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TRANSLATION
MEMORY TOOLS - FACT AND FICTION |
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| MultiLing
representatives Brian Chandler and Emmanuel Margetic recently
returned from Orlando, Florida, site of the 41st annual
American Translator's Association Conference. Brian Chandler
conducted a presentation entitled "Translation Memory Tools
- Fact or Fiction?" Due to the original and informative
nature of the presentation, the presentation attracted one
of the largest crowds at the conference. Many professionals
were very interested in finding out the truth about the
capabilities of translation memory tools.
After
explaining how translation memory tools work and the principals
behind their design and functionality, Brian tackled a few
of the "fictions" that are spread by misleading marketing
campaigns in regards to translation memory tools.
Fictions:
1.
A translation memory tool is easy to use...Several surveys
actually showed that after purchasing a translation memory
tool, only about 50% of the buyers were still using it.
2.
Translation memory tools work perfectly with all languages
and with all file types...Currently, no tool available
on the market can make this claim.
3.
Translation memory tools never make mistakes...In spite
of the importance of computers in the pursuit of increased
productivity, written language has proved to be more of
an art than a set of rules. Computers have no real intelligence,
and merely recognize sets of characters, not meanings
Programmed algorithms in a translation memory system are
not extensive enough to cover every situation encountered
in written language.
4.
Translation tools eliminate the need for review of the
pretranslated text...Pretranslation of text is generally
performed by taking translations from various memories,
which may encompass multiple subject areas. The pretranslated
text often needs adjustments to make the text sound and
flow correctly with the rest of the document. In addition,
translation memories can often become corrupted, especially
when they are of a database format, which causes the system
to make incorrect pretranslations.
5.
Translation tools eliminate the need for desktop publishing...Due
to word expansion from English into other languages and
formatting issues specific to different programs, desktop
publishing is always required at the end of any project.
6.
A new user will immediately receive time and money savings
when working with translation memory tools...Most translators
will take longer to complete their first few projects
when using translation memory tools versus conventional
translation methods. Most of the time, a translator or
translation company may actually loose money on the first
few projects using translation memory tools.
Despite all of these truths exposed, Brian also spoke about
the positive benefits related to translation memory tools,
and why MultiLing and other companies continue to use them.
Once
the initial investment in proper training and time has been
made, translation memory tools can indeed substantially
help an individual translator or a whole organization become
extremely efficient and very competitive in the translation
world. These tools are becoming increasingly necessary to
even survive in today's market. As a company, MultiLing
has been able to offer up to 85% leveraged text from one
project to another to some of its repeat clients -- this
represents a substantial cost and time savings.
Due to their potential, translation memory tools are definitely
the wave of the future. However, it is important to recognize
that these tools do not represent a "miracle cure" for translation.
In order to reap all of the benefits associated to these
tools, significant time must be invested, allowing the users
to become "experts".
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| MICHAEL
SNEDDON - PRESIDENT OF MULTILING INTERNATIONAL, INC. |
| Known
for his athletic prowess in marathons and triathlons, to
biking and alpine skiing, MultiLing's President, Michael
Sneddon, shoulders his responsibilities inside the office
in a similar manner. Michael received his JD/MBA from Brigham
Young University and has a broad education in technology,
linguistics, law, computers and business. He is a member
of the Utah Bar and has authored various research papers
published by the Society of Petroleum Engineers. As an entrepreneur,
Michael has co-founded several successful start-up organizations.
Having
served as President for 1 1/2 years, Michael's impact on
MultiLing has already been very large. During this time
and his previous 10 years at MultiLing, Michael has worked
servicing several Fortune 500 companies and government organizations
with translation services and technology. He has also played
an active role within software development and linguistic
teams to ensure that they meet customer expectations. Michael
has always believed in taking a long-term view of relationships,
be they with customers, affiliates, or employees. In every
situation Michael seeks long-term win/win opportunities
that benefit all parties. When overseeing a recent translation
project of minimal size, Michael immediately recognized
the client's desire and need to keep pricing low. The project
was difficult and he recognized that MultiLing might actually
stand to lose money on the project. Because of his desire
to keep the client's trust and loyalty, he immediately authorized
a price reduction. "It's all part of relationship,"
he stated.
Michael is multi-dimensional, from developing new customer
relationships to involvement with technology issues to reviewing
process development and design. Michael also participates
in industry initiatives to automate the translation process.
He has brought his success and expertise to the continuing
development efforts of MultiLing's automated translation
and management systems. Currently, MultiLing is in the late
stages of finishing its project management software, presently
nicknamed "Goldeneye", and is also in the process of developing
its own translation workflow system.
Under Michael's leadership over the past 1 1/2 years, MultiLing
has undergone significant changes, completely revamping
its internal processes, and incorporating the latest techniques
and technologies to create a world-class production process.
Clients are beginning to not only take notice of these positive
developments, but are even passing this information on to
others. MultiLing's list of clients has grown by more than
60% from 1998 to 2000. These positive changes have also
affected internal employees as well. Says one MultiLing
associate, "I really enjoy working here since I see the
direct impact of my effort and ideas. Management considers
seriously my suggestions and everyone is willing to help
out to get the job done." And that's exactly what Michael
plans to continue to do - get the job done.
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| Transit
TIP: INSERTING COMMON EXTENDED CHARACTERS AND SYMBOLS |
| Question:
Under English Windows 98, I am using Transit to translate
from English to Spanish. What is the easiest and best way
to insert the extended characters, such as "ñ" or "á"?
Answer:
Since both Windows and Transit are ANSI-based, the easiest
way to insert the extended ANSI characters (in English Windows)
is by using the "Alt" key combination sequences. These characters
can be inserted by first holding down the "Alt" key on the
keyboard, and while continuing to hold down the "Alt" key,
pressing the corresponding number keys individually. The
following is a list of commonly used extended characters
and symbols and some of their corresponding "Alt" key combinations:
For
a printable version of these characters, download
 Transit
Special Characters.pdf (requires Adobe
Acrobat Reader)
¡
0161
£ 0163
¥ 0165
§ 0167
© 0169
« 0171
® 0174
1/4 0188
1/2 0189
3/4 0190
¿ 0191
À 0192
Á 0193
 0194
à 0195
Ä 0196
Å 0197
Æ 0198
Ç 0199
È 0200
É 0201
Ê 0202
Ë 0203
Ì 0204
Í 0205
Î 0206
Ï 0207
Ð 0208
Ñ 0209
Ò 0210
Ó 0211
Ô 0212
Õ 0213
Ù 0214
Ø 0216
Ù 0217
Ú 0218
Û 0219
Ü 0220
Ý 0221
Þ 0222
ß 0223
à 0224
á 0225
â 0226
ã 0227
ä 0228
å 0229
æ 0230
ç 0231
è 0232
é 0233
ê 0234
ë 0235
ì 0236
í 0237
î 0238
ï 0239
ð 0240
ñ 0241
ò 0242
ó 0243
ô 0244
õ 0245
ö 0246
ø 0248
ù 0249
ú 0250
û 0251
ü 0252
ý 0253
þ 0254
ÿ 0255
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