified Languages International launched video remote translation after 20 years of oral and telephone translations.
Video remote translation is next step in the development of this industry and it is already obvious that this direction will continue to develop.
Prospects for the development of the translation business
Such a high-tech solution meets one of the main requirements of the modern service market - the high speed of their provision.
The “here and now” format is rapidly gaining momentum, and the translation industry has not been left out. This business can no longer exist without software solutions, and even more so without human participation in the process of project management and its implementation. Accelerated service delivery and market saturation in any area will only progress, and those who manage to offer something more will lead this progress.
In the field of translation, as in any other, it is necessary to constantly look for new products. At the same time, a reasonable and competent approach to resource management within the company is required. Internet platforms are the future of the translation business.
Software will become more powerful and simpler based on software translation systems, but it also needs control from highly qualified translators who will always be in demand. Machine translation, along with automated and oral translation, will be developed and improved. Already today there is a trend towards the consolidation of the translation business among the major players in the market.