Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools development started in the mid-1950s, during the Cold War, but the term Machine Translation (MT) was first used in 1947. Since then, CAT software has achieved huge growth, and the translation industry has been elevated to a brand-new level.
Initially, CAT started as a software tool that can only be used on a single computer. Over time, it found further application as a client-server tool for company networks. Nowadays, CAT tools have been upgraded to a cloud-based system that can be accessed anytime and anywhere, via a web browser.
What is computer-assisted translation?
The CAT process involves using software to assist translators in transferring the meaning of written text from one language to another. As soon as the translation memory finds a complete match it will automatically translate it and move on to the next segment. If it encounters a string with significant similarities with a previously processed one, it will underline the difference and display the closest translation used. It can be used for editing, managing, submitting, and storing translations.
How does the CAT tool work?
CAT tool software programs are designed to help translators work faster and more consistently. Computer-assisted translation tools work by breaking the source text down into smaller segments, or strings, and storing both the source and translated texts in a database. They also come with quality assurance tools, like spellcheck, autosuggest, and displaying similar strings and their respective translations.
Modern CAT tools – Common features
There are many CAT products on the global market. However, the modern CAT tools share several common features:
Translation Memory (TM)
TM represents a record of previously created translations that are aligned with their respective source texts. This function can be used to split large multilingual documents into segments (phrases, sentences, or paragraphs) in a database. Every time a new text is loaded for translation, the CAT software scans for string similarities and automatically translates the complete matches.
Term Base (TB)
Also known as translation glossary, TB is a database that provides definitions or specific instructions for translating specialized terminology. It can also be used as a dictionary, via the translation memory, to look up relevant terms, depending on the industry it caters to. It helps to ensure the accuracy and consistency of common or specialized terminology across translation projects. If properly integrated with the translation memory, TB can contribute to a faster and more precise translation, with each passing project.
Cloud-based CAT tools allow complicated tasks such as coordinating teams and assigning specific tasks, as part of a larger project. The process could include:
• Sharing a pre-translated version of the text
• Establishing terminology, the general tone of voice and wording, before the project is initiated
• Delegating translation segments to subcontractors
• Receiving and discussing notes with collaborators and reviewers, as well as the customers themselves
• Coordinating various tasks and due dates
Quality Assurance (QA) functionalities, such as internal spellcheck, and a contextual scan that can find missing texts, tags, and deviations from terminologies or numeric mismatches.
Benefits of CAT tools:
- Increased productivity
- Glossary consistency
- Easier and flexible teamwork
- Quality control
- Cost efficiency
Thanks to the matching technology, CAT tools help translators work faster and more efficiently every single time. It can handle everything from editing to quality assurance, using indexing tools, applying formal rules or style guides, and standardizing terminology. CAT software can improve translations in many ways!