What is translation software, and how can it help my business?

What is translation software?

Perhaps you have heard of the terms “translation software” or “Computer Assisted Translation (CAT)”. These are really normal words for translators, but people who do not work in the translation business may wonder what translation software is. They may think it has something to do with Google Translate or other suppliers of machine translation.

So let’s start with that misconception first: Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) is NOT the same as Machine Translation (MT).

Translation software is another word for a CAT tool. This tool basically does two important things:

• it puts the source text into one column and allows the translator to type their translation into another column. This is much easier and more practical than translating in a Word document, it makes it easier to process a translation and it means the translator will never accidentally skip a word or a line.
• the software remembers earlier translations, so when a certain term or sentence comes back in a new translation, the translator does not have to translate it again.

It looks something like this: (The software pictured is called MemoQ)

How can translation software help my business?

Translation software can help your business by making translations cheaper; because the translator is able to work faster, he doesn’t have to charge as much money! Furthermore, translation software ensures that a translator will use the same terms for every translation. The software will remember the terms and remind them when they have a new translation from the same company.

The translators at Interlex Language services use a range of different translation software. We have the experience to ensure that your translation will enjoy the best of both worlds: speedy and inexpensive due to the use of translation software, but at the same time of a high quality because the person using the software is a professional who uses the software as a tool but not as a substitute for quality human translation.

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Interlex is a translation company that specialises in creative translations: translations that run smoothly and are just right for the target audience.