Language Matters in November 2013: CAT Tools

Nov 29, 2013 | Translation News

Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) and CAT tools In our November newsletter, we will discuss Computer Assisted Translation tools. Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) refers to specialized computer software that helps human translators during the process of translating texts and any form of written content. Computer Assisted Translation is sometimes confused with Machine Translation (MT). Although the two have similarities, CAT and MT are different. There are numerous CAT tools and their aim is to help translators complete their work more efficiently. Their functions range from spell-checking to keeping translation memories. CATs are quite useful tools but will they one day replace human translators altogether? The question is up for discussion. Whatever the outcome, one thing is for sure: the future is bright for Computer Assisted Technology! Contributed by Sophie Roulland What is Computer Assisted Translation? As mentioned in the introduction, Computer Assisted Translation is the process of using computer programs and software to assist the translator in his/her work. How exactly do they help translators? First, they save the translators time and thereby increase their production outputs. Thanks to translation memory software, it is much faster to translate a text, especially if they have already worked with that company or industry before. Secondly, it can produce a more consistent quality of work. Some CAT tools, such as SDL Trados, help you find the appropriate terminology for technical texts with less effort. Some tools come with alignment of segments, which makes it easier and faster for reviewers to proofread texts. So if used correctly, CAT tools can be very efficient and a good support system for translators. Because technology is involved,...

Localizing Mobile Apps

Nov 28, 2013 | Blog

“Mobile computers are spreading faster than any other consumer technology in history.” With the fast development of mobile technology and especially smartphones during the last few years, mobile applications have boomed in a way that most mobile users are regular users of mobile applications. This is why app developers are very interested in localizing and translating their applications. It is certain that doing so will reach markets in other languages and countries and augment the number of people who know about and download their apps. To achieve this, it is best to make sure the user experience is up to the standard, in other words, go for a user-friendly localization technique. A mobile user is much more likely to download and use applications that are in his/her own native language, which is why localizing an application starts with translation. It is essential to find a good translator to do the job, as a bad translation is worse than no translation at all: poorly translated content will put off your clients and make them think the app is not worth downloading. Localizing mobile apps does not only consist of translating the information. There are other factors to take into account, for instance, the layout design. Some languages have words that are longer and take up more space than others, like German for example. Also, app developers should look out for languages with different character types such as Chinese or Korean. Localizing your app will make sure your layout design is appropriate for the type of language used while remaining stylish and retaining the original aesthetic. In addition, localizing your app...