- Translation
Translation refers to services the outcome of which is the rendering of a source language text recorded on an electronic data storage device or on paper into a target language text recorded on an electronic data storage device or on paper.
- Machine Translation
Machine translation is an automated translation procedure, where the source language text is translated into the target language with the use of IT tools and computer software.
- Translator ( Certified Translator)
A person with the qualifications required by the effective laws or the necessary expertise who performs (specialised) translations.
- Translation Service Provider
An organisation providing translation services.
- Revision/Editing
Revision/editing refers to services whereby a translation commissioned by the Translation Service Provider and generated by the Translator is checked by a Reviser based on the requirements of the specific language as it is used today. This includes the checking of the translation’s punctuation, spelling, grammar, language use and style, as well as the terms applied in the translation against the terminology of the specific profession. Depending on the type of text, its final use and the client’s needs, linguistic and professional revision may be performed by two resources: a linguist and a subject matter expert. Revision is performed by checking the target text against the source text in a comprehensive manner.
- Reviser/Editor
The person performing the task specified in section 1.5.
- Target Language Review
Review of the target language text and the correction of any spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use or stylistic errors.
- Computer-Assisted Translation ( CAT) Tool
The CAT tool allows the Translation Service Provider to create a translation memory and terminology database for each of its clients and/or topics, and to use the documents provided to it for reference as a translation memory during the translation process. The CAT tool enables the Translation Service Provider to coordinate the work of several Translators online simultaneously, so the overall translation project may be coordinated on an online interface.
- Translation Memory (TM)
A translation memory built up with a CAT tool contains segment pairs. During the translation/revision process, the software alerts the user of any matches between the source language text and the translation memory in use; as a result, the Translation Service Provider can ensure that recurring texts are translated consistently.
- Term Base (TB)
The term base created with the CAT tool functions as a smart dictionary, and enables the user not only to record word pairs, but also to add information in connection with the use of the specific term, such as definition, context-related use, forbidden terms, etc. The CAT tool alerts the user of any matches between the source language text and the term base in use.
- Alignment
If the Client provides the Translation Service Provider with previous translations in addition to the appropriate source language documents, the Translation Service Provider can align them with the CAT tool and subsequently use them as a translation memory.
- Repetition
Repetition refers to a statistical match between the sentences (segments). Therefore, a word appearing several times in the text does not, in itself, qualify as repetition.
- Source Language
The language of the text or speech serving as the basis of translation and revision.
- Target Language
The language into which the source language text is translated.
- Translation Quality
- Revised Translations (T+E)
The revised translation is correct in terms of its spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use and style, and its content corresponds to that of the source language text. Obviously, even revised translations can be modified further, but the purpose of such modifications is not to correct errors but to tailor the text to individual expectations.
- Translations Fit for Revision (T-only)
The translation may not contain substantive errors, linguistic mistakes, misinterpretations or omissions. Such translations do not require sentence-level modifications to the text; the text can be perfected through minor changes, primarily at the level of words.
- Translations of Unacceptable Quality
The quality of a translation will be deemed unacceptable if corrections to its language use and substance, as well as sentence-level changes are needed to make it acceptable. Likewise, the quality of a translation will be unacceptable if the Translator/Reviser or Translation Service Provider failed to use the terminology and refer-
ence materials provided by the Client appropriately or did not adhere to the translation guidelines.