CAT / Computer Aided Translation
CAT / Computer Aided Translation

CAT / Computer Aided Translation

As an ISO 17100-certified translation agency, we attach great importance to using state-of-the-art technologies and processes. For projects such as the translation of websites and operating manuals, where:

  • texts are highly repetitive
  • consistent terminology is of paramount importance and
  • it is important to retain the format or layout,

our translators use CAT tools (e.g. memoQ or Trados). These are high-quality computer programmes that assist translators with their work. CAT must not be confused with the free programmes available online that produce results that are often barely intelligible, or completely incomprehensible, even when used to translate the simplest of sentences. We’re not talking about Google Translate here. These are special computer software programmes, designed for the translation industry, which allow professional translators to work more accurately, more quickly and also more economically.

Reuse of Existing Translations

CAT tools break down the text that is to be translated into segments (usually a sentence). The segment of the source text and the matching segment of the target text generated during the translation process form a translation unit. The units are stored in a translation memory on the computer and are automatically presented to the translator for use in future projects.

Consistent Terminology

Because it is possible to draw on translations that are already stored in the computer system during subsequent work, repeated sentences can be translated in the same way throughout. Integrating terminology databases ensures that company-specific terminology is used consistently and is in keeping with the customer’s usual corporate communications.

Clear savings thanks to reduced work and time costs

Using translation software programmes (CAT tools), processing times can be reduced by up to 50% and costs by up to 70%

Retaining Formats and Layouts

Moreover, translation software programmes support lots of different formats. In addition to Word and Excel files, we can also process files produced with InDesign or PowerPoint as well as XML, PHP and HTML files. For design drawings that have been created using a CAD programme, we should ideally be sent the drawings in their DXF exchange format.