Translation Tools are very different from Automatic Translation Programs. When using these computerized tools, the human translator is really the one who does the translation – these tools are there to help him in the various aspects of his work.
“I compare them to computer-aided design programs, designed to help the engineer or the architect – for instance Auto-CAD. Auto-CAD will not prevent an architect to build a bridge that will fall down… These tools need the presence of language engineers. […] They do a part of the job, but they don’t go too far.”
- Jean-François Ricard, from BridgeTerm
SDL Trados 2007 – a translation memories program
SDL Multiterm – a terminology software that works hand in hand with Trados
Logiterm – a Canadian Company – creates very easily and efficiently aligned texts, offers a terminology tool and, most of all, specialised search tools of unmatched efficiency.
It is a well known principle in the translation industry: barring some rare cases, a person should only translate from a second language toward his mother tongue. Then and only then can a translator use all of his resources and knowledge of the targeted language to produce a mastered text.
In order to personally guarantee, honestly and without a doubt, that the work is flawless, I refuse every request to translate toward English or any language other than French.
Can the offices offering translations in dozens of languages say the same?
To learn more about
translating tools:
- Bridgeterm WEB site
- Terminotix (Logiterm) WEB site
- SDL International
WEB site
(Trados et Multiterm)
Other useful links:
Le Grand dictionnaire terminologique from the Office Québécois de la Langue Française
Termium – Linguistic services from the Translation Bureau of Canada Government
Dictionnaire de synonymes On line French Synonym Dictionary from the CRISCO Laboratory of l’Université de Caen, France
