What Translation memory? Translation
memory (Translation Memory) is defined by the Expert Advisory Group on Language
Engineering standards (EAGLES) Evaluation Working Group’s document on the
evaluation of natural language processing systems as “a multilingual text
archive of aligned containing (segmented, aligned, parsed and classified) multilingual
texts, allowing storage and retrieval of aligned multilingual text segments
against various search conditions.”
In other words, translation memory
(also known as sentence memory) consists of a database that stores sources and
target language pairs of text segments that can be retrieved for use with
present texts and texts to be translated in the future.
Many articles have been written
about translation memory in the last few years. Most of the material is
provided by the producers of translation memory systems and only covers a
specific product or lists specific features of the technology. Some articles
even magnify the negative aspects of translation memory. Despite all that has
been written, not much has been said about the actual costs or potential
savings involved when using translation memory. It is becoming increasingly
clear that translation memory is here to stay and that it is serving a useful
purpose, but just exactly how is this technology affecting the translation
industry? Who can profit from it? Are there any “losers?” This thesis will
attempt to determine the applicability of translation memory technology and
illustrate the ADVANTAGES AND
DISADVANTAGES of translation memory in the form of a cost/benefit analysis
from the point of view of the end-user.
For the propose of this thesis, the
“end-user” comprises freelance translators, companies with in-house translation
divisions, translation agencies and direct clients. The key considerations for
determining the cost-effectiveness of translation memory and the cost/benefit
analysis will be covered later in this text.
THE TRANSLATION PROCESS
How does translation memory affect the conventional
translation process? In order to answer this question we must have an idea of a
what takes place during this process. This section will briefly touch on the
general translation process and the features of translation memory used in this
process.
The conventional translation process
and the translation process using translation memory respectively. If it is
possible to analyze quickly what type of text one is translating and if the
text suits translation memory, there are about the same number of steps
involved in both processes. One of the greatest differences, however, is that
once a translation has been performed using translation memory, not only is
there a glossary of terms stored for future recall, individual sentences will
also be stored, thus cutting down considerably on the time required for a
future translation update or revision.
The conventional translation process
for a text that is being revised. Illustrates the same text using translation
memory. note that when using translation memory, fuzzy and exact matching are performed using the translation memory
program, allowing for quick access to sections that have changed and permitting
the user to focus on translation only those changed sections.
In this process by which the translation
memory program pairs text segments in a revised sources text that match the
original source text exactly; however, any text in the document that does not
exactly match the original will not be translated. Fuzzy matching is the process by which the translation memory
program pairs text segments in a revised source text with similar text segments
from a previously stored translation based on the original source text. Fuzzy
matching will find segments that are very similar to the original and suggest
the original translation. This function can be set to different levels of
sensitivity, allowing the translator to “match” source text segments that may
differ only slightly or segments that vary greatly, but still have some
similarities. After exact and fuzzy matching the translator can modify the
remaining segments that reflect the changes between the original and revised
texts without having to retranslate the entire document of the language.
On this note we can defined language
as a process that consist of a set of symbols and rules by which the
manipulation of these symbols is governed. In fact, it is important to
understand that without language on other social institution can function
properly. However, if we study and look at the various technological,
economical or social changes tht ahs taken place, the language barriers have
affected diverse business prospects in many developing as well as developed
nations. In the last 15 to 20 years, globalization has made an immense impact
on our daily lives and language barriers have drastically affected various
business transaction processes. The
world has become a small global village, and there is an increasing demand for
language translation service providers today, it is easy to market your
organization’s products and services globally through internet. Moreover, with
the dominance of the internet in every facet of English-speaking society, you
can put your products or services out for the whole, but English is the second
most vocal language in the world, behind Mandarin Chinese. However, strong
enough to boldly carry out business in English. Thus the challenge of
international business is to get to these people. It is very important to
understand that in order to do well globally; you must think about language
translation as one of the basic and necessary aspects of your organization.
Understanding the different touch and the cultural diversity of different
countries is essential and can play a major role in having successful or
unsuccessful sales. So if your are planning to open your branch offices internationally,
or desire to sell your products in foreign markets, an effective language
translation service can make every aspect of your business more comprehensible and
accessible to whatever population you choose to target your business. As per
recent statistic studies, it has been found that if a product automatically
promoted in one’s own language, then probability to purchase that product
automatically increases. For a universal growth of your business and better
business perspective, no doubt by employing a language translation service
provider/agency, you can convert all your English-based business documents into
any alien language you required. In addition to this, here are some situation
where translation service in different forms can give your business an extra edge:
Website Translation: Your website says a lot about your business. Now if you
are conducting your business online and plan to have an extra benefit, then by
translating the web content of your website into diverse languages you can
exchange your information to diverse target audiences. It is projected that
more than of businesses turn away international orders, just because they
unable to translate them. With your website translation into different
languages, your can easily attract customers from all over the world. Software
Localization: It is a simple procedure of translating software user interfaces
from one language to another language that suits other foreign culture. For all
those who are involved in industry teaching, and wish to expand their presence
in the market, then the best way to make your software useful in foreign soil
is to offer it in the local tongue. If you offer your software in different
local languages then it will be easier to use and understand by those who do
not speak English fluently. A proper translation can help international
customers to interact with the software effortlessly in their own language.
Financial translation: For every business firm big or small, financial
documents that includes: Income sheets, balance sheets, cash flow statements
and auditor reports actually reflect the continuous changing pulse of your
business. Now through language translation service, you can share some of your
vital information with overseas partners or shareholders more effectively.
CONCLUSION
No doubt the economic changes all
around the world have honestly affected the language translation service and
these days translators are equally involved in every part of intercultural and
business communication. In a state of constant globalization, today language
intercultural and business communication. In a state of constant globalization,
today language translation service is becoming a more significant factor for
concise transfer of ideas.