Who needs CAT tools and how to work with them

Thanks to CAT programs for translators (Computer-Assisted Translation). Initially, translators used such software on their computers and exchanged the databases collected in them by mail. Now, advanced CAT tools for translators are in the cloud, so that an entire team can work on a project simultaneously. And access from any computer with an internet connection, of course, is not the last on the list of advantages.

CAT tools – what is it

CAT programs for translators are software designed for translating, editing, and storing multilingual content. With its help, you can partially automate the translation of frequently repeated texts. Large enterprises often implement CAT tools for translators to reduce translation time and ease the work of linguists.

Machine, "cat" or AI?

A CAT program does not just compare and analyze translations from two different languages. A draft translation, or interlinear, can be obtained without CAT tools for translators. As they say, Google Translate to help you.

Machine translation is both bad and good at the same time. It is mainly good for its speed. The result of machine translation is often used as a base text for further editing. In general, such machine translation allows the translator to speed up the work. However, only a human translator can adapt the text taking into account the specifics of the industry, professional terminology, and even slang. With CAT systems for translators, this is much more convenient.

An example of machine translation can be considered the once very popular Promt program. It was installed on a computer as an application and did not require internet access. With its help, a quick "rough translation" could be obtained at any time. But Promt, like other machine translation systems, does not have the advantages of more complex systems, that is, CAT programs.

The most significant of them:

1. working with a common database that provides direct access to translation memory, terminology data, and project data;

2. project management, where you can define goals, deadlines, and quality criteria for your projects, track project progress, and use reports for control and billing;

3. a translation editor that is conveniently structured, inserts terms from the translation memory and terminology database, and also loads data for translation regardless of the source file format;

4. terminology management, which includes project terminology along with their definitions, usage information, synonyms, and words that should not be used, all directly in the translation editor;

5. working with clients – a particularly convenient feature, here the most advanced CAT systems allow clients to connect, who can upload files for translation from their computer directly into current projects;

6. machine translation, which generally works in almost all CAT systems. In some, due to integration with ready-made machine translation systems, such as DeepL, in others – using their own large language models (LLM). The combination of artificial intelligence with existing translation memory improves quality and speeds up translation execution.

However, with the development of technology, purely machine translation has practically disappeared. Nowadays, translation programs increasingly use AI. Automatic translation using artificial intelligence, unlike machine (literal) translation, is more natural. As a sample, artificial intelligence uses a pre-built dictionary and ready-made fragments of translated texts.

For example, Google Translate uses neural networks and trained models to take into account the context and features of the target language. DeepL Translator also uses neural networks, resulting in logical and coherent text.

Human involvement in automatic translation using AI is minimized. It is enough to enter the source text, press the button, and wait for the result. However, in literary texts, depending on the context, the same words and phrases can be translated differently and have different meanings. So, it is still difficult to make a literary translation without a human. Most likely, no artificial intelligence will be able to turn "Pinocchio" into a story about Buratino, or Dumas' novels into the musketeers we all love.

In turn, CAT programs for translators are also capable of learning. And the more texts you translate using a CAT program, the larger its vocabulary becomes. CAT systems for translators receive information about the correctness of the translation from the human translator.

Principle of operation of the CAT program

First stage: the translator loads the required content into the program. CAT-tools for the translator extracts from it the text suitable for translation. If the original content contains images, they will not be displayed.

Second stage: the program divides all the text content into parts - the so-called segments. Segments can be individual words, phrases, or sometimes entire paragraphs.

Third stage: the translator enters the translation of each segment into the target language in special fields below or to the right of the original. The program "remembers" the translation and thus accumulates a "database". It is called translation memory (TM).

Translation Memory (TM)

In the future, if a previously translated word, phrase, or other segment appears in the text, the program automatically inserts the saved translation in the right place. Or it offers the person options from the translation memory. Moreover, at any time the translator can edit or replace the previously translated text. The translation memory will also be automatically updated. The system also has the ability to edit and format the finished text.

Thus, the larger the volume and number of texts that pass through the CAT-tools for the translator, the more extensive its memory, which can be used in the long term.

For example, after processing the text, whether technical or artistic, the translation is saved in TM. Moreover, the translation is saved in two versions - in the source language and the target language. After some time, it is necessary to translate a similar text, where similar phrases and paragraphs are encountered. The translator does not have to translate the accepted phrases again, the translation memory will handle this perfectly. However, it is important to understand that we are talking about translation memory for a specific topic or context.

Often, it is not necessary to manually search for already translated segments in old texts to use them in new translations. TM will do this automatically.

Now more and more CAT tools for translators work online. This allows a whole team of translators and editors to work on the project. The translation memory is also stored in the cloud, and any team member can use it. Including replenishing and editing it.

Glossary

A glossary or terminology database is a list of professional terms, definitions accumulated in a specific CAT program. It also includes instructions for the use and application of terms. The glossary is compiled by the translators themselves, taking into account the professional field in which the translation is carried out.

Since the glossary in CAT systems for translators is also located in the cloud, everyone working on the project can use and replenish it. Such glossaries help to adhere to a unified style and uniformity of term usage in translations of various texts.

Besides, with the help of a glossary and unified instructions, it is easy to maintain the style of translations. After all, translations may be needed not in one language, but in many. For different countries with their own culture and understanding of the market. And for each foreign market, its own localization is needed. That is, you will have to adapt the texts for different cultures.

In order for your product to maintain its own significance on the international arena, it is important not just to translate, but to convey its value to the consumer. And it is impossible to do this with just a mechanical translation. You need to know the cultural characteristics and customs of the people.

A vivid example can be China with its complex language and variety of character writing. Many years ago, the Coca-Cola company made a localization mistake. The company simply put its product on the Chinese market without changing the name. But it did not take into account that in one of the dialects of the Celestial Empire, "Coca-Cola" was translated as "mare stuffed with wax." Consumers refused to buy a drink "with the taste of a mare." After studying the language features and going through hundreds of other names, the manufacturers chose another one: "Coku Kole." Now for the Chinese, the name of the drink sounds like "happiness in the mouth." And this, of course, is a completely different matter.

Another "localization blunder" was once made by the Ford company, which released a novelty in Brazil: the Pinto car model. Literally, this word is translated into Spanish as "chicken." But the manufacturers did not know that in the local slang, the word "Pinto" sounds extremely offensive to men. The car had to be urgently renamed. The car was named Corcel, which means "stallion." Under this name, the model immediately became attractive.

All these nuances are not available to translation automation systems. In such matters, the work of an experienced translator cannot be replaced by CAT systems. But they can help in other ways.

Advantages of CAT programs

Thanks to the most popular "cat" systems, the translation speed increases many times. Translators note that they save more than half of the time they used to spend copying and pasting parts of already completed translations. CAT tools for translators do the mechanical routine independently where necessary. The person only needs to check the finished translations or adapt them to the context. And the more texts that have already been translated, the larger the database of accumulated data and the less human involvement. Moreover, the CAT tool will edit and format the translation according to the saved template.

- Teamwork consistency is improved. Translators, even when located in different places, use a single database, a single dictionary, and maintain a common style without constant contact with each other.

- Almost all CAT programs can recognize text from pdf, jpg, tiff files from other programs.

- Most CAT systems for translators can be used in the cloud, which allows for teamwork. However, there are also programs that are installed on a personal computer and used by one person. This option can be convenient in small projects for small and medium-sized businesses.

- CAT programs allow for the localization of large projects at low cost. After all, with them, you can quickly translate the texts, website, and documentation of your project into several languages by connecting several remote translators to the projects.

Disadvantages of CAT programs

Yes, despite the convenience of CAT programs, they also have inconveniences. When working with translation projects in CAT systems, errors can occur, ranging from minor to critical. And it's not about machine translation. There is a special type of error that should actually have been completely eliminated if the language service provider works according to the requirements of the ISO 17 100 standard.

The fact is that the system memory may contain two different translations. For example, in one project, the English word "patient" was translated in the context of human medicine ("пациент"), and in another - in the context of veterinary medicine ("животное"). Therefore, the CAT system may suggest a fragment from the memory of translations of different subjects (human and veterinary medicine). At the same time, the translator often does not pay attention to this, as they see that the fragment matches the memory 100%.

Such errors should be detected at least at the refinement stage, that is, during bilingual editing. However, even serious translation agencies, even those with ISO certification, often neglect its standards. Therefore, the use of CAT tools in the translation process does not exclude human errors.

Pricing grid of CAT systems

The cost of translation in different CAT systems is calculated according to the CAT price grid per word. This means that the cost is weighted depending on the TM match, i.e., whether the segment has already been fully translated (100% matches), partially (fuzzy matches), or not at all (so-called "new words"). The cost of 100% matches is usually about 10% of the cost of a full word, as even 100% matches need to be checked for context and may require editing.

In practice, many companies do not pay translators for 100% matches. This saving is justified as it avoids the cost of review. Sometimes the lack of time does not allow translators to fully check these segments. Therefore, the use of CAT tools can result in a number of TM suggestions that are correct but inappropriate in specific contexts. Errors arise from accepting these suggestions without checking or proper adaptation. So there is a certain downside.

To pay or not to pay? That is the question

As with many user services, "cats" have free CAT programs and paid versions. Which one to choose depends on the goals and objectives.

A free CAT program for translation usually has less functionality. And, as a rule, it needs to be downloaded and installed on a personal computer. This means there is no possibility to work in a team and save TM and glossary in the cloud.

Here are examples of CAT programs that provide, along with paid versions, free downloadable versions.

OmegaT https://omegat.org/

This program is declared as completely free: it can be downloaded to a computer with any operating system. The only condition: the OS must meet certain technical criteria specified on the program's website. In addition, if you like the program, you can donate any amount as a token of gratitude. But this is not a mandatory requirement.

CafeTran Espresso https://www.cafetran.com/get-cafetran/

This service is also declared as free. Although it is suggested to purchase a paid license. The difference is that the free version of the program is limited. Translation memory - no more than 1000 units, glossary - no more than 500 terms. If you want more, please buy a license.

However, other CAT services can also be called shareware. Here are some of them:

SDL Trados Studio https://www.sdltrados.com/

This is one of the most popular CAT systems for translators. It does not have a completely "free" version. But in order not to buy a "pig in a poke" in the literal sense, Trados offers to try working for free for a month. If you like it, make a purchase later. Increase productivity by using the Large Language Model (LLM) with Trados Copilot - an AI assistant. The combination of artificial intelligence with existing linguistic resources improves translation quality and speeds up its execution.

MemoQ https://www.memoq.com/

This CAT system offers various options, including cost options: for translation companies, freelancers, students. The program supports the most common file formats and more than 100 foreign languages.

Wordfast https://www.wordfast.com/

Until 2022, this CAT service was completely free. Now only trial versions remain free. Wordfast is a set of CAT tools: Wordfast Classic, Wordfast Pro, and Wordfast Anywhere. Each of them performs its function. For example, with Wordfast Anywhere, translators can work on projects anywhere there is internet access. The translator just needs to log into their personal account, and they get access to all their saved data.

Wordfast Classic is installed on a PC and allows offline work, which can also be convenient for freelancers and students. Wordfast Pro is a corporate version for installation on any operating system. This version allows translating texts into several target languages at once and supports any file formats. There are also other "perks" – but only in the fully paid version.

Across Translator Edition

Of course, this is a paid system. But there is also a free CAT program for translation from Across, although it is significantly limited in terms of features. A paid subscription for a year is quite expensive, more than 110 euros per month, so it is mainly purchased by companies. A big plus is the conditionally free version, so to speak, for a trial.

To understand the capabilities, you can register and download it. Note that the system requires at least 20 GB of hard disk space for installation. To work, you need to create a project in which to carry out the translation. Another feature is the complex interface, which is unlike other CAT programs. A large number of small icons are suitable only for specialists with sharp eyesight.

Among the disadvantages – there are difficulties with importing translation memories from Trados or MemoQ. They need to be converted to some common format first, and then used in Across.

The OCR system built into Across is weak, it cannot handle digitizing scanned PDF files. There is also some confusion with fonts, if you do not have the required font on your computer, the document will look ugly.

Smartcat https://Smartcat.com

This is a project of the Russian ABBYY Language Solutions, which was an internal system and began to develop separately only after 2016. The biggest advantage of the system is that it is a free CAT program for translators. You only need to pay for automatic translation, or a percentage of the project if you pay freelancers in Smartcat.

Smartcat, like other CAT systems, includes features such as translation memory, terminology databases, machine translation from third-party providers, project work, and even a freelance marketplace.

Smartcat acts as a payment guarantor in transactions between the agency and the translator. The translation company can pay for the work directly in the system if it pays a deposit. First, the employer transfers money to the platform to be able to attract a translator to the project. After the translator has finished the work, the agency checks and accepts it. In this case, Smartcat will transfer the payment to the translator's personal account, from which it can then be withdrawn to a bank card.

In Smartcat, unlike foreign counterparts, there are no restrictions on the volume of translation. One project allows you to upload dozens of documents. Everything works very quickly in the editor. Now you can work online in Smartcat with any internet. For example, you can quickly confirm a segment even if the connection is very poor, it does not require high internet speed. Another convenience is the history saving function. The editor reflects absolutely all changes in translation segments, so you can undo or redo each one separately. There is automatic quality control. Working with the glossary not only maintains the overall terminology of the project but also restricts access to its editing. This is done so that junior translators do not create confusion in terms.

The only thing that can tire a translator is maintaining the formatting of the translation 1-to-1 with the original. In Smartcat, this is implemented using meta tags. You cannot confirm a fragment until the translator inserts all the tags from the source fragment into it. But overall, Smartcat is a fairly convenient "cat" that is constantly evolving.

These are just a few examples of CAT programs available on the market. Each of them has its own features and capabilities, we tried to highlight the main ones to make your choice easier.

Conclusions

CAT programs, when used correctly, can make international projects accessible to small businesses. This is especially true for projects in engineering, software development, medicine, trade, and construction.

CAT programs for translators have proven themselves well in translations for oil and gas companies, mining companies. With the help of CAT tools, for example, our company Translationrussian.ru prepares:

• manuals for operation and maintenance;

• equipment descriptions and user manuals;

• extensive project and engineering documentation;

• and also manages translation projects of extensive technical documentation, which does not tolerate discrepancies in terminology.

In general, like any tool, CAT systems for translators need to be used wisely. Then you can achieve significant savings in time, money and effort.