What is a translation memory?
A translation memory, often abbreviated to TM, is a database of phrases, segments and words that assist professional translators during the translation process. A translation memory is built by the translator and the client. Previously translated texts are used as input for the database.
Additionally, a client may opt to use a list, also known as a Termbase (TB), with translated words and phrases. This creates a database of words and phrases that are unique and perfectly match the client’s preferences. Using a translation memory, translators can do their work more consistently and more efficiently.
How does a translation memory work in practice?
In practice, a translation memory is an indispensable tool for professional translators. When the translator translates a text, the translation software will provide suggestions from the database. For example, the translation software may indicate that there is a match between a phrase that needs to be translated and a phrase from the translation memory. The translation software then advises the translator to use the translation stored in the memory for this new phrase. It is ultimately up to the translator whether the translation in the database is fitting for the new content as well.
Translation memory versus machine translation
People often confuse translation memories and machine translations. This confusion is understandable, but there is a significant difference between translation memories and machine translations.
A translation memory supports the translator in their work. The translator is ultimately ‘in control’ of the actual translation process. A machine translation, on the other hand, is fully automated. And this, unfortunately, often comes at the expense of the translation’s quality.
For example, machine translations don’t focus on consistency, which often results in different translations being used for the same words throughout a text. As opposed to translation memories, you also don’t have the option of providing already approved words and phrases. As a result, the machine translation decides what the translation is like, as opposed to the translator. Translation Agency Perfect therefore discourages the use of machine translations in favour of professional human translations.
Benefits of translation memories
Using translation memories has numerous benefits, not just for the translators themselves, but for clients as well.
Consistency
Translation memories are created together with the client. This results in consistent translations of words, phrases and sentences. This also improves readability. Moreover, consistency improves overall clarity.
Time saving
Using a translation memory allows translators to work faster and more efficiently. The larger a translation memory is, the faster texts can be translated. This also means clients end up getting their translated texts sooner.
Cost savings
Because translation software analyses texts with the translation memory, you know immediately what needs translating and whether there is usable data in the database already. This allows the translator to work more efficiently and to save time. This also results in lower costs for translating texts!
Translation technology
Translation memory
We identify previously translated content and repetitions. This improves the consistency of translations and prevents clients from having to pay multiple times for the same work. Previously translated content is stored in a memory, which is unique for every client.
Termbase
If specific translations or a specific style are required, this information can be recorded in a Termbase. These translations will then be presented as suggestions during the translation process. This improves the consistency across translations and makes it easier to meet specific requirements.
Quality check
In addition to a 2nd check by a human translator, we also perform an automated quality check. This includes stylistic improvements, spelling and an overall assessment of the translation itself. This helps the translator and revisor in finding errors, and improves the translation’s consistency.
Translation memories at Translation Agency Perfect
Translation Agency Perfect uses translation memories in order to provide professional translations. With our modern translation software and translation memories, we can translate your texts efficiently, quickly and accurately. The process is fairly simple and straightforward:
To start with, we analyse the texts together. We look at the text’s purpose, the tone of voice and any specific terms and words that are unique to the text. We then translate the texts into their target languages.
During this translation process, you can state your preferences and provide feedback on the delivered translations. In doing so, Translation Agency Perfect works directly with you to create the best possible translation of your texts.
Eventually, once you’re satisfied with the professional translations, they will be included in the translation memory. Translation Agency Perfect will then have a database with your preferred translations for future assignments. Any future translations will be faster and more efficient.
If you want more information about translation memories, or if you want to have your texts translated professionally, please contact one of our translation specialists.
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