Tools for translating have always existed as translating is a difficult job that requires a colossal amount of knowledge and skills that are difficult to keep in mind 24/7 laid out on shelves. However, modern technologies have gone so far from what translators used to implement before. Now technologies are designed to facilitate the process of translating and localizing content as much as possible. The number of such tools is growing every day, but there are a few that have proved to be the most useful.
5 Smart Technologies That Facilitate the Translation Process
1. Smartcat Technology
Keeping up with the times, the developers of translation automation programs (CAT-tools) didn’t ignore such new features because they are very interesting for all parties in the translation industry. It is easy to use for translators, including freelancers – you only need a device with a display of the required size and keyboard, Internet connection, and personal knowledge. It also helps service customers and translation companies, as this is a great tool for organizing and synchronizing the collaboration of many translators.
2. RSL and OCR Technologies
In the 21st century, it is not always an option to work sitting at your desk – we are moving all the time trying to get our work done at the same time. RSL (identifying voice) technologies are created for situations when the information that needs to be translated is being pronounced by the speaker. The content may vary from interviews to lectures, but the quality of translation depends on the presence of a sensitive microphone, a minimum of extraneous sound interference, and a fairly clear (and ideally – expressive) diction of the speaker.
OCR (identifying text) technologies are also beneficial. They simply have no alternative when it comes to digitizing a huge amount of data quickly and efficiently. With all the functions we now have for working with text – from translating PDF files effortlessly to formatting a 1000-page document with one click – it is a pleasure for writers and translators.
3. Outsourcing High-Quality Translation of Specific Content
The Internet has made it possible to find assistance on any task you might have. It seems that only an experienced translator in a specific field is capable of performing an accurate translation, grasping the meaning of the text, and rendering it as it is presented in the original. For instance, if you need to perform a notarized certified translation, contacting a specialized company will be the only option. You can read about the best translation websites and find the one that meets your needs. Therefore, these services are created not only to help individuals but also translators who are seeking to perfect localizing certain types of content.
4. Smart Dictionaries
A wide variety of dictionaries are available. Due to the complete archive of dictionaries, it will always be possible to find a translation for a particular word. This helps a lot when translating legal or medical texts, which are replete with whole phrases consisting of specific terms.
5. Internet Resources
With the introduction of Google, the Internet not only affected different fields of our life but also has become an invaluable encyclopedia and the translator’s best friend. These systems open up very wide possibilities for the translator. In a few seconds, you can check in what context a particular combination occurs that causes difficulties in translation. There is a growing number of forums, blogs, and resources for translators, where they can exchange their experiences and help each other.
Now, translators have a wide range of tools that assist them in the process of localizing content. Can they substitute the knowledge and skills of a translator himself? No, but they accompany them to make a successful translation.
Michael is a passionate writer who has expertise in a variety of fields – from relationships and motivation theories to technology and education. He cares about what he writes and has a great eye for details. His hobbies include programming and reading.
