What are the advantages of CAT tools?

       The term Computer-assisted Translation (CAT) does not refer to Machine translation (MT) of texts which is provided for free by many engines and websites such as Google translate, Reverso and Bing. CAT refers rather to the human translation which is facilitated by desktop computers and the software installed on them. These software are called CAT tools. They have many features which cannot be ensured by a human being, so the translator uses them as tools to improve his performance and to increase his daily output. Indeed, CAT tools have many advantages when working on big projects, especially technical ones, because they will not help much in literary or creative translation.

 

               

         So, one may cite that:

1. CAT tools help the translator keep track of his previous work by creating Translation Memories "TMs" which enable him to save time when translating recurrent expressions or similar ones.

2. CAT tools enable him to keep Term Bases "TBs" which enable him to be consistent in all the translated documents, i.e. using the same terminology along the project.

3. The translator can even use the client's TMs and TBs when required, consequently this will save him a great deal of research.

4. CAT tools enable the translator to have a machine translation from his workbench. All he has to do is to set his preferences when creating the translation project.
5. The translator can align his previously translated documents

6. They enable the translator to work on all types of formats and to save the translated documents in multiple formats.

7. Some CAT tools have servers which allow the translators to work on projects in teams.

8. Wordfast anywhere, for example, allows the translators to access the user-friendly environment wherever they might be and to share their TMs free of charge.

N.B: You can download free trial versions of these software and some of them are open-source.

More posts on CAT can be found here.

2013 Translation prize

The Egyptian National Center for Translation has published a new call for participation in the fifth session of Rifa'aa Tahtaoui's Translation Prize. In addition, there is a second prize for young translators. More details can be found on its website.

External link: http://www.nct.gov.eg/ar/NewsDetail.aspx?news_id=48

Visual Localization tools for newbies

   

 

The most common localization tools are:

• Alchemy Catalyst

http://www.alchemysoftware.com/

• SDL Passolo:

http://www.sdl.com/products/sdl-passolo/

• Lingobit Localizer Standard: 

http://www.lingobit.com/products/compare.html

• Sisulizer Translator:

http://www.sisulizer.com/localization/steps/localization-step-2-translate-text.shtml

• Multilizer Pro for Translators: 

http://www2.multilizer.com/

Localization tools for newbies

         As far as language industry is concerned, there are different types of localization. Simple definitions of these types are as follows:

• Language localization, the process of translating a product into different languages or adapting a product for a specific country or region.
• Internationalization and localization, the adaptation of computer software for non-native environments, especially other nations and cultures (Webtranslateit)
• Game localization, refers to the preparation of video games for other locales.

• Dub localization, the adaptation of a movie or television series for another audience.

                                                                       (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Localization)

        We may also talk about Website localization or internationalization which refer to the translation of the website content either into a local language or into an international one. The main tools which may help achieve this purpose online are (GlobalizeIt, Bablic).

       The videos that I have chosen for you are a comparison between two Localization tools, Catalyst and SDL Passolo. See how each tool localizes the application "notepad.exe" and a ".resx" file.

Link: Catalyst, SDL Passolo, 

          You may also want to check: Translation Exchange, Pairaphrase, GlobalizeIt, POEditor.com/

Free CAT tools videos for newbies

Learning through videos could be a step before deciding on the CAT Tool you would like to use. We have curated for you many videos which will introduce you to the main features of the CAT Tools available in the market. Click on the external links below to watch some videos for free:

SDL Trados Tutorials

MemoQ Tutorials

MateCat Tutorials

OmegaT Tutorials


Across Tutorials

Here is a link to a website which I recommend for any newbie.

The website offers 21 videos absolutely free. Unfortunately, you cannot download them, you have to watch them online. So, just take notes!

The videos will help you to compare the available CAT tools with a very easy-to-follow narrated video presentations. Watch how each tool performs the same task: translating a simple Word document. 

Follow the link below, select the CAT tools, then click on the tool icon to see more information.

Link: http://www.translatorstraining.com/sito/index.php

There is also a premium content that you can watch and download if you register.