CAT tools, a shorthand way of saying “computer-aided translation tools,” help human translators do their job. These tools break down texts into bite-size segments – usually on the sentence level – and efficiently re-use previous translations stored in computer memories.
Such software has been a fixture among translation agencies since the 1990s.
For this reason, the importance of CAT tools in the translation process cannot be underestimated. The tools can do all sorts of jobs. They:
- Increase efficiency: Translators can work faster thanks to the automated aspects used in the translation process. The same sentence has to be translated only once (in the same context). After that, it can be “recycled”.
- Improve consistency: Uniform use of terminology is assured with the help of translation memories and terminology databases. Sentences like “Click OK” are always translated the very same way thanks to translation memories.
- Accelerate turnaround times: This saves tremendous amounts of time, particularly when it comes to repetitive projects. The jobs can be finished faster, a real bonus during time-critical situations.
How CAT tools work
CAT tools, or computer-aided translation tools, are multifaceted software applications that support the translation process. They work by breaking down texts into segments and using a translation memory and terminology databases.
What is a translation memory (TM)?
A translation memory is a database that contains previously translated segments. These segments can consist of sentences, sentence fragments or even entire paragraphs. When a translator is working on a project, the CAT tool will comb through the TM in the search of previously used translations. This work helps the translator in a number of ways:
- Re-use: Previously translated content can be quickly used in new projects.
- Consistency: The tools ensure that uniform terminology is used in different texts and projects.
- Corporate language: Translations agencies generally work with a range of customers who have their very own corporate language. CAT tools make the job of applying this language much easier.
Differences between CAT tools and machine translation
It is important to know the difference between CAT tools and machine-translation services:
- Human intervention: A translation done with such tools is always a computer-assisted translation done by a human translator. On the other hand, a machine translation is distinct and done by automation.
- Quality assurance: When CAT tools are used, humans assume responsibility for the quality of a translation, a fact that frequently produces better results.
- Focus on context: CAT tools take context and the specific terminology of a project into consideration, something that machine translations frequently are unable to do.
This feature underscores the importance of CAT tools in the modern translation process and their role as an indispensable partner of professional translators.
Strengths of CAT tools
CAT tools have an array of strengths that significantly optimize the translation job.
CAT tools boost productivity
CAT tools enable translations to be completed faster by breaking texts down in bite-size segments. The result is significantly higher productivity. The following features help boost efficiency:
- Reusable translations: With the help of translation memories, previously translated segments can be used in future projects.
Automated functions: Many CAT tools automatically offer suggestions and corrections, a feature that saves time.
Improved quality thanks to CAT tools
One other key benefit is the improved quality of translations. Various functions come into play here:
- Terminology management: The use of integrated glossaries and terminology databases ensures that technical terms are used consistently and that corporate language is applied.
- Quality assurance: Many CAT tools are equipped with quality-assurance functions that can spot errors and conduct consistency checks. These reviews help spot and correct potential errors at an early stage.
- Project management tools: Most CAT tools also have built-in project management functions.
The combination of these functions has made CAT tools an indispensable part of an effective translation process. The efficiency and quality that they provide are an invaluable benefit for translators and companies.
Important functions of modern CAT software
Modern CAT tools are equipped with a number of features that vastly simplify the translation process. Their basic functions include:
- Translation memories: This function stores previously translated segments and enables them to be reused, a feature that increases efficiency.
- Terminology management: This feature helps manage technical terminology to ensure consistency in all projects.
- Segmentation of texts: This function breaks down documents into small units and improves management of the translation process at the same time.
- Quality assurance: Integrated tools that check grammar and style improve the quality of translations.
- Collaboration options: This feature enables several translators to work on a project at once. This results in improved collaboration.
These functions make CAT tools an indispensable partner of translators, one that can improve both the quality and consistency of translations.
A detailed look at popular CAT tools: An overview of Trados Studio, MemoQ, Wordfast and Smartcat
The range of CAT tools is tremendous. Every tool has its own specific strengths and potential uses. Here are some of the tools most frequently used in the translation process:
SDL Trados Studio
Trados Studio is one of the best-known CAT tools in the business. The features of Trados Studio include:
- Translation memories (TM): A high-performance feature that enables previous translations to be stored and reused.
- Terminology management: With the help of integrated glossaries, translators can ensure that specific terms are used consistently.
- Quality assurance: Automatic checks help spot errors and inconsistencies.
Trados Studio is especially well seuited for professional translators who work with a considerable number of documents or in large teams.
MemoQ
MemoQ has many fans thanks to its user friendliness. The strengths of MemoQ include:
- Flexible project management: Users can easily create and manage projects.
- Collaboration tools: Several users can simultaneously work on a project, a feature that increases efficiency.
- Intuitive user interface: Users can quickly learn the system and easily navigate the functions.
MemoQ is the perfect choice for translators who place a high priority on teamwork.
Wordfast
Wordfast offers some features that no other CAT tools do:
- Easy use: The software is easy to learn and requires no extensive training.
- Cost efficiency: Wordfast costs less than many of its competitors, a fact that makes it the right choice of freelancers and small agencies.
- Compatibility with MS Word: Seamless integration facilitates efficient work directly in a familiar environment.
A comparison with other tools shows that Wordfast is perfect for small projects and individual translators.
Smartcat
The tool known as Smartcat is a very interesting cloud-based solution that has revolutionized the translation process with the following features:
- Accessible from anywhere: You do not have to install anything. Your browser works just fine.
- Real-time collaboration: Teams can simultaneously work on the same project, a feature that encourages collaboration.
- Integrated marketplace functionality: Access to a wide range of translators and providers in the platform.
- AI translation function: Smartcat can also provide completely automated translations.
The flexibility and collaboration offered by Smartcat make it the CAT of choice for global projects that involve several languages and subject areas.
These tools have found a home in the modern translation process. Every provider has its own special features that users can select to meet their particular needs.
Cloud-based solutions vs. standalone software
The transition to cloud-based CAT tools has revolutionized the translation industry. These modern solutions have a wide range of features that conventional stand-alone software cannot always provide:
- Accessibility: Cloud-based tools facilitate access from anywhere and at any time as long as the user has an Internet connection.
- Collaboration: Multiple users can work on projects simultaneously, a feature that significantly simplifies collaboration and shortens the completion times of projects.
- Real-time updates: All users hear about changes immediately, a feature that minimizes misunderstandings and inconsistencies.
- Cost efficiency: Cloud-based solutions are frequently more flexible in terms of costs because they use subscriptions or usage-dependent models.
A decision between cloud-based and traditional software solutions frequently comes down to the specific needs of the translator or agency. Cloud-based solutions frequently offer a user-friendly and flexible alternative, while stand-alone software is the preferred choice for certain scenarios.
Selection criteria for the right CAT tool
The selection of the best CAT tools involves the careful consideration of many different factors. Here are some of the critical criteria that must be weighed before a selection is made:
- User friendliness: Intuitive design simplifies initial training and daily usage. A user-friendly interface enables translators to quickly get their bearings.
- Functionalities: Pay particular attention to specific features like translation memories, terminology management and quality assurance. These features facilitate efficiency and precision.
- Collaboration: The tool must facilitate seamless collaboration if several users are going to work on a one project simultaneously. Cloud-based solutions are often beneficial in this context.
- Compatibility: Determine whether the selected tool is compatible with other software applications or file formats. This can make it significantly easier to import and export files.
- Costs: Compare the price models of various CAT tools. Some offer flexible subscriptions, while others provide one-time purchases.
Each of these criteria plays a key role in the selection of the right CAT tool. All of these factors should be weighed individually to address the specific needs of a project.
The human factor: The benefits of a human role in CAT tools compared with translations done completely by machine
CAT tools provide invaluable support to human translators, individuals who make a clear difference by applying their creativity and cultural sensitivity. Here are a few of the benefits that humans can provide:
- Cultural nuances: Human beings grasp complex cultural contexts that are a critical aspect of precise translations.
- Creativity: Human translators can come up with creative solutions when a text does cannot be translated literally.
- Contextual understanding: Human translators understand subtle shifts in meanings, something that machines frequently overlook.
Unlike human translators, machine translation (MT) is based on pre-defined algorithms. Machines can indeed deliver fast results, but they are incapable of recognizing emotional and cultural subtleties.
The combination of CATs and human contributions maximize efficiency and ensure that translations remain high quality and consistent.
