Everything You Need to Know About Translation Memory
If you are using an advanced translation management system, it would definitely have a translation memory included. It is an amazing translation generation tool that has made it easier for brands to build a multilingual presence globally.
It will save your translation time and make it easier for you to market your brand to foreign markets faster.
With the help of translation memory, you can effortlessly generate a brand’s content translations in the fastest turnaround time. In this article, we will have a look at translation memories, their working, and the key benefits you will get from them in your overall translation management journey.
Translation Memory – Introduction
It is a database that stores all of your previously approved translations. These translations are used as a reference to create new translations much faster and more effectively.
Instead of translating similar phrases and text, again and again, it uses the already-done translations to make the automated translation generation processes much faster. The more translation records you have in your translation memory database, the higher will be the speed of translating a text.
However, you can always choose whether you want to use a previously translated phrase or want to generate a new one. So, over time, your translation record grows, which leads to high-quality and quick translation.
How Does Translation Memory Function?
The working of a translation memory tool may vary depending on which translation management system you use. However, the core functions of translation memory are almost the same. Whenever you translate a text, both source and translated texts are added to the translation memory of your TMS as one string.
Now, whenever you enter a text that matches the previously added string, the translation memory retrieves the already done translations. If you are managing translations for an eCommerce site where you have to translate the same product names and descriptions repeatedly, having a translation memory would save a lot of time.
So, the more translation you generate, the wiser your TMS tools get. This is the main reason why most language service providers invest in TMSs with translation memory.
Key Benefits of Translation Memory in Translation Project Management
Language service providers and global companies have to manage a myriad of translation files on a regular basis. Manual translations could take up a lot of time and effort.
Moreover, the cost of human translation is also higher than machine tools. Using a translation memory helps you smoothly get away with the challenges of translation project management.
Here are the top 3 advantages of using translation memory for your translation project management.
Quick and Efficient Translation
The best thing about using TMS tools with translation memory is that it speeds up your translation processes. You can literally generate translations for high volumes of content in no time with the help of these tools.
Many advanced TMS tools use powerful algorithms to keep the translation quality high and relevant to the brand voice. You can easily access the translation memories stored at a centralized location. It reduces your translation workload and saves a lot of time, so you can take up more translation projects from clients.
Save Translation Cost
Unlike manual human translation, you don’t have to pay separately to translate each document. In the case of translation memory, you just need to pay the monthly subscription fee of the TMS vendors, and you can generate unlimited translations.
A lot of money is also saved when you reuse the previously generated translations. You can hire a few translators to review and proofread the translations. It would help you to keep the quality up to the market and avoid robotic translations.
It gives you higher value for money that would help you keep the overall translation cost low and charge a reasonable translation fee to your client.
Promote Consistent Translations
Your system doesn’t have to waste time translating the same strings and phrases again and again. If a text appears more than once, it simply gets replaced by the previously done translations.
It also helps you maintain the quality and consistency of your translations. Your TMS tool gets matured over time, and you understand the right tone and style for your brand translations.
You can also refine the translation memory with the help of linguists and translation project managers to produce more relevant translations. It would enhance the quality of your translations significantly.
Powerful Tool
Translation memory is indeed a powerful tool that has revolutionized the way LSPs and global brands manage their translations. However, you better invest in the best localization management platform to ensure high-quality results.
For your professional translation project management, you can use MarsHub, which comes with translation memory features. Using this platform, you can easily manage your brand’s translation memory and generate quick translations using their in-built translation engine.
