Translation Memories

Angelika Zerfass, Zaac

In our daily translation and localization work we have to deal with many different tools, mainly translation memory (TM) tools. They make our life easier, by remembering for us all the sentences that have been translated so far. But we also have to master the many different settings to achieve the outcome we want.

This workshop will therefore cover the different approaches of translation memory tools, be it one database for everything, separate databases per language pair or reference material files as well as different functionalities that all tools have, but that work a little differently in each tool (like word counts, match rates or segmentation rules).

We will talk about tools that tie into translation memory systems like terminology management and alignment tools, the compatibility between different translation memory tools and the TMX format for exchanging TM data (when it works and when it does not). Project management and workflow components can complement the translation tools as well, but should be seen as a second layer to the translation memory tools themselves.

In the end, we will try to set up a test matrix together for the evaluation of translation memory tools.

Integrating QA into your workflow

Juliet Macan, IcDoc

What do we mean by Quality? It depends on whether it is defined by the customer or the translator. To answer this question it is also necessary to examine the various factors involved, from the original text to the final product or translation, and this includes making assessments of file types, content, conformity and the various processes involved.

Translation Quality Management involves several actors before, during and after translation. It also involves the use of various tools from: Authoring tools, Vendor management, through Project management, to the specific Terminology, Translation Memory and Quality Assurance tools. It is important to recognise how technology, in addition to human reviewers, can help to improve the results of translation and revision as well as reduce the time and cost of reviews. Today there are many Terminology and Translation Quality Assurance tools available, as additional functions of Translation memory tools and stand-alone tools.

This workshop will focus on the correct selection and implementation of these tools to ensure that the maximum advantage is obtained. A close look at basic requirements and the features offered by these aids will be followed by a realistic assessment of what can be done to introduce improvements in the translation process.

Finally, reference will be made to various metrics proposed for the assessment of language quality and the various international Standards and Certification Standards.

This workshop will be mainly aimed at Project Managers, translators and reviewers to raise their awareness of how technology can help improve the quality and efficiency of the translation workflow. A basic knowledge of Translation tools is required.