The Role of Revising and Editing in Text Quality: Connecting Coherence and Cohesion with CAT Tools

The Role of Revising and Editing in Text Quality: Connecting Coherence and Cohesion with CAT Tools

Introduction:
In the world of professional translation, computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools have become invaluable. These tools not only improve the consistency of translations but also significantly speed up the entire translation process. In this article, we will explore the importance of revising and editing in text quality and how it connects with the features of CAT tools.

The Role of Revising and Editing:
When it comes to the revision of texts, there are several aspects to consider beyond just spelling and grammar. Coelho and Antunes (2010) identify three additional aspects that are part of the role of a text reviser: graphic revision, normalization revision, and thematic revision. Graphic revision involves ensuring the visual and material presentation of the text is appropriate. Normalization revision involves aligning the text with bibliographic and editorial standards. Thematic revision focuses on verifying the propriety and consistency of the formulations in a text based on a specific knowledge system.

Coherence and Cohesion:
In the broader context, coherence and cohesion play crucial roles in text quality. Coherence refers to the organization of ideas within a text, serving as a connection between the presented ideas. It is more closely related to the content itself, as it deals with the logical flow of the text. On the other hand, cohesion is concerned with the use of appropriate words and terms to connect ideas, presenting a semantic relationship that goes beyond the sentence level and is independent of the structure. Cohesion is more related to the formal aspects of the text, focusing on the terms and sentences themselves and relying on elements of cohesion such as words, terms, and expressions that clearly link one idea or paragraph to another.

CAT Tools Features:
CAT tools offer various features that aid in the revision and editing process, promoting coherence and cohesion in translations.

1. Translation Memory (TM):
   Translation memory is a database that stores previously completed translations from any translator. It allows translators to easily retrieve or suggest similar translations that already exist in the database. This feature ensures consistency across different projects and saves time by reusing translations. However, it's crucial for professional translators to assess whether the recalled sentences from the translation memory fit the context of the new translation.

2. Terminology Management:
   Terminology management involves the use of glossaries or termbases, which are lists of industry or company-specific terms and their translations. These databases ensure consistency in translations, even when different translators or areas of a company are involved. By defining and translating key terms, CAT tools enhance the cohesion of translations and maintain accuracy in specialized terminology.

3. Quality Assurance (QA) Tools:
   Quality assurance tools in CAT software automatically check for typographical errors, double words, extra spaces, and other inconsistencies that may occur during the translation process. Built-in spell checkers and grammar algorithms flag errors, ensuring high-quality translations. These tools also help maintain consistency in elements such as numbers, email addresses, URLs, brackets, and HTML. By reducing errors, QA tools contribute to the overall coherence and cohesion of translated texts.

Actionable Advice:

1. Prioritize Revision: While CAT tools provide valuable assistance, it is essential to prioritize the revision process. Professional translators should carefully review translations, ensuring coherence and cohesion in the final text. CAT tools are tools, not substitutes for human judgment and linguistic expertise.

2. Build and Maintain Terminology Databases: Invest time in creating and maintaining terminology databases specific to your industry or company. This will ensure consistency in translations and enhance the cohesion of your texts. Regularly update and expand the glossaries to accommodate evolving language and terminology.

3. Utilize Quality Assurance Tools: Take advantage of the quality assurance features offered by CAT tools. Use spell checkers, grammar algorithms, and other QA tools to minimize errors and maintain the overall quality and coherence of your translations.

Conclusion:
In the realm of professional translation, revising and editing play vital roles in ensuring text quality. Coherence and cohesion are essential aspects of well-translated texts, and CAT tools provide features that support these elements. Through the use of translation memory, terminology management, and quality assurance tools, translators can enhance the coherence and cohesion of their translations. However, it is crucial to remember that CAT tools are aids, and human revision and judgment are indispensable for achieving the highest quality translations. By prioritizing revision, building terminology databases, and utilizing QA tools, translators can optimize their use of CAT tools and deliver exceptional translations.