CAT Systems
The CAT acronym stands for Computer-Aided Translation. It is important to note that CAT software is not able to translate texts completely automatically. CAT software is much more a tool that can greatly increase the productivity of human translators, particularly with translations of technical documents.
The basic principle behind CAT software is that it is able to "remember" what has already been translated. If repetitions exist within a document or across several different documents, the CAT software notices these and suggests the existing translations to the translator. These repetitions are referred to as matches. CAT software finds not only the 100% matches but also other text passages that show a certain degree of similarity.
In order to track the various text passages, CAT software splits the text into composite units or segments so that it can find appropriate translations for the original text. These segments are only useful when they also represent units of language. The shortest language unit that is of practical use in a translation is generally a sentence. Hence, the CAT software splits the text to be translated into separate sentences. These sentences are translated and stored together with their translation in what is referred to as a translation memory.
Character sets
Foreign-language character sets (such as Russian) require special know-how, depending on the original file format. Some fonts, for example, are not able to depict these characters. Or the printed version is not to your liking.
When translating software or machine control texts, it is necessary to keep in mind which coding (e.g. Unicode) the system can read. A translation which cannot be displayed properly does not help.
DTP
DTP stands for Desktop Publishing. We work with almost all formats so that you are not burdened with post-processing of translated documents.
File transfer
Files are usually transferred via e-mail. We also have an FTP server for larger data quantities.
Formats
You can send us nearly any format. Including all standard DTP programs, as well as software files or exports from machine controls and DMS (Documentation Management Systems).
FTP
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. We have installed a server for data transfer by means of this standard protocol. We can create access authorization for you within 5 minutes.
Glossaries
During the translation process, glossaries are created in order to facilitate the work of the translator. Should you already have glossaries, we would be glad to integrate them into our system. We can also provide you with an export of the glossaries, for example in Excel format.
Integration
Integration is the seamless connection of the translation process to your production. It is our goal for you not to notice us.
Matches
Previously translated text passages which have been saved in a translation memory, and which are suggested to the translator by a CAT tool, are called matches. Depending on the degree of similarity, matches are given in percentages. A 100% match means exact replication while a 75% match only represents similarities (e.g. the saved “old” text passage is “The ball is red”, the new passage to be translated is “The ball is blue”).
These matches are not charged at full prices since they greatly facilitate the translation process. However, even in the case of a 100% match, the translator always checks whether the existing translation fits into the new context. For example, it may be necessary to translate the sentence “The line has to be inspected” depending on the context (electric or hydraulic line).
Another technology which considers context is the repository.
Memories
Translation memories are databases. These files store both the source and target segments. They serve as “memory” of the translator since the saved translations can be called up with the push of a button. A memory can always be created for one language combination only (e. g. German into English). In this case, the source language is German and target language is English.
You can always request an export from the translation memory free of charge.
Overwrite mode
The so-called overwrite mode secures the preservation of the file format. CAT systems cannot directly read the formats in which documents were created. The documents have to be converted into a format which can be read by the system and which can restore the old format after the translation.
Prices
Depending on volume and specifications, prices can greatly vary. If you send us your document, we will generally provide a cost estimate for you within 12 hours.
Should you not be able to send the original files, you can always send us a paper version or a PDF file. In those cases, a cost estimate might take up to 24 hours.
Quality
The quality of a translation depends on the translator as well as on the technology used.
All translators exclusively translate into their native language. They all have a university degree in an applicable science. To become part of our team, translators have to pass a scientific exam and demonstrate their abilities in a complex translation test.
We have also developed our own programs for quality assurance which check the consistency of the translations as well as formalisms and terminology.
Repository
We have newly developed the “repository” as an extension to the translation memory system. While your data is being prepared, the document is checked and portions that have already been translated will be automatically replaced. The proof-reading is very context-sensitive so that erroneous replacements do not occur.
This technology ensure quality and consistency of the translations and also saves our clients money and time.
Software localization
Software localization means not only the translation of programs or machine control texts but also adjustment of button sizes and dialog windows, and a text length check if only a certain amount of space is available on the machine.
Terminology
A terminology database may turn out to be “Pandora's Box”. Possibilities range from a simple table to a dedicated SGML solution based on an open standard. We will gladly assist you in finding a solution that makes sense for you.
Word or line
Even though it may sound paradox: In German, a word is not just a word. A word such as “Fahrtrichtungsanzeigerkontrollglühlampe” cannot be compared with a word such as “Motor”. Long noun composites in German demand price calculation based on lines. This can result in a price change of up to 35%.