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Welcome to our simple guide on understanding key terms in document translation! In today’s connected world, translating documents from one language to another has become a common need for businesses, students, travelers, and many others. However, the world of translation can be filled with technical terms that might be confusing, especially if you're not a native English speaker or new to the subject.
In this article, we'll explain some important terms used in translation agencies and in the process of machine translation. From AI Translation to Transcreation, we'll break down these concepts in an easy-to-understand manner. Whether you are curious about how languages are transformed digitally or are seeking services from a translation agency, this guide will help you grasp the essential vocabulary and processes involved. Let’s dive in the language of translation together!
The terms used in AI/Machine Translation Industry
- AI Translation:
AI stands for Artificial Intelligence. AI Translation is when computers are used to translate text from one language to another. This process usually happens very fast and can handle large amounts of text. The computer uses special programs that have been taught many languages to do the translation. - Neural Translation:
This is a specific type of AI Translation. 'Neural' refers to how the computer program is designed. It's inspired by how human brains work. Neural translation systems learn from lots of examples and can often produce translations that feel more natural and human-like.
Read more about neural translation here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neural_machine_translation - HITL (Human-In-The-Loop):
This term combines human skills with AI. In translation, it means that humans work alongside AI systems. For example, a computer might do the first rough translation, and then a human translator will check and improve it. This collaboration often leads to more accurate and reliable translations.
InTO is a great example of HITL, the most advanced way of translation. - CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation):
This involves humans using computer software to help with translation. Unlike AI Translation, where the computer does most of the work, in CAT, the human translator plays a more significant role. The software helps by providing suggestions, saving past translations, and ensuring consistency in terms. - Machine Translation (MT):
This is a general term for translations done by computers, including AI and Neural Translation. - Localization:
This is more than just translation. It involves adapting content (like text, images, and layout) to fit the culture and preferences of people in a different region. - Translation Memory (TM):
This is a database that stores previously translated sentences or phrases. It helps translators work faster and maintain consistency in repeated phrases or terms. - Glossary:
In translation, a glossary is a list of terms and their translations that are specific to a particular subject or project. It helps maintain accuracy and consistency.
Translation terms
The terms used in translation agencies.
- Post-Editing:
After a document is translated by a machine, it often needs a human touch. Post-editing is this process where human translators review and correct the machine's work. They fix errors, make the text sound more natural, and ensure that the translation accurately conveys the original message. - Source Language and Target Language:
These are basic but important terms. The 'source language' is the language the document is originally written in. The 'target language' is the language you want to translate the document into. - Terminology Management:
In translation, specific words or phrases might need special attention, especially in technical or specialized documents. Terminology management is the process of systematically collecting, managing, and using these terms correctly to ensure accuracy and consistency. - Language Pair:
This term refers to the combination of a source language and a target language. For example, if a document is being translated from English to Spanish, the language pair is English-Spanish. - Translation Workflow:
This is the series of steps a document goes through during the translation process. It usually starts with the original text, followed by machine translation or first draft translation, then post-editing, proofreading, and finally, quality checks. - Quality Assurance (QA) in Translation:
This is a process to ensure that the final translated document meets certain standards of accuracy, readability, and suitability for its purpose. It may include checking for typos, grammatical errors, and ensuring that the translation is faithful to the original. - Localization Engineering:
Sometimes, translating a document involves more than just text. It might include adapting software, websites, or multimedia. Localization engineering is about making sure that all these elements work well in the target language, taking into account technical and cultural aspects.
Read more about localization engineering here: https://www.aieti.eu/enti/localization_engineering_ENG/entry.html - Transcreation:
This is a creative form of translation. It's often used in marketing and advertising. Transcreation involves adapting a message from one language to another while maintaining its intent, style, tone, and context. It's more than translation; it's about recreating the message in a way that resonates with the target audience.
Document translation within the original layout
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