A translation memory (TM) is a database that stores words or sentences (also known as "strings") that translators have previously translated. Localization Service Providers or vendors use their clients' Translation Memory to identify previously translated strings, and automatically populate sections of new content with approved translations.
Previously translated material that is similar, but not identical (also known as a "fuzzy match") is also used, but is then reviewed by the translator or the client's internal team. The Translation Memory enables the translation company to work more quickly and cost effectively.
Some of the benefits of using and building a Translation Memory over time are:
- Ensuring translations are complete (translation memories do not accept empty target segments)
- Ensuring translations are consistent, including common definitions, phrasings and terminology. This is important when different translators are working on a single project.
- Enabling translators to translate documents in a wide variety of formats without having to own the software typically required to process these formats.
- Accelerating the overall translation process; since translation memories "remember" previously translated material, translators have to translate it only once.
- Reducing costs of long-term translation projects; for example the text of manuals, warning messages or series of documents needs to be translated only once and can be used several times.
- For large documentation projects, savings (in time or money) thanks to the use of a TM package may already be apparent even for the first translation of a new project, but normally such savings are only apparent when translating subsequent versions of a project that was translated before using translation memory.
The Wikipedia has a great article about Translation Memory, describing its advantages.
Once you have your translation memory, follow these instructions to upload it to Cloudwords.