A Project-Based Approach to Translation Technology

Rosemary Mitchell-Schuitevoerder

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2020
• eBook ISBN: 9780429640629
• Topic: Computer Science
• Subtopic: Data Processing
• Index: Computer Science

A Project-Based Approach to Translation Technology provides students of translation and trainee translators with a real-time translation experience, with its translation platforms, management systems, and teamwork.

This book is divided into seven chapters reflecting the building blocks of a project-based approach to translation technology. The first chapter identifies the core elements of translation environment tools and collaborative work methods, while Chapters 2 and 4 review the concept of translation memory and terminology databases and their purposes. Chapter 3 covers machine translation embedded in the technology, and the other chapters discuss human and technological quality assurance, digital ethics and risk management, and web-based translation management systems. Each chapter follows a common format and ends with project-based assignments. These assignments draw and build on real-time contexts, covering the consecutive steps in the workflow of large and multilingual translation projects.

Reviewing the many translation technology tools available to assist the translator and other language service providers, this is an indispensable book for advanced students and instructors of translation studies, professional translators, and technology tool providers.

1

Computer-aided translation tools and translation project management

Key concepts

•The translator, the language service provider (LSP), and computer-aided translation (CAT) tools have become partners in the translation process

•The computer-aided translation tool comes first among translation environment tools (TEnTs)

•The CAT tool is one of many TEnTs that can be linked or integrated

•The management of translation projects requires good teamwork, administrative and project-solving abilities

Introduction

CAT tools are invariably used in managed translation projects, but they can also be helpful in translation projects where the translator is working directly for the client. The CAT tool was built to assist the translator, it is shaped by the translator, it can efficiently process the work of collaborating translators and revisers, and it has become the tool used by project managers to help a team of linguists, in-house or freelance, to deliver a high volume of good quality translations, in multiple languages, shared among many contractees, and in the shortest period of time. Any difficulties associated with the tool must be solved by the users. Most likely, the problems were created by humans in the first place and not by the technology (Kenny 2016). This chapter builds on a basic level of CAT tool skills, good MS Word competence, the availability of Microsoft (MS) Windows operating systems and an appropriate CAT tool. In addition to MS Word and MS Windows expertise, your administrative skills will be challenged: effective personal file management is the precursor to successful CAT tool operations.

1.1 Translation environment tools (TEnTs)

The denotation ‘translation environment tool’ (TEnT) was coined in 2006 by Zetzsche, a translating professional, who realized that when translators refer to ‘CAT tool’, they are referring to the TM feature, which is only one component of a CAT tool. The acronym TEnT is meant to cover a broader spectrum. Currently, there does not seem to be much consistency in the usage of CAT or TEnT, so in this book CAT refers to the translation memory program, TM stands for the translation memory database, and TEnT covers a whole range of translation technology tools**(go to www.routledgetranslationstudiesportal.com/ – A Project-Based Approach to Translation Technology – links: The Tool Box; GALA’s directory of language technologies). GALA (Globalization & Localization Association) lists language technologies ad infinitum. Some examples of lesser-known technologies are word-count software for all common file formats, terminology management software for multiple dictionaries or glossaries, and software that gives the user a clear picture of all their tasks and time expenses. The list continues to grow because the industry will provide new tools to help us manage our day-to-day operations and tools if they perceive a gap in the market. For example, translation management systems (7.5) allow us to manage not only CAT tools but administration, accounting, human resources, project management, etc.

Zetzsche’s list (2003–17) of required technology tools for the translator heads off with Microsoft Windows (MS) and Office. MS software is the first essential. In a standalone and not web-based CAT tool, docx, Excel and PowerPoint files are uploaded and saved in MS Office, then imported in the CAT tool and exported to MS Office after translation. The translation, or target file, is then called a ‘clean’ file. Sometimes the client or LSP also need the bilingual CAT work file, the so-called ‘dirty’ file or XLIFF file (2.4).

Other examples of TEnTs are dictionaries, bookkeeping/financial tools, conversion tools (although CAT programs can convert Adobe PDF files (2.4), they do not always retain the original layout), web browsers (Firefox, Chrome, Opera, etc.) and programs for graphics and desktop publishing that enable the delivery of a ready-to-use product. Beyond the basics, such as indispensable security software, there are PDF fixing tools for recovery or repair, and screenshot readers which convert screen content to editable format. And then there are APIs, plugins (7.1), speech recognition software (7.1.1) to name but a few, which can either be linked to the CAT tool or integrated. Different CAT programs have different strengths and weaknesses, which is why additional TEnTs can be helpful. Apparently, translators’ most popular TEnTs lie in the field of terminology and will be discussed in detail in Chapter 4. And then there are the comprehensive translation management systems, which automate many parts of the translation process and include business management tools (Chapter 7), popular among LSPs. The trend to integrate many TEnTs is gathering momentum.

1.2 Compatibility

Most CAT tools operate on MS Windows systems. Users of non-MS Windows systems can either download virtual MS software or use CAT tools specifically designed for their systems. Currently the leading programs are only Windows-friendly. LSPs often prefer to contract translators who use MS operating systems for ease and compatibility. Many MS-based TEnTs are a challenge for non-Windows users.

OmegaT was launched in 2000 to work on multiple operating systems and others have followed. Whereas the big players in the MS Windows market are expensive to purchase and to maintain (annual service agreements, upgrades), OmegaT is an example of free open-source software for non-MS users. Open means that it can be inspected, modified, and enhanced by anyone, either producer or user. OmegaT’s compatibility with other CAT programs is supported through filter plugins, which allow you to process XLIFF files, the standard workfiles in CAT (2.4). XLIFF is an XML-based format, created to facilitate the exchange of files between programs and users. Extensible Markup Language (XML) encodes documents in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable. The demand to use iOS (Apple’s operating system) software and not only Microsoft on desktops and laptops has increased so much that many suitable CAT programs have been designed since OmegaT entered the market**(link: non-MS compatible CAT tools). Leading CAT tool competitors are Microsoft only programs.

Not only hardware-cum-software, but also the format of source files is an area where compatibility plays a role. CAT tools can handle major file types like Microsoft Office files and webpages, but more complicated file types such as image files are not always supported. For example, InDesign Document files (INDD) are currently only supported by one CAT tool**(link: INDD compatible), and even then, only after conversion in the cloud. XML files, in which text is created and stored in databases rather than in document files, can be converted in CAT tools, but not without limitations or applied filters. Once they are set up in the CAT tool the process is straightforward and they will be delivered as a perfect image product, ready for publication, if tags and codes have been applied correctly (2.4). PDF files can be problematic in relation to formatting. Hence, there are conversion TEnTs to make the import in a CAT tool straightforward (2.4).

A different kind of compatibility, or conflict, arises between web-based and standalone CAT tools (1.6.2). When the translator is required to work in a web or cloud-based CAT tool, such as a server managed by an LSP, the translator cannot take ownership of the data they have entered in the TM database. If the translator cannot download the XLIFF file or work in, for example, the program’s offline editor**(link: offline mode), the translation units entered in the TM are no longer the translator’s intellectual property. This loss of control often means that translators cannot build their own TMs. The technical and ethical aspects of TM sharing and online translation/collaboration will be discussed in more detail in Chapters 2 and 6.

Lack of compatibility between CAT tools has brought much frustration to working translators. The manufacturers are fully aware, and they improve compatibility to remain ahead of their competitors. Technology is often driven by manufacturers, who do listen if users make their voices heard. The user-friendliness of CAT tools today compared to the early programs in the 1990s has made the current tools intuitive and much more accessible.

1.3 Translation memory

In this section we will scroll through reasons for using a CAT tool. The technology in the TM database will be studied in Chapter 2. But first, we should consider the learning curve that appears to deter some practitioners f...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Series Information
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Table of Contents
• List of Figures
• List of Tables
• Preface
• Acknowledgements
• List of abbreviations
• Glossary
• Introduction for instructors
• Introduction for students and translators
• 1 Computer-aided translation tools and translation project management
• 2 The translation memory database
• 3 Integration of machine translation in translation memory systems
• 4 The terminology database
• 5 Human and technological quality assurance
• 6 Digital ethics and risk management
• 7 Web-based translation environment tools
• Bibliography
• Index