What is Translation Memory Technology?
In essence, a Translation Memory (TM) archives your source text (in its original language) alongside its corresponding target text (the ‘translated’ content). As you embark on a fresh project, the Translation Memory automatically retrieves previously translated or closely aligned content, classifying it as a ‘match’. There are many advanced features available but conceptually, a TM is a translation bank from which you can withdraw your saved translations and put them to good use.
Translation memories have been central to the development of CAT tools (Computer-Assisted Translation), sophisticated software applications designed to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of translation processes. These tools assist professional translators by providing features such as Translation Memory, terminology management and alignment of source and target texts. CAT tools enable translators to work more effectively by storing previously translated content, suggesting potential translations and maintaining consistent terminology throughout projects. These tools streamline the translation workflow, resulting in improved quality, reduced turnaround times and cost savings.
Why do we use Translation Memories?
Cost-efficiency
By using TMs, we can potentially save you a lot of money. The technology reduces the need to translate repeated material from scratch. We will analyse your documents for repetitions and matches to previous content during our free, no-obligation quotation process. Wherever possible, we will apply a percentage discount to your quotation to ensure you’re never overpaying for your translations!
Time Savings
Every time your translated content is added to the TM, the memory becomes more accurate and specific to you. This saves time for our linguists and ultimately ensures a faster turnaround time for your projects, given that any material that’s the same or similar to previously translated content will automatically be retrieved from the memory and used for your new project.
Consistency
Every client has their own unique style and sector-specific terminology preferences. The TM ensures consistency across projects, regardless of the linguist employed to work on the task, improving the overall quality of their work.
Translation Memory Technology FAQs
No, Translation Memory and Machine Translation are not the same thing. Machine Translation refers to automated translation by a computer, whereas Translation Memory refers to a tool that stores translations written by humans for future use. Find out more about our Machine Translation services here.
Yes, all the well-known CAT tool providers have extensive data security measures in place, and your translations will always be stored and managed in a secure manner.
No, this is not necessary. While providing previous translations may improve the effectiveness of Translation Memory technology, we can start building a new memory without previous content, which will ensure time and cost savings from the very beginning.
Yes, CAT tools and Translation Memories are versatile and can work with a wide range of languages and content types, be it legal contracts, marketing material for your website or software user interfaces.