CAT-software for translators

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Written translation has always been linked with a lot of tedious, monotonous work. Creativity is important mainly in literary translation, where each sentence is different and challenging. Transferring the atmosphere of the novel isn’t so simple. When it comes to specialised translation like legal, technical or medical ones, the texts are very similar to each other.

After a few years of experience in translation of texts from specific industry, there is almost nothing that can surprise us. The forms and expressions are repeated. Moreover, we should stick to the same equivalents in one text not to sow confusion among readers. Writing the same sentences again and again is totally senseless and time-consuming. Thus, software for translators (CAT-computer assisted translation) is becoming more and more popular.

How does it work?

Software called in short CAT is a computer program in which we translate the text. Sometimes such programs work as extensions to word processors such as Microsoft Word. We open the source text in CAT software, and it is automatically divided into smaller segments. Each segment of source text is visible on the left and on the right we write its translation. Each translated text can be confirmed by proper hot keys. After finished translation we can save it in a chosen format. Convenient division of segments isn’t the most important function here. We can save each translated segment to so called translation memory. If we encounter the same or similar expression later on, it’s enough to confirm previously saved translation from translation memory. Such a database is created not only for the current file, but also for future translations. Thanks to it, we don’t have to write the same thing repeatedly.

What program should we choose?

On the market there are many CAT programs. The most popular one is SDL Trados. It is the extension to Microsoft Word. Many translation agencies demand command of this software. Unfortunately, Trados is also the most expensive. We have to pay for it, as well as for the word processor of Microsoft, which is not the cheapest one too. However, there are also some other programs for free or shareware. Popular shareware programs, which don’t demand any word processors are e.g. MemoQ and DeJavu. We can download them from the producer’s website and test for some time for free. After that, we decide if the program meets our expectations.