Computer aided translation (CAT) and why you need it

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Vova Zakharov is a developer, AI experimenter, writer, and former Smartcat editor-in-chief with 22 years of background as a translator, editor, and copywriter. He writes about language technology, AI tooling, localization, and content workflows.

Published September 6, 2016 · 11 min read

IN THIS ARTICLE

1. Computer-aided translation is the same as machine translation
2. Computer-aided translation is all about handling repetitions
3. Computer-aided translation doesn’t work for “serious” translations
4. CAT tools are for agencies only
5. CAT tools are hard to learn
6. CAT tools are ridiculously expensive
7. Computer-aided translation works for large projects only
8. Computer-aided translation slows you down
9. CAT tools worsen the quality of translation
10. Computer-aided translation is bad for translators

1 — Computer-aided translation is the same as machine translation

The naming of the term “computer-aided translation” often leads to its being confused with machine translation or AI translation.

In reality, machine translation is just a part — in most cases a small part — of what computer-aided translation is about. This part is usually called “PEMT” (post-editing of machine translation) and consists in correcting a translation done by one or another MT engine. We’re nowhere near replacing a human translator with a machine.

2 — Computer-aided translation is all about handling repetitions

Another widespread misconception is that CAT tools are only used to handle repetitive translations. This “repetition handling” feature is commonly called Translation Memory (TM). Now, TM is a large part of what CAT tools do (and why they were created in the first place). But today it is just a feature, with many others supplementing it.

3 — Computer-aided translation doesn’t work for “serious” translations

Some believe that “serious” translators (whatever that means) do not use CAT tools. According to a 2013 study by Proz, 88% of translators were using CAT tools.

4 — CAT tools are for agencies only

Many translators receive orders from agencies dictating the use of one CAT tool or another. For now we’ll just say that there is no reason why a translator should not use a CAT tool for their own projects.

5 — CAT tools are hard to learn

I remember my first experience with a prominent CAT tool. Luckily, today users have plenty of options to choose from. Many modern CATs are as easy to learn as a text processor or a juicer.

6 — CAT tools are ridiculously expensive

The cheapest version of the most popular desktop computer-aided translation software costs around $500. But there are still options for you to go (and grow) even if you don’t want to spend on unpredictably profitable assets. I cannot avoid putting this self-plug here, but take a look at Smartcat. It is free for both freelancers and companies.

7 — Computer-aided translation works for large projects only

If you think that CAT tools work best for huge projects, you might be right. But they work for small projects as well. For example, when translating a one-page financial document, you can upload the file and have all the translation memories and terminology ready.

8 — Computer-aided translation slows you down

Using CAT tools will actually reduce translation speed. In the reality, the configuration needed to start a project includes a minimum number of choices.

9 — CAT tools worsen the quality of translation

Some believe that by not seeing the whole text, you lose its “flow.” It always makes sense to have at least one purely proofreading stage in the end, when you don’t see the original.

10 — Computer-aided translation is bad for translators

The argument is that translation technology deprives translators of their bread. In my humble opinion, CAT tools are as bad for translators as hair-cutting shears are for hairdressers.

That’s it — I hope I did manage to clear away your fears about computer-aided translation.

Remember, if you’re not using CAT tools, you are falling behind your colleagues. A good CAT tool will aid your growth as a professional and a freelancer.