Computer-Aided Translation Tools and Resources

Abstract

The approach taken in this chapter is different from that of the previous chapter. Instead of focusing systematically on a number of approaches, the emphasis here is on translation tools, resources and standards that may be useful to professional translators. Many professional translators of specialist texts can benefit from using computer-aided translation tools such as translation memory systems, terminology management systems and the standards for translation data interchange such as translation memory exchange (TMX). Certain tools, however, such as localization tools, are only of interest to professional translators who are involved in the localization industry. These tools are useful to know about but they may not be needed for all kinds of translation and would be of little use to professional translators working with creative texts. Some other resources and tools, such as parallel corpora and concordancers, are extremely helpful for professional translators in order to enhance their productivity and the quality of their translations. Another important topic that needs attention here is the standards that have been created to enable interoperability of lexical and terminology databases, translation memory databases and localization tools in the localization process. Since they are frequently upgraded, tools and resources discussed in this chapter are only described in general terms.