Information technology (IT) now shapes most of our daily lives, and translation is no exception. IT makes translation faster, cheaper and more consistent. This article looks at how it helps translators, where its limits are, and why people still matter.
What translation is
Translation is the process of converting a text from a source language into one or more target languages while keeping the meaning and sense of the original. Today it is a key part of doing business across borders. Accurate translation helps a company reach more people, and the more accurate it is, the more the company can grow.
Machine translation
Machine translation (MT) uses software, and increasingly artificial intelligence, to translate text automatically on a computer or phone. Modern tools can also flag spelling and grammar problems and suggest better sentence structure. They save a lot of time. Quality still has to be checked by a person, so a translator should review the output before delivering any project.
CAT tools
CAT stands for computer-assisted (or computer-aided) translation. CAT tools are not the same thing as machine translation. A CAT tool is software that supports a human translator, who stays in control of every sentence. Common features include:
- translation memory, which stores earlier translations for reuse
- termbases and dictionaries
- spelling and quality checks
- optional machine translation suggestions
Well-known examples are SDL Trados Studio and MemoQ. Linguee is a useful online dictionary and reference, and Google Translate is a machine translation service. For more on how these tools support translators, read our article on CAT tools, machine translation and IT.
Benefits and limits
These tools improve quality, save time and raise productivity. They are not perfect, though. They struggle with literary text, which depends on tone, culture and style. Technical glitches happen, and confidential files need careful handling because of security risks. CAT tools do not replace human intelligence. They help translators work faster, and it is people who update the tools with new features.
Opportunities for language professionals
Language professionals should build their network. Asia, Africa and the Middle East have a growing need for localization and translation, and the field offers good chances for entrepreneurs. Working with professionals around the world is also a good way to learn. Content management matters too. Translation is not only converting words, it is understanding the context and keeping a reliable database so the whole text is more useful.
Conclusion
Machine translation cannot replace human translation. Language keeps changing, and machines have drawbacks, which is why they are updated regularly. IT professionals and linguists can make the process easier and faster by working together. See also where translation is heading in the next 10 years.
