Computer-Aided Translation or Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools use translation memory and advanced databases to support translators in their work.
CAT tools play an important role in modern translation practices – but exactly how can you use them to improve your workflow?
We take a look at everything you need to know, including how to use CAT tools for accurate computer-aided translations.
What are CAT tools?
According to data from a ProZ Survey, 88% of translators use CAT tools for at least some of their translation tasks.
These software programmes assist translators by using core components like translation memory – a database that stores your translations for later use. You can use your CAT tool to retrieve old translations or run quality assurance checks for accuracy.
Although some CAT tools come with integrated machine translation (MT), these two digital translation aids are different.
Machine translation uses AI to translate from one language to another, whereas CAT tools like MemoQ support translators in the full translation process. This includes features like automatic prompts and terminology glossaries.
How do CAT tools work?
If you want to use a CAT tool for translation, simply upload your source document to the programme. The tool will split your text into segments. As you translate each segment, the translation is saved in the tool’s translation memory.
You can retrieve these translations at any time – and the memory’s knowledge builds up over time to offer personalised translation matches.
CAT tools also use terminology management to allow translators to create and manage customised digital termbases, including localised glossaries for specific clients or industries.
At LEaF Translations, we use CAT tools every day to ensure our translations are accurate and efficient.
Without a CAT tool, managing our translation projects would be much more challenging, especially for our larger projects. We started using a CAT tool when we began translating the Wallpaper Direct website and it was the best decision we made. Over 1 million words later across 2 languages and we continue to use the CAT tool on a daily basis for all of our projects. It has massively helped with the speed, efficiency and accuracy of our translations.
Kitty Trewhitt, Project Manager at LEaF Translations
Benefits of using CAT tools in translation
CAT tools like Phrase TMS or Trados Studio can help translators create speedy translations. Let’s take a look at the benefits of using CAT tools for translation.
Consistency
Consistency is key for translators. CAT tools ensure terminology consistency for projects like medical papers or legal contracts, for example.
The software saves each translated segment of your text, which you can then reuse, ensuring you use the correct terminology across your translation.
You can also customise the tool to flag common terms and improve accuracy. Everyone makes mistakes, but a CAT tool can reduce your margin of error.
Speed
CAT tools speed up the translation process. You can access automatic translation suggestions, repurpose previous translations and benefit from project collaboration for increased efficiency in your work.
For further help and support, check out our guide to different translation types.
Translation memory
CAT tools process previous translations to offer helpful matches for future translations – and you can reuse previously translated content or terminology.
This is particularly useful if you regularly work on repetitive projects, such as technical manuals, or if you have a large translation project to complete.
Disadvantages of using CAT tools in translation
Although CAT tools are an important part of the translation process, there are a few drawbacks to understand before you use them.
User experience
Some CAT tools aren’t user-friendly. You will need to carry out training on how to effectively use, customise and manage your CAT tool. You’ll also need to regularly update your tool or it could become a liability for your business.
Localisation and contextual errors
Some CAT tools may not pick up on contextual or localisation details, such as spelling discrepancies, formatting or cultural references in different localities.
Make sure to consult a localisation expert for more information on how to effectively translate for your target market.
Security
If your source text contains confidential information, you’ll need to make sure you have advanced security protection for your CAT tool.
Using digital translation aids can flag confidentiality issues, so make sure to consider your options for sensitive source material.
CAT tools vs machine translation: what’s the difference?
Computer-aided translation and machine translation aren’t the same thing. Machine translation operates on its own, whereas you’ll need to manually interact with your CAT tool. Machine translation tools will typically create a fully-translated text for you. In comparison, CAT software optimises workflow to make translation easier for experts.
Machine translation is usually more affordable than CAT tools, but it’s aimed at less-critical translations. You’ll need a good CAT tool for more nuanced texts.
Both machine translation and CAT tools build up their knowledge over time. However, machine translation tools do this by analysing work from other translators and online content, whereas CAT software uses only your past translations to inform future projects.
These digital tools are smart, but they can’t compete with humans. You’ll need to check over all your digital translations, as only humans can understand complicated contextual details.
Consulting a professional translation team can help you avoid offensive phrases in your translations and correctly localise for global markets.
Choosing the right CAT tool for your needs
There are a few factors to consider before choosing the right CAT tool for you, including:
- Project size and type
- Budget
- User experience
- Your industry
For example, SmartCAT is best suited for translating marketing content, whereas OmegaT supports more complicated document translations.
Make sure to request a trial or demo before choosing a CAT tool, as these digital aids can be expensive. You can get the most out of your tool by automating repetitive tasks like formatting or translation matching.
The best translations involve a combination of computer-aided translation tools, native speakers and professional translators. This collaborative approach is central to how we work at LEaF Translations.
We use technology and human input to support our translations, bringing our team together to ensure high-quality and consistent content for every client.
CAT tools are the future of translation – and they can help translators create fast and methodical translations in different sectors.
However, you can’t replace that human touch. You need a professional translator to understand cultural nuances and ensure your text is as accurate as possible.
Whether you need a website translation or localisation support, LEaF can help! Get in touch to discuss your project with one of our expert translators.
