Computer-Aided translation

Translation can be classified according to a large number of criteria, so here we will limit ourselves to just a few of them, most relevant for a translation buyer. We will try to categorize translation according to a degree of computer participation in the process.

Human translation

Just as its name suggests, it is done by a human translator. Of course, word processors, such as Word, are normally used for that type of translation along with software dictionaries, internet research and many other cmputer-based tools, but the essence of human translation remains the same: it is done completely by a human translator, who types all the words in and translates all the text him or herself.

Computer-aided translation

It is not a machine translation yet, but it is characterized by an extensive use of sophisticated translation memory programs, called also CAT tools. These programs, such as Trados, Deja Vu, Wordfast and others, use translation memory in order to help a translator in his work. Every sentence that he has translated is saved in translation memory, and if it appears in the text again, the translation of that text will be prompted to a translator by a program. CAT tools have a large number of other useful features, that can often increase the speed of translation and improve its quality. Nowadays computer-aided translation is used extensively in the translation industry and translators are often required to use CAT tools.

Machine translation

This type of translation is done by a computer. There is plenty of free translation services on the internet, such as Google Translate. Free machine translation most often has a poor quality and although the sense can be understood, a lot is lost and distorted which renders such a translation useless for any serious use. But apart from these services, there are commercial programs, which allow to fine-tune machine translation, choosing subject fields and using topic-specific glossaries. This can greatly improve the quality, but the result still needs heavy editing done by a professional human translator.