I have extensive experience with the computer-aided translation tools (CAT tools) that allow me delivering highly accurate and linguistically consistent translations bringing you quality as well as cost and time savings.
CAT tools allow translator using previously translated sentences and terms saved in the translation memory in new projects. They are particularly suitable for software localization, translations of technical documentation, documentation for software and user manuals for all types of products. CAT tools also greatly simplify processing files created in specialized DTP software, such as FrameMaker, QuarkXPress, InDesign, without any intermediate processing steps (via Microsoft Word) that are common for non-CAT translation projects.
I use the following CAT and localization tools (shown in the order of preference):
- SDL Trados
- SDLX
- STAR Transit
- Wordfast
- Atril DejaVu
- Alchemy Catalyst
Simple example:
Let’s assume your manual contais the following sentence:
“Place the unit on a table.“
You pay 100% for such sentence.
Now, assume that you update your manual and the sentense reads as follows:
“Place the air-conditioning unit on a table.“
As you can see, the difference is just two words. When ordering classic translation, you pay for all words again. However, if you order CAT translation, the software compares the source sentence and translation memory content (see figure below)
and determines the match rate using internal algorithm (in the above case, the match rate is 79%).
The standard discount schedule for CAT translations is as follows:
- Repetition: 30%
- 100% match: 30%
- 95-99%: 45%
- 85-94%: 65%
- 75-84%: 65%
- 50-74%: 100%
- No match: 100%
In the above case you pay 65% of the full rate, i.e. you save 35%.
Savings can be huge if large or repeating projects are translated.
