Research on translation memories and machine translation, Part 1 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Translation memories (TM) are widely used tools in the translation industry that improve productivity and quality of translations.

Key Insights

• 😒 Translation memories (TM) have been in use since the 1980s and fill the gap left by machine translation research.
• 💦 TM usage has become a standard practice in professional translation work, increasing productivity and job satisfaction.
• 🤔 The cognitive effects of TM usage, such as segmentation and text reuse, can impact the thinking process of translators.
• ❓ TMX, developed in 2002, enabled the sharing of translation memories across different platforms.
• 🎅 Google Translation Toolkit, released in 2009, made TM technology accessible to a wider audience, including volunteer translators.
• 👨‍🔬 Research in the field of translation memories is often limited and unable to keep up with the rapidly evolving industry.
• 👥 User groups and online discussion lists provide valuable information and support for TM users.

Transcript

okay uh today we're looking at really TMNT is what I'm using for translation memories with or without machine translation I hope you all will know what translation memories are I hope you're all using at least one in your normal translation work I hope who does by the way raise your hand if you do raise your hand if you don't you very brave people ... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What are translation memories (TM)?

Translation memories are tools that store and reuse translation segments, improving efficiency and consistency in the translation process.

Q: Are translation memories only used by professional translators?

While professional translators commonly use translation memories, novices can also benefit from TM usage, as they are often more adept at using technology.

Q: Can translation memories improve translation quality?

The impact of translation memories on quality is subjective and depends on factors such as the time spent revising translations. TM usage can provide greater opportunities for revision and potentially enhance translation quality.

Q: Do translation memories affect the thinking process of translators?

Yes, translation memories can have cognitive effects on translators. They segment the text and facilitate text reuse, which can affect how translators approach and translate content.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Translation memories (TM) are tools that store and reuse translation segments, improving efficiency in the translation process.

• TM usage has become a standard in professional translation work, with users experiencing increased productivity and job satisfaction.

• Research shows that TM usage can have cognitive effects on translators, impacting their thinking process and changing the distribution of time on task.