What are CAT tools and how they can improve the quality of translations

The translation sector covers many areas of expertise, from more creative fields, such as literature and marketing materials, through to legal and scientific fields. When translating documents that use a high number of technical or sector-specific terminology, it is essential that the correct terms are used and that there is ongoing consistency throughout all related documentation. This is where CAT tools play a key role insofar as they guarantee correct, precise and reliable translations.

What are CAT tools?

A CAT tool is a translation aid that may be used on a broad range of files and helps translators manage translation projects. The software essentially breaks a document down into segments (normally paragraphs) and offers a range of linguistic tools so that the translator can work on a file producing a high quality translation.

The main resources used by translators include translation memories and glossaries. Once a translation is complete, it is time to move on to quality control/assurance (QA) .

Translation memories

A translation memory is a database of translations organised according to one or more common characteristics, such as: language combination, client, sector or type of document.

The advantage of using this kind of memory is being able to rely on a database of past translations that have been approved, thus helping with consistency in terms of translation style and terminology. It is quicker and more efficient to rely on existing texts without having to spend time consulting glossaries or separate term bases.

Glossaries

Glossaries (or term bases) are created specifically for a client or a sector. They may include individual terms or more detailed definitions for terms and may also be multi-lingual. Thanks to this tool used as part of CAT software, which may be consulted immediately, it is easier for translators to use agreed language and to pinpoint the correct terminology, thus ensuring consistent and precise translations. 

Quality Control (QA)

CAT software incorporates a range of tools for guaranteeing quality control in translations, such as spell checks, formatting and checks on a series of formal, stylistic and grammatical factors, therefore significantly reducing the time it entails to complete the quality assurance process.

Furthermore, it is possible to set specific filters for a bespoke quality control process. For example, it is possible to select which translation terms must not be used or otherwise check that identical sentences are translated the same way.

Finally, they may be used to check the consistency in units of measurements, dates and/or numbers, or the use of capitalised terms/words.

CAT tools and machine translation: are they the same thing?

The concept of computer-assisted translation is often wrongly confused with machine translation. Traducendo Ltd, as we have clarified in other articles, does not use machine translation tools (such as Google Translate or DeepL) or AI tools. Our clients may rely on our exclusive use of human translations, meaning translations carried out by real people without the use of software in place of human input. We firmly believe that high-quality work may only be achieved thanks to the capacity and ability of people. In our opinion, computers and software are merely support tools in the translation process but will never replace our network of professionals who work with us.

Why Traducendo is the best choice for your translations

The combination of CAT tools and translators is the ideal solution to guarantee the highest quality work. You may rely on Traducendo’s expertise and experience via our tight network of experienced and professional translators. They guarantee consistent, correct and precise terminology in all your documentation and materials and ensure you effective communications at all times.

If you would like to get to know our method in more detail, please contact us for information or feel free to browse through other articles.