Nowadays, CAT tools play a pivotal role in supporting the translation process. To get a better understanding of what is computer-assisted translation and its unique features, check out this article from Thao & Co.
A Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tool is software designed to facilitate the translation process. It helps translators work more effectively as well as save significant time.
CAT tools provide an optimized workplace that makes translation tasks more efficient. So, what is computer assisted translation? And how does computer assisted translation work? It’s important to distinguish CAT tools from machine translation:
CAT tools offer a range of features that simplify and enhance the translation process.
The system automatically stores previously translated content and suggests translations when similar text appears in future projects. This continuously updated memory helps translators work smarter and more efficiently over time.
The tool suggests translations for specific terms based on context, allowing translators to choose the most suitable option. Translators can also edit and add new terms to the termbase as they work.
CAT tools help translators easily detect spelling or grammatical mistakes in the translation. Moreover, they also ensure consistency across the text, which improves the translation quality.
Many CAT tools allow users to integrate additional translation support software, further enhancing efficiency.
Looking for a free CAT tool to improve your translation workflow? Here are some great option:
OmegaT has a simple, user-friendly interface and supports a wide variety of file formats. However, as a free tool, some features may not be as advanced as those found in premium software.
Wordfast Classic’s top feature is its seamless integration with Microsoft Word. You can also opt for a paid version to unlock additional functionalities.
Beyond assisting with translation, SmartCAT enables remote project management. Its intuitive interface and ability to integrate with other tools make it a popular choice among translators.
To get started with a CAT tool, follow these essential steps:
1. Choose and install the software: Select the CAT tool that best fits your translation needs and install it on your device.
2. Create a project: Set up a new project, including source and target languages. Upload your documents to begin working.
3. Leverage Translation Memory: If you’ve used the CAT tool before, you can reference previous translations to maintain consistency and improve efficiency.
4. Build a terminology database: Create a termbase at the start of your project to keep track of important terms.
5. Start translating: CAT tools break text into segments, allowing translators to work on smaller portions at a time.
6. Proofreading: Once the translation is complete, review and refine it to ensure accuracy and consistency.
7. Save your translation: Storing translations properly will make future projects faster and easier.
8. Export your file: Once satisfied with the quality, export the file in your preferred format.
To ensure top-quality translation services, Thao & Co. has developed our own proprietary translation platform. Our platform offers outstanding features to guarantee expert translations exceeding your expectations.
Key benefits of Thao & Co.’s translation platform:
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