Okay, so translation is my personal claim to fame and I have found a number of blog sites, since joining this class.
As a basic definition, translation is taking something in written form from a source language and putting that document into the target language, all while maintaining the integrity of the document. Interpreting is doing the same thing but with spoken word. Often these two words are used interchangeably, but they are quite different. However, one thing is certain. Technology has had a powerful impact on how their respective industries have evolved over the last two decades.
People in the translation industry can no longer rely on just the basic dictionary and background experience to help them with their business. Many jobs require a translator to use a computer assisted translation (CAT) tool. There are many different CAT tools out there for every level of translator. Currently, I am working with an OmegaT. It is a free tool and good for a beginner in the industry. They help users download glossaries and provide a good deal of support to users. Of course, as with so many things nowadays, you can find extra help on youtube.
There are several other CAT tools out there. One of the most high end on the market is Trados software. Recently, Trados came out with its 2014 version that is supposed to have more helpful features, but, again this is not a free tool and quite high end.
The keywords to remember here is computer assisted. That means that these technologies are meant to aid in the translation, they do not do the translations for you. That is a common misconception with student, especially when they get their hands on devices they think can do it all for them. Many students rely on machine translators to help them with their language homework and that can be a mistake in any foreign language class.
Machine translators will translate a text word for word. The problem with that is the text in question may have a different meaning in the body of the document being translated. Or, if the student is trying to write a research paper in another language, the idea may not always come a across in so literal of a translation.
For working translators, a big plus in assisted translation tools is that they offer fuzzy matches. So, if you translate a document that is similar in subject to a past project, then the translation memory will pull up close matches to what you have on your current project. That way you do not have to look up the same words and phrases over and over again.
As state before, many business require the translators they hire to have a CAT tool for sending projects to. Some want a specific CAT tool like Trados or Wordfast; while others are willing to accept whatever tool the translator has, as long as they have one.
In my opinion, I think this is a good balance of human and technology interaction. In order to do any real translation. a person must first master the basics: advanced mastery of a foreign language and cultural knowledge (in most cases specialized knowledge but that is for another time). Basics first, technology second is a set up I can relate to and appreciate.
Universities that teach translations studies require that students have these basics before they enter the program because they will be focusing on basic translation techniques alongside translating with the latest technology.
CAT tools are just the tip of a very large iceberg in the world of translation. Each facet has its good and bad sides. It is definitely a topic worth some exploration.
No comments:
Post a Comment