Translation memory (TM) software stores previous source and target language translations to retrieve and reuse for future translations, saving time and money. TM software like Trados matches new source text to stored translations, presenting exact or similar matches to translators. Using TM can increase translator productivity by 10-50% and reduce costs for repetitive documents by only requiring them to be translated once.

1. *
A short presentation on Translation
Memory, brought to you by Alphatrad
Translations

2. *
* According to the Trados Translator’s Workbench:
“Translation Memory is a database which stores
source-language sentences together with their
target-language equivalents.”
* In other words, software such as Trados makes
translator’s work easier, as they don’t have to type
any repeated terms of phrases twice because the
software pairs and stores source and target language
text segments made in past translations, to be
retrieved for future or present translation projects.
* This saves time for the translator, money for the
client and ensures quality translations are performed
* TM is sometimes referred to as “sentence memory.”

3. *
* A computer-assisted translation (CAT) tool is a
basic tool that aids translators. For example
some CAT tools act as multilingual dictionaries
or spell checkers.
* TM is more advanced; it can perform all that
CAT tools can, as well as using exact/fuzzy
matching between the source document from
within its database to the document that is
being updated or revised.

4. *
* Some translations memory software can only
perform matches that are “exact”, for instance;
retrieve segments of text that match database
entries exactly.
* Others however, can perform “fuzzy” matching
algorithms from within their database too. These
present a number of similar texts for the translator
to decide which one best suits the target language
text.
* If both exact and fuzzy algorithms don’t present any
matches, the translator has to translate the text
manually and this translation will be stored in the
database for future translation use.

5. *
Research regarding the use of TM has shown the following:
* Productivity can rise from 10% to 50% depending on the type
of document and the consistency of both the source and
target languages. Turnaround time is greatly reduced,
meaning translators have more time to translate more
projects.
* TM reduces the costs of long-term translation projects as
consistently similar documents, such as manuals, only need
to be translated once and can be used again and again.
* As TM software is used more and more, costs continue to be
reduced as the database gains more translation material
each time it is used.
* TM software is great for many types of commonly translated
documents, such as manuals and other repetitive documents.
* Although there can be relatively high costs associated with
buying TM software, its tools and add-ons, it is usually well
worth the investment for translators and translation
agencies. Over time that money is earned back as time is
saved and databases increase in content. This leads to even
faster turnaround times, enabling more projects to be taken
on.

6. *
* TM enables segments of previous translations to be
reused, however translators must be careful as
sometimes recycling text segments may not put out
the desired message.
* Not all file types are compatible with some versions of
TM software, therefore not all documents can be
supported.
* TM software can cost from a few hundred to a
thousands of dollars, and other costs are associated if
tools and features are to be added.
* For text that is not commonly repetitive, TM is not
always an effective software in aiding translators.
* Translators may be swayed towards translating
sentence by sentence rather than seeing how
surrounding text affects the flow of the whole
document.

7. *
* Trados is the world leader in TM software and is the
choice of most leading translations agencies around
the world, such as Alphatrad Translations.
* Trados supports over 70 different file
types, meaning it is extremely compatible with
almost all translation documents.
* The software is able to produce advanced exact and
fuzzy TM segments, not only storing text but also
context and structural information so that the most
relevant TM segments are available to the
translator.
* Trados is the world’s most used and trusted TM
software, claiming over 75% of TM software’s global
market share.

8. *
* At Alphatrad Translations, not only do we only
assign native translators who have industry specific
knowledge to all of our projects, but we also ensure
they have access to Trados software.
* This mix offers you not only the most accurate
translations service available, but also enables us to
cut costs and turnaround times for both our
translators and your business.
* Overall, due to the expertise of our translators and
their use of Trados software, you receive your
projects back quickly and at a low price!

9. *
Alphatrad Translations – Your Worldwide Translations Partner
* Alphatrad Translations, a trusted translations agency with
over 35,000 satisfied clients including both small businesses
and Fortune 500 companies, can be your translations partner.
* If you have any questions regarding how our use of Trados
software can supply you with speedy translations services at
affordable prices, please contact us:
* By email – USA@Alphatrad.com
* By phone (toll-free) – 1-877-900-5652
* Or visit our website – www.alphatrad-translations.com