Translation memory technology. “Translator’s Memory”, or What is Translation Memory What is Translation Memory technology

This article contains programs (translation memory programs, electronic dictionaries, programs for text recognition, programs for calculating statistics, programs for localizing applications, programs for translating websites, other programs for translators), including free ones, which allow you to translate more texts in less time. Also given brief descriptions of these programs with links to original sources for downloading and installation. We hope that you will find something useful for yourself here.

TRANSLATION MEMORY PROGRAMS

Translation memory (translation memory, translation memory) - programs that allow you to “not translate the same thing twice.” These are databases that contain previously translated text units. If a new text contains a unit that is already in the database, the system automatically adds it to the translation. Such programs significantly save the translator’s time, especially if he works with similar texts.

Trados. At the time of writing, Translation memory is one of the most popular programs. Allows you to work with MS Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, HTML documents and other file formats. Trados has a module for maintaining glossaries. Website: http://www.translationzone.com/trados.html

Déjà Vu. Also one of the leaders in popularity. Allows you to work with documents in almost all popular formats. There are separate versions of the program for freelance translators and for translation agencies. Website: http://www.atril.com/

OmegaT. Supports a large number of popular formats, but documents in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint need to be converted to other formats. A nice feature: the program is free. Website: http://www.omegat.org/

MetaTexis. Allows you to work with documents of the main popular formats. There are two versions of the program available - a module for MS Word and a server program. Website: http://www.metatexis.com/

MemoQ. The functionality is similar to Trados and Déjà Vu, the cost of the program (at the time of writing) is lower than that of more popular systems. Website: http://kilgray.com/

Star Transit. Designed for translation and localization. Currently only compatible with Windows OS. Website: http://www.star-group.net/DEU/group-transit-nxt/transit.html

WordFisher. Free Translation Memory system created and maintained by professional translator. Website: http://www.wordfisher.com/

Across. There are 4 different versions of the program available, differing in the scope of functionality. Website: http://www.across.net/us/translation-memory.aspx

Catnip. Demon paid program, the “successor” of the MT2007 program. Website: http://mt2007-cat.ru/catnip/

ELECTRONIC DICTIONARIES

Here we have presented only electronic dictionaries for battery life(without internet access). There are much more online dictionaries; a separate article will be devoted to them. Although the Internet has penetrated into the most remote corners of the planet, it is useful to have at least 1 dictionary for working in offline mode. We reviewed dictionaries for professional use, phrasebooks and dictionaries for language learners are not included here.

ABBYY Lingvo. Currently allows you to translate from 15 languages. There are several versions of the program with different sizes of dictionaries. There is a version for mobile devices. The paid version of the dictionary is installed on a computer and can work without an Internet connection; the free version is only available online. The program is compatible with Windows, Symbian, Mac OS X, iOS, Android. Website: http://www.lingvo.ru/

Multitran. Not everyone knows that there is an offline version of this popular dictionary. Can be installed on computers (desktop and pocket-sized), smartphones. Works with Windows, Symbian and Android, as well as Linux (via browser). Currently allows you to translate from/to 13 languages. Website: http://www.multitran.ru/c/m.exe

Promt. This program has versions for professional use. The advantage of Promt is that it allows you to work together with Trados. Website: http://www.promt.ru/

Slovoed. Can translate from/to 14 languages. Installed on desktop computers and laptops, mobile devices and Amazon Kindle readers. Work with operating systems iOS, Android, Windows, Symbian, BlackBerry, bada, Tizen. The dictionary has several versions, including highly specialized thematic dictionaries. Website: http://www.slovoed.ru/

PROGRAMS FOR TEXT RECOGNITION

ABBYY FineReader. Recognizes text in photographs, scans, and PDF documents. The latest (at the time of writing) version recognizes text in 190 languages, and does a spell check for 48 of them. You can save the resulting text in almost all popular formats (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF, html, etc.) Website: http://www.abbyy.ru/finereader/

CuneiForm(OpenOCR). The program was created as a commercial product, but is currently distributed freely. Operating room compatible Linux systems, Mac OS X, Windows. Website: http://openocr.org/

PROGRAMS FOR CALCULATING STATISTICS

Translator's Abacus – free program to count the number of words in documents of various types. Website: http://www.globalrendering.com/

AnyCount– a paid program with a large number of settings. For example, you can count the number of characters with or without spaces, the number of words, lines, pages, or set the counting unit yourself. Website: http://www.anycount.com/

FineCount– the program is available in two versions, paid and free, which differ in the scope of functions. Website: http://www.tilti.com/

PROGRAMS FOR APPLICATION LOCALIZATION

PROGRAMS FOR SITE TRANSLATION

OTHER PROGRAMS FOR TRANSLATORS

ApSIC Comparator– a program for comparing files (source text VS text with changes made by the translator). Website.

TM is a database where completed translations are stored. TM technology works on the principle of accumulation: in the process of translation into TM, the original segment (sentence) and its translation are saved. When processing a new text received for translation, the system compares each sentence with the segments stored in the database. If a segment identical or similar to the original is found, the translation of that segment is displayed along with the translation and an indication of the percentage match. Words and phrases that differ from the saved text are highlighted. Thus, the translator only has to translate new segments and edit partially matching ones. Every change or new translation is saved in the TM. As a result, there is no need to translate the same sentence twice.

On the other hand, when working with large projects, the translator is faced with the problem of consistent use of the terminological glossary during a long-term project or the rapid reuse of previously translated text. Similar in nature routine tasks are relatively easy (unlike machine translation) to formalize and program.

Each TM database record represents a unit (sentence or paragraph) of parallel texts (usually in two languages). Such a database stores previous translations for the purpose of their possible reuse and solving problems of quickly searching through content. Despite the fact that programs equipped with translation memory are called computer-aided/assisted translation systems (CAT), they should not be confused with machine translation programs - translation memory does not translate anything on its own, while how machine translation is based on generating translations based on the results of grammatical analysis of the source text.

As a rule, a translation memory record consists of two segments: in the source (source) and target (target) languages. If an identical (or similar) segment in the source language occurs in the text, the segment in the target language will be found in the translation memory and offered to the translator as the basis for a new translation. Automatically found text can be used as is, edited or completely rejected. Most programs use a fuzzy matching algorithm, which significantly improves their functionality, since in this case it is possible to find sentences that are only vaguely reminiscent of the search phrases, but, nevertheless, suitable for subsequent editing.

The benefits of using such software may not be obvious at first - however, as the database is filled, the results of automatic substitution of translation bases will become more accurate and regular.

The architecture of the automated system and its functionality may vary. Search tools can work with entire segments or with individual words or phrases, allowing the translator to perform terminology searches. The system also includes a separate program for working with a glossary containing terms approved for use in the project. Some systems work with machine translation programs. The main operating interface either integrates directly into an existing word processor, such as Word, or is a separate editor. The system necessarily includes filters for importing and exporting files of various formats. In addition, many, if not all, systems have a facility for adding segments from the translator's old translated files to the translation memory.

What applies to the concept of language learning also applies to Translation Memories.

The “empty” system remembers terms and sentences.

A “translation memory” is built – Translation Memory (TM).

TM becomes a “linguistic memory” for a product or for the company’s activities as a whole.

TM systems: SDLX, TRADOS, Deja Vu, Star Transit, Trans Suite 2000, WordFast, WordFisher, ACROSS.

COMBINED SYSTEMS

MP and TM technologies complement each other, but do not duplicate each other. The MP system is ready for use immediately after installation (although this does not exclude the possibility that during operation the user will want to change something in the dictionary, translation algorithms, etc.). The TM system must be specifically configured to translate texts in a specific area, and the more similar these texts are to each other (for example, such a system is used to translate standard contracts), the less time is required for configuration.

In this regard, it is completely logical for the emergence of hybrids - example-based machine translation - programs that combine machine translation and TM systems (for example, the PROMT company has created an integrated technology PROMT Term and PROMT For TRADOS, which combines the TM TRADOS system and the machine translation system - PROMT XT Professional). PROMT For TRADOS (P4T) is designed to integrate the PROMT machine translation system and the TM TRADOS system:

Translation in the TRADOS system;

Translation in the PROMT system of segments not found in the TM;

Inserting translated PROMT segments into TM.

Scheme of an automated transfer chain based on integrated PROMT-TRADOS technology

The use of integrated technology makes the process of translating large amounts of documentation manageable and increases its economic efficiency.

An example of project implementation using integrated PROMT-TRADOS technology.

Suppose you need to translate instructions for a mini-PBX.

1. At the first stage, the PROMT TerM program is used. Documents are analyzed and basic terminology is identified, which is entered into the dictionaries of the PROMT machine translation system.

2. Machine translation (MT) is performed with a connected dictionary, terminological work continues to correct the dictionary.

3. The results of the translation process are corrected and entered into the TM of the translated document.

4. Thus the user receives:

Terminological dictionary;

Translated document;

TM corresponding to the translated document, which can be used in further work with documents of this kind.

Automatic design systems

CAD is software designed for creating drawings, design and technological documentation, as well as 3D models. IN this list The most common CAx programs (CAD, CAM, CAE) are included.

Translation Memory systems: concept and implementation 1. Ideology of TM tools 2. General principle TM 3. System composition TM 4. Functions TM 5. Review of the main programs of the Translation Memory class: TRADOS 3. 0 Deja. Vu SDLX 3.0 Transit and Term. Star Word. Fisher 4 IBM Translation. Manager 2. 0 6. Advantages and disadvantages of TM TM

Ideology of TM tools Makoto Nagao, Japan, Kyoto University. In 1982, he proposed a new concept of machine translation, which was based on the assertion that texts should be translated by analogy with texts previously translated by hand. M. Nagao called his approach to technical translation from English into Russian “Example based translation”. M. Nagao's idea was used by some Makoto Nagao

What is Translation Memory? Translation Memory (TM) is a database where completed translations are stored. TM technology works on the principle of accumulation: in the process of translation into TM, the original segment (sentence) and its translation are saved. When processing a new text received for translation, the system compares each sentence with the segments stored in the database. If an identical or similar segment to the original is found, then this segment is displayed along with the translation and an indication of the percentage match. Words and phrases that differ from the saved text are highlighted. Thus, the translator only has to translate new segments and edit partially matching ones. Every change or new translation is saved in the TM.

Ideology of TM tools TM tools are designed to store pairs of sentences in a translation database. Each such pair consists of a sentence from the original and its technical translation in another language. It is possible to place fragments of text and other formats that exceed the length of a sentence or are only part of it. But in automatic mode It is the sentences that are saved, which is why quite often such programs are called “sentence memory”.

Operating principle of TM tools TM programs are integrated with such office programs, such as Word. Some text tools. of them have their own technical editing. Their interfaces differ little from the text editor interfaces familiar to a modern translator.

Translation memory and auxiliary programs for translation Classes: MT (Machine Translation) - automatic or machine translation; CAT (Computer-assisted/aided translation) programs automate and facilitate the work of a translator in its various aspects, implement the concept of translation memory, such as Trados, Omega. T Deja. Vu, Word. Fast, etc.

How modern CAT programs work The program divides the source text into segments (usually sentences or parts of sentences), and the translator enters the translation of each segment directly below the source text or, if the text is presented in table form, to the right of it. The translation of the segment is saved along with the source text. The name of the translator and the date of translation are also recorded (which is important for teamwork). You can return to a segment at any time to check or change the translation. The program places the segment in the translation memory, so that if it appears again in the source text, its translation will be automatically substituted from the TM. In addition, the CAT program has a fuzzy match search function: it detects segments that are only partially similar to the one already translated (for example, 75% identical) and gives “hints” for their translation.

Automated translation system Trados (Trados) Trados is an automated translation system developed by German company Trados Gmb. H in 1992. One of the world leaders in the class of Translation Memory systems (TM, translation memory). The Trados system includes several modules designed for translating texts of various formats: Microsoft documents Word, Power presentations. Point, texts in HTML format and other metadata, Frame documents. Maker, Inter. Leaf, etc., as well as for maintaining terminological databases (Multi. Term module).

How the Trados system works The Translation Memory concept involves identifying fragments in the text being translated, translations of which are already available in the translation database, and thereby reducing the translator's workload. This identification is called alignment or comparison. Fragments that remain untranslated after alignment (matching) are transferred further for manual processing to a translator or machine translation system (Machine Translation, MT). At this stage, the translator can select newly translated fragments and enter new pairs of parallel texts in two languages ​​into the database. This scheme works best on texts of the same type, where the repetition of phrases is quite high.

Main modules of the Trados system * Trados Workbench - the main module for translating documents, integrated into the Microsoft Word shell; *Tag. Editor - module for translating documents in HTML, XML, etc. format; *Win. Align - a module for creating a translation memory based on previously translated bilingual texts; * S-Tagger - module for translating documents in Frame format. Maker and Inter. Leaf; * T-Window - module for translating documents in Power format. Point; *Multi. Term - module for maintaining glossaries; *Extra. Term

What do Translation Memory programs have in common - Mixing - Alignment Maintenance - Maintenance Terminological dictionary - Terminology Program Text editor - Document Editor Concordance (Linking word usage with context) - Concordance

Advantages and disadvantages of Translation Memory class programs Advantages - Reducing the time and amount of work of the translator - Improving the consistency of translation, especially when several translators are working on one project. - Increasing profits by increasing labor productivity - Improving the quality of services by increasing the accuracy of translation of terms, especially in specialized texts. Disadvantages - Can make the translation more “dry”, the very essence of the text is lost - There is often no connection between the sentence/text offered by the program with neighboring sentences and with the text as a whole - The original must be in electronic form - One error applies to the entire project - Training in the program itself is required , and when changing jobs, perhaps more than once (if employers work with different TM programs) - Not suitable for all types of texts - High cost

Literature: 1. 2. 3. 4. Grabovsky V.N.: Translation Memory Technology. “Bridges” 2/2004 Kutuzov, A. B.: Computer techologies in the formation of professional competence of a translator // Languages ​​of professional communication: collection of articles of the Third International Scientific Conference, vol. 2. - Chelyabinsk, 2007. URL: http: //tc. utmn. ru/files/kutuzov_it. pdf Shakhova N. G.: The train is leaving again. Home computer No. 5 1. 05. 2000 Silonov A.: Programs that help the translator. Computer week No. 16 (238) Moscow 16 -22. 05.2000

Machine translation programs are programs that are specifically designed to facilitate the translation process using a computer (lit. computer assisted translation ), How AutoCAD for engineers or ArchiCAD for architects. Such software is specially designed to create, store, read and write information in the form of files called “translation memories”, and the program creates a string with a language pair, automatically finding a match for a single word or phrase in another language. The program creates a file with a name, for example, RU_EN or RU_IT, etc., in which a word or phrase in one language corresponds to its meaning in another language.

What is “translation memory” and how does it work.

Translation memory (translation memory, TM) is a voluminous file with technical terms, abbreviations, and established expressions.

If you need to translate, for example, the abbreviation “CCCP” from Russian into English using a machine translation program (CAT), the program will immediately offer you a translation option: Soviet Union.

At first glance, everything is simple, but not everything is as simple as it seems. If we are translating a document that is not related to history, then this abbreviation may mean something completely different: c arbonyl c yanide m- c chlorophenyl h ydrazone , toxic ionophore, respiratory chain uncoupler. Or, for example, it could mean " c combined c community c odec p ack ", software package Microsoft Windows to play multimedia files.

That's why Eksprimere doesn't use software in its work. automatic translation. We exclusively use terminology databases for technical translations.

The article talks about a new translator tool - Translation Memory (TM) technology, thanks to which the mechanization of translation activities is carried out.

Neural networks in the work of a translator

Machine translation theories, which have been developed in a slow pace since time immemorial, have received a major boost since the 1970s. This was due to significant advances in the field of modeling intellectual activity. In addition to purely scientific interest, this was explained by the growing role of interlingual communications in the modern world.

In addition to electronic dictionaries and conversational dictionaries, by the mid-1990s, “electronic translators” (they began to be called MT technology) became quite widespread. In principle, “electronic translators” are programs that could process an entire text. True, the output was not quite what was needed, and frankly, it was not at all what was needed. In order for the result of the MT technology to become a truly coherent text, a person had to work a lot on it.

The concept of “machine translation” has become well known. Domestic programs Stylus (now called Promt And Socrates). However, interest in such programs gradually declined after a period of initial curiosity, and now it is low, even though they have been significantly improved. Currently, they are used mainly to familiarize themselves with the content of foreign language sites on the Internet, as well as for reading and writing. emails in a foreign language.

By and large, the work of a translator has not fundamentally changed over the centuries. Yes, computers appeared, sort of fast and convenient typewriters. Yes, “electronic translators” have appeared. However, while MT technologies have improved, they have not become a tool with a wide range of applications and truly save time and effort.

What is Translation Memory technology

Technology has become a new tool for translators Translation_Memory(TM). In the West, TM technology and the translator tools created on its basis - Translation Memory Tools (TMT) - are well known and widely used. A feature of this technology is the mechanization of translation activities, and not its automation in the form in which the creators of MT technology saw it. Moreover, this more modest, at first glance, solution brought immeasurably more practical benefits than the global concept of “electronic translators.”

The difference from electronic dictionaries and other translator tools is that a typical TM class program is based on neural networks, which are capable to a certain extent of simulating the functioning of the human brain when processing data. These networks are capable of learning and analyzing complex data sets that are difficult to process using linear algorithms.

These programs use a fuzzy algorithm to search for words not only in their dictionary forms, but also in other forms, for example, in another case. In addition, they can find phrases in a different word order. Self-organizing artificial neural network is able to find patterns and determine relationships between them. The program compares the piece you are currently working on with the contents of the database and provides this information to the display. It can determine that a given fragment is similar to a similar fragment existing in the system's memory, for example, 99%, 74%, or even 20%.

Every translator is familiar with the feeling that the phrase he is currently struggling with has already been encountered somewhere, once upon a time, at least in an approximate form. Moreover, it came across either in the same material, or in some other one translated earlier. It’s just some kind of déjà vu... I would like to look at it, this phrase, at least for reference, to sensibly formulate the one you are working on now...

You start flipping back through the original, rummaging through the bookshelf. And it often happened that the searched phrase was actually found. Most often, when it is too late, after the work on the translation has been completed. I think at such a moment I would give anything for a tool that would help me find the necessary text. Even now, when you type a translation text using a computer rather than on a typewriter, it is always a pity to redo something that was composed with such difficulty. A translator's long-standing dream is to come up with some means that would free him from the need to translate the same phrase several times.

This kind of idea underlies the creation of Translation Memory technology, or simply TM, on the basis of which more or less workable programs began to appear in the late 80s - early 90s. In fact, such a program is a control shell that works with one or another plug-in database (TM) and which I would call a translation bank. TM is a computerized version of a large filing cabinet in which every phrase you have ever translated is stored, in pairs - both in the original language and in the target language. Each such pair is called bilingual. The program will instantly remind you how this phrase was translated last time. Access to information is easy and fast.

Overview of the main programs of the Translation Memory class

There are currently several products available on the world market software products using TM technology. They differ from each other, and sometimes significantly. However, they all share some common functionality.

For example, they usually have a text editor with two parallel windows. One window is intended for the original text, the second for translation. When the original text fragment is displayed in the original window (this could be a sentence, paragraph, separate word), the search for a similar fragment in the database begins. If there is exactly the same fragment in memory, it is displayed in the translation window automatically. If exactly the same fragment was not found, but something similar was found, then the found fragment is displayed in the program window, indicating the percentage of match.

The translator edits the translation text proposed by the program, bringing it into line with the original, sends it to the database memory and proceeds to the next one. If nothing is found at all, then the translator translates it from scratch, typing the text into the translation window. Having finished working on this fragment, the translator sends it to the database memory and proceeds to the next one. Thus, TM replenishment occurs automatically as work progresses. Immediately after a bilingual has entered TM, she becomes accessible to the user. If the TM program is located on network drive and other users work with it, then the new bilingual immediately becomes available to other translators. After the original fragment and the translation fragment are sent to the database, the next fragment is displayed in the original window.

The first program of this type, called Translation Manager, was developed by IBM. Initially, IBM used Translation Manager for its own needs - for localization (adaptation into foreign languages) of its own software. Translation Manager was then offered to the market as a commercial product, and for some time it had a monopoly in this area. This program is quite easy to use, fast and provides good opportunities for individual user settings. There are separate windows for each of the three main functions - Translation, Translation Memory and Dictionary. The Translation Memory window displays matches found in memory, if any, and the Dictionary window displays terminology from dictionaries developed by IBM. This program also has some inconveniences, for example, a complicated procedure for searching individual words in the Translation Memory.

Another program - SDLX - was developed for its own needs by an English company SDL, engaged in software localization. Each program included in the kit is installed separately. SDL Edit is, in fact, the program itself with which translation is carried out. It has three windows showing the source text, translation and Translation Memory. It should be noted that the document to be translated cannot be imported directly into SDL Edit. It must first be converted using SDL Convert, which is a definite inconvenience.

Program Déjà Vu is popular among translators in Europe due to its flexibility and adaptability. In addition to convenience, Déjà Vu differs from other products in having the highest price/quality ratio. Compared to the two previous programs, the product in question has a number of convenient features. Experts note that from the very beginning this program was developed in contact with its future users. It is known that the latest version of Déjà Vu was tested, in particular, by Russian translators. One of them, Andrey Gerasimov, wrote a positive review of this program in the magazine MultiLingual Computing & Technology

The program is well known in our country and popular in Europe. STAR Transit. In its ideology, it is completely different from other products of the class in question. You have already gained a certain understanding of them, and you know that they all have a central large-capacity database, a repository of translations, in which the necessary data is found instantly (if it is there, of course). As Bill Gates would say: "Information at your fingertips." So, all Translation Memory programs have an electronic catalog cabinet, but Transit does not. Everything is different with him. The source data and translation are saved in text format as files, which the translator places in directories at his discretion. The translator can then simply tell the program which directories and even which files he needs. Transit then forms an associative network of links, with which it works. Despite some advantages, Transit is not widely used in Russia. Ultimately, Promt, the official Transit distributor, switched to distributing Trados' Translator's Workbench.

But Translator’s Workbench, or simply Trados, quickly became widespread in Russia, first among translation firms, and then among individual translators. This can probably be explained by the fact that it makes it possible to work without leaving Word, which is psychologically more comfortable. Who likes to look at text dotted with all kinds of codes in square brackets? Translator’s Workbench (Trados), compared to other programs, is more convenient for an ordinary translator who is not a programming specialist; it is more understandable than other programs of this type. In particular, the control buttons are equipped with tooltips. Being in a familiar and understandable Word, you can use all its tools (for example, autotext).

This product has a full range of useful tools that are present in other programs only to one degree or another. One of these tools is Analise, which allows you to analyze the original text in advance and find out whether there are (and in what quantity) complete and incomplete matches. It is worth mentioning this handy tool, like Placeables, which allows, for example, to automatically change numbers in the text if everything else in the translated fragment matches what is found in the translation bank (TM). The automatic function of replacing decimal points and/or commas, time formats, abbreviations, etc. in numbers is very convenient. to the appropriate parameters specified by the translator.

The vast majority of Russian translators using TM technology prefer Translator’s Workbench (Trados).

What do Translation Memory programs have in common?

Summarizing the description of the main software products of the Translation Memory class, it should be noted that they, as a rule, have a number of common functionality.

Mixing - Alignment

This function allows you to create translation banks (TM) from existing files. From two files - one with the original text and the other with the translation text - a set of bilinguals is created. Opposite the sentence of the source text, its translation is built. And so on for all the files that the translator compiled into a single collection. The degree of convenience of the combination function different programs various.

Maintenance

As bilinguals accumulate in the database, their number may increase so much that the contents of the database may go beyond all limits. Some inaccuracies and even errors may appear, especially if the program is used by many users on the network. There will be a need to edit or clarify something, or even simply delete it. To be fair, it must be said that the mentioned program maintenance tool does not completely solve this problem - in practice it is still difficult to deal with the clogging of translation banks.

Terminology Dictionary - Terminology Program

All the programs under consideration have their own terminological dictionaries, which are essentially electronic dictionaries known to all. Terminology dictionaries can import files in dictionary or glossary format, and they can also be updated manually.

Text editor - Document Editor

This is where the translation process actually takes place. For this purpose, all programs have the two windows mentioned above - for the source text and for its translation. All text editors have the ability to set, as a percentage, the degree of similarity between the source text currently being translated and the text in the translation library. The higher you set the similarity percentage, such as 90% or 95%, the less likely it is to find matching text there. However, you can set a smaller percentage, then you may accumulate a lot of material that would be useful at least for reference.

Concordance (Linking word usage with context) - Concordance

This is very useful feature all programs under consideration. It often happens that a term (or combination of terms) can have several meanings or shades of meaning. By selecting a term, you can view in the window all the bilinguals in the collection, and in a variety of contexts. This always makes it easier to choose the most accurate translation of a given term or combination.

Natalya Shakhova, director of the EnRus agency, believes that most TM products relieve the user of the need to get acquainted with various word processors. It is enough to study the features text editor the product itself, and you will be able to control all the variety of texts, whether they are presented in QuarkXPress, FrameMaker or Adobe Illustrator. There is, of course, some catch here: in order to master the next word processor or publishing system, you will need the appropriate filter program, which - what? That's right - it sells for some money! In general, the money issue is the most serious when it comes to TMT. They are not cheap (usually several hundred dollars), and, of course, there is no compatibility. Therefore, if you purchased (and mastered!) a product for one project, then for the next you may need to purchase another product and spend time learning it again.

Natalia Shakhova further notes that the West is already actively discussing the consequences of the widespread dissemination of such programs. One of them is that a new translator loses the opportunity to enter the market. Just as in Russia it is already very difficult for a translator to get an order if he does not have a computer and a printer, so abroad there are problems with employment for translators who do not have a TM program. This phenomenon also has a positive side - by hiring the owner of a TM program, the customer receives some guarantee of his professionalism. But even beginners should have the opportunity to start!

Attitudes towards Translation Memory technology in our country are different.

When the translation agency Phonetics began working with Trados Translator’s Workbench in 1999, naturally, during contacts with customers, we talked about the transition to the new technology. Contrary to expectations, the reaction was wary and sometimes downright negative. It turned out that the idea of ​​machine translation was already compromised by the thoughtless use of programs like Stylus and Socrat in the 90s. Moreover, they were often used by translators, say, not very highly qualified, who did not bother editing what the “electronic translators” produced. However, the users of these programs can also be understood - editing these texts required a lot of time and effort.

Even now, you can sometimes find customers from Russian organizations showing a wary attitude towards any innovations in the field of translation software. At the same time, foreign companies, on the contrary, require the use of Translation Memory class programs. They often have established preferences, mainly Trados Translator’s Workbench, as well as Star Transit. They often have ready-made TMs (translation banks) that they offer to use.

As for translators, they have an understandable interest in Translation Memory technology. Translation agencies are even more understandably interested in them. They deal not so much with fiction, journalism, poetry, etc., but with operating instructions, troubleshooting guides, and software localization, i.e. with those materials where there are repeated or similar fragments of text.

In their current form, Translation Memory programs appear to have reached a ceiling. Further work on their refinement follows the path of improving their existing functionality. This leads to the fact that programs are becoming more and more cumbersome and complex, and this despite the fact that there are no fundamentally new ideas there. The same Translator’s Workbench (Trados) in its latest version It has acquired such a set of tools that it is very difficult for an ordinary user to understand them.

The operation of this program requires the presence of a separate employee on the staff of the translation agency. In addition to the user manual, the documentation includes a TRADOS Specialist Guide. In addition, the documentation package includes a Project Management Guide, MultiTerm User Guide and WinAlign User Guide. Even a trained translator will require a lot of effort and time to review hundreds of pages of these documents.

A group of researchers at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (USA), under the leadership of Professor S. Nirenburg, a well-known specialist in the field of artificial intelligence and machine translation, is searching for new solutions. So far, the developments are at the stage of theoretical research, and most likely, bringing this research to the stage of a commercial product will require considerable time.

It is noteworthy that the market for translator tools is mainly occupied by foreign companies. I would like to hope that this will not go on forever. The potential for theoretical developments by Russian specialists in the field of semantic analysis is very large. Our research in this area has reached a very high level. There is every reason to expect that these developments will be materialized in the form of fundamentally new linguistic technologies that will fully unleash the creative potential of the translator.

Journal of a practicing translator"Bridges", one of the few professional periodicals for translators. The journal publishes articles by translators of various specialties, both oral and written. On the pages of the magazine, translators specializing in various fields of knowledge have the opportunity to discuss current issues, debate with each other, and share the secrets of their professional skills.