Computer-assisted Translation Tools Research Articles

Factors Affecting Acceptance of Cloud-Based Computer-Assisted Translation Tools Among Translation Students

Translation technology is a fundamental aspect of the translation profession. Cloud-based computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools are becoming popular among translators because of their simplicity and usability. However, studies on the factors affecting the use of cloud-based CAT tools by translators and translation students are scarce. Therefore, this study explores the factors that influence the acceptance and use of such tools among translation students using the technology acceptance model (TAM). The hypothesized model is empirically validated using a survey of 181 participants. Using structural equation modeling, data analysis suggests that translation students' intention to use cloud-based CAT tools and their perceived usefulness are key adoption factors, while actual use is less significant. The simplicity of cloud-based CAT tools is also an important consideration, particularly for translation students with limited information technology experience. The implications for tool developers and translation instructors are discussed considering these findings.

The Impact of Technology on Human Translators and Translation Quality: A Study on Machine Translation and Computer-Assisted Translation Tools

The Impact of Technology on Human Translators and Translation Quality: A Study on Machine Translation and Computer-Assisted Translation Tools

The Effect of using the Connectivist Approach on Developing Secondary Stage Students’ Cross-cultural Awareness and Translation Performance

The present study attempted to examine the effect of using the connectivist approach on developing secondary-stage students' cross-cultural awareness and translation performance. The study comprised thirty-two first-year secondary stage students enrolled in El-Jalawea Institute, Sohag Governorate. The study adopted the quasi-experimental design. Thirty-two participants were randomly assigned to one group, and they were taught through a suggested web-based program. Data were gathered and analysed using both quantitative and qualitative instruments. A pre-post online translation and cross-cultural awareness test, an online questionnaire, and a web-based training program/blog were used in the study. Findings indicated that participants showed significantly higher levels of translation performance samples in the areas of reading comprehension, writing fluency, Computer-assisted Translation (CAT) tool usage, text analysis, and terminology search. Findings also showed significantly higher levels of cross-cultural awareness in both cognitive and affective aspects compared to students' achievement before the treatment. Participants also showed evidence of transition from word-for-word to meaning-for-meaning translation. The development of the students' performance was demonstrated by multiple measures that imply that the suggested web-based program is effective for developing secondary-stage students' translation performance and cross-cultural awareness skills.

Enhancing CAT education: the significance of teaching the right skills in the right time

This article explores the dynamic landscape of Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools, aiming to identify the key skills employed by language professionals and the essential competencies students should acquire. Employing a survey methodology, responses from a diverse pool of translators shed light on CAT tool preferences, termbase utilization, and automation practices. RWS Trados and memoQ emerge as frontrunners, underlining the versatility required in contemporary translation workflows. While over 80% adopt quality assurance features and ensure precise tag transfers, challenges persist in reusing termbases across projects.ile conversion skills, particularly.tmx conversions, prove significant for translation memory management. Automation practices such as term extraction and pretranslation reveal varied adoption, signaling opportunities for tailored education. Despite limited current usage, machine translation plug-ins and AI present strategic advantages for translators in training, with the emergence of technologies like ChatGPT anticipated to drive a surge in usage Encouragingly, the article concludes that the emergence of AI does not diminish CAT tool usage, positioning them as integral to the evolving language services landscape.

Utilization of Computer-Assisted Translation Tools Among Arab Translators: Scope, Challenges, and Solutions

The study aims at investigating the utilization of computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools by Arab translators with a particular focus on the challenges that they face. It also suggests potential solutions that can help Arab translators increase their translation efficiency and productivity. The author followed the quantitative and qualitative methods with an analytical descriptive approach in conducting the current study. To achieve the objectives of the study, a questionnaire consisting of 67 items was designed to identify the utilization of CAT tools, the scope of their use, and the challenges that Arab translators encounter while using CAT tools. The questionnaire was given to 104 Arab translators from various Arab countries. An interview was also used to achieve the objectives of this study; it aimed to collect data about finding solutions to the challenges that Arab translators face while using CAT tools from the perspective of 20 translators. Additionally, the SPSS program and other statistical tests were used for data analysis purposes. The findings showed that only a few types of CAT tools were used by Arab translators and even those they used were not utilized very much. The results indicated that only 19.03% of the total number of participants used CAT tools. That means Arab translators confronted many challenges while using CAT tools from the viewpoints of the participants. These challenges were related to translators, CAT tools, translation memory (TM), and technical issues. Additionally, a list of solutions was proposed to overcome the challenges that Arab translators face while using CAT tools from the perspectives of those interviewed.

Lost in Translation: The Vital Role of Medical Translation in Global Medical Communications

In today's globalized world, translating scientific and medical content is vital to bridging language barriers and facilitating communication among diverse audiences. This article dives deep into the importance of medical translation and provides key best practices to ensure accurate and high-quality translations.
 Effective medical translators must possess strong writing skills in both the source and target languages to accurately convey the intended message while maintaining the tone and style of the original document. Developing and finalizing content in one language before translation streamlines the process and enhances the quality of the translation.
 Translators should seek clarification and ask questions during the translation process to deliver an error-free final version. Understanding medical terminology in both source and target languages is crucial, and staying updated with the latest terminology is essential for accurate translations. Utilizing a bilingual glossary or creating one in collaboration with the client helps ensure translation accuracy.
 While machine translations have limitations, computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools like SDL Trados, MemoQ, Wordfast, and OmegaT improve efficiency and consistency. These tools, equipped with translation memory and terminology management features, support human translators in their work.
 Medical translation plays a significant role in global medical communication, alongside regulatory writing, scientific publications, health communication, professional education, promotional writing, and grant writing. It is essential for effective communication and accurate information exchange in the scientific community.
 In conclusion, accurate medical translation is crucial for effective communication and collaboration in the global scientific community. Adhering to best practices ensures precise and high-quality translations, facilitating the sharing of scientific knowledge across languages.

Utilizing Computer-Aided Translation Tools in Saudi Translation Agencies

This quantitative study aims at measuring the extent to which Saudi translation agencies use Computer-Assisted Translation Tools. It gives researchers and other people who look forward to working in Saudi translation marked a clear picture of the status of using Computer-Assisted Translation Tools. Two questions control the study: 1)to what extent are CAT tools used in Saudi translation agencies? 2) to what extent are Saudi translation agencies aware of the features of CAT tools? The study used a questionnaire distributed among 11 Saudi translation agencies for data collection. The data were analyzed by frequency distribution tables illustrating each response’s percentage. The results showed that there is still a lack of translation technology, including the use of CAT Tools, in Saudi translation agencies, even with the noticeable increase in adopting these tools. More than half of the participants show unawareness of these tools or their features. Therefore, they have negative expectations for their future. This study contributes to translation studies, highlighting the importance of integrating CAT tools into the Saudi translation market and university programs.

Incorporating Collaborative and Active Learning Strategies in the Design and Deployment of a Master Course on Computer-Assisted Scientific Translation

This research aims to address the current gaps in computer-assisted translation (CAT) courses offered in bachelor’s and master’s programmes in scientific and technical translation (STT). A multi-framework course design methodology is proposed to support CAT teachers from the computer engineering field, improve student engagement, and promote computer-supported education, together with a balanced coverage of the most relevant topics in the CAT domain. STT is currently in high demand in many fields, requiring translators with sector-specific language skills and considerable computer literacy in order to manage translation projects with complex structures, and format heterogeneity. However, many STT curricula often lag behind current market demands, focusing primarily on language and translation theory, with less emphasis on CAT technologies and tools. Moreover, the lack of shared course design guidelines hinders the introduction of innovative teaching approaches based on collaborative learning. A novel multi-framework CAT course design methodology, named CATDeM, is proposed, based on the integration between an official European translation competence framework, real-life-mimicking laboratorial activities, and computer-supported collaborative learning, enriched with discussion case studies and role-playing experiences. A real-life case study is examined to illustrate and evaluate the implementation of CATDeM in two consecutive editions (2020/2021 and 2021/2022) of a one-semester compulsory CAT course in a M.A. degree in STT at the University of Salento (Italy). Students’ perceptions of translation technology and role-plays, as well as their attitudes towards the proposed CAT course are evaluated through a post-grading self-assessment questionnaire. Achieved results indicated successful student engagement and self-assessed improvement in translation, technical, and interpersonal skills. The importance given by students to role-playing experiences mimicking professional scenarios was also highlighted, paving the way for CATDeM to be adopted in similar contexts.

Translators' Perceptions on Open Source Translation Tools: Trados and OmegaT

In the last century, great technological development has changed the working principles and methods of institutions and professions worldwide and has started a radical innovation process. While it eliminated those who could not keep up with this innovation, it raised those who did to be the best in their fields. One of the professions affected by this change is undoubtedly translation. Translation technology systems are widely used by translators all over the world today and have a large market. Translators' use of translation technologies more effectively and accurately ensures that their translations are carried out more accurately and in a faster time, and it has become the indispensable equipment of a good translator in the historical process. This has given vital meaning to translation technologies such as translation memories and machine translations. The benefits of translation technologies to the translator are many. Although many studies have been conducted on the problems experienced by translators and the limitations and advantages of translation technologies in general, there are very few studies on the problems experienced by translators individually about the use of translation technologies, the problems they experience and their attitudes. The aim of this article is to identify the various problems that translators experience while using computer-assisted translation tools, to reveal the reasons for using the programs they frequently use, and to get the comments of the translators who use alternative options. By employing a document analysis approach to collect data, the article presents a descriptive analysis of opinions. This analysis is between the paid Trados program, which is known to all translators, and the free alternative program OmegaT. The user comments of the Proz forum, which is known worldwide by translators, are used in the analysis. An analysis is presented by listing the positive and negative opinions about both computer-aided translation tools. The article presents some suggestions regarding translation education based on the findings.

Translation under the guidance of translation variation technique: the case of written advertising

ABSTRACT This paper sought to study the strategies of variation in translating advertisements from English to Chinese and vice versa. For this, an analysis of a sample of 28 advertisements, logos, and headlines was conducted, among which 8 samples having English-Chinese and Chinese-English variation translation alternatives were selected for further examination. Their discourse analysis showed that the average number of possible variation translations per material unit (message, headline, logo) was 1–2, whereas for literal translation, only 1 variant was available. The success of variation translation was achieved through grammatical transformation, omission, approximation, addition, lexical units’ relocation and substitution, synonymisation, and paraphrasing. The comparative analysis showed that the literal translation was less effective than the variation, as it was not always possible to achieve the maximum effect from the advertising and influence the reader. The collected findings may add to further research in the field of linguistics, translation, marketing, and copywriting, as they provide useful data on the linguistic strategies of modern brand advertising campaigns. They could also be used in the subsequent studies focusing on machine or computer-assisted translation tools or evaluating the quality of translation and its impact on consumers.

Assessing the Consequences of CAT Syllabus Absence in Libyan Universities on Translation Quality in Libyan Government Institutions: An Analysis of Hindering Factors

The present study aims to examine the adverse effects of the absence of Computer-assisted Translation (CAT) tool course syllabi in Libyan universities on the translation quality in Libyan government institutions. This research is motivated by the underutilization of CAT tools in translation departments and the lack of education on their use in Libyan universities, which may result in a shortage of professional translators proficient in utilizing these tools. The study employs a survey research design, utilizing a sample of 59 staff members from translation departments of Libyan universities. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed through statistical techniques and qualitative data analysis. The findings indicate that the absence of CAT training in Libyan universities is a major factor affecting the quality of translation in Libyan institutions. This can be attributed to the lack of resources, funding, and qualified translators. Based on these results, the study concludes that the implementation of CAT course syllabus in Libyan universities is crucial in ensuring the development of professional translators and improving the translation quality in Libyan government institutions."

Translating science fiction in a CAT tool: machine translation and segmentation settings

There is increasing interest in machine assistance for literary translation, but research on how computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools and machine translation (MT) combine in the translation of literature is still incipient, especially for non-European languages. This article presents two exploratory studies where English-to-Chinese translators used neural MT to translate science fiction short stories in Trados Studio. One of the studies compares post-editing with a ‘no MT’ condition. The other examines two ways of presenting the texts on screen for postediting, namely by segmenting them into paragraphs or into sentences. We collected the data with the Qualititivity plugin for Trados Studio and describe a method for analysing data collected with this plugin through the translation process research database of the Center for Research in Translation and Translation Technology (CRITT). While post-editing required less technical effort, we did not find MT to be appreciably timesaving. Paragraph segmentation was associated with less postediting effort on average, though with high translator variability. We discuss the results in the light of broader concepts, such as status-quo bias, and call for more research on the different ways in which MT may assist literary translation, including its use for comparison purposes or, as mentioned by a participant, for ‘inspiration’.

Free Computer Assisted Translation Tools as an Important Part of Digital Transformation: Features and Innovations

Çeviri çalışmalarında günümüze kadar farklı boyutlarda dönüşümler olmuştur. Sırayla dilsel, kültürel, sosyolojik ve şu anda içinde bulunduğumuz dijital olmak üzere dört dönüşüm vardır ve bu evreler birbirinden kopuk değil, iç içedir. Dijital evrede, teknolojinin çeviri sürecine nasıl dahil edildiği açıklanır ve çevirinin geleceğine dair öngörüde bulunmaya çalışılır. Günümüzde çevirmenlere yardımcı olan birçok dijital kaynak bulunmaktadır ve bunların çoğunu tek çatı altında toplayan bir araç söz konusudur: bilgisayar destekli çeviri (BDÇ) araçları. Üç temel etken, günümüzde müşterilerin BDÇ kullanan çevirmen tercihini artırmıştır. Bunlar standardizasyon, fiyat ve formattır. Bu etkenleri sırasıyla çeviri sürecini bir standart haline getirmek, özel alan terimcesi ve çeviri belleği ile tekrar çevrilmesi gerekmeyen terim ve cümleler için ücret ödememek ve belgedeki yazım biçimlerinin yani formatın korunması şeklinde açıklayabiliriz.
 Ücretli BDÇ araçları yerel fiyatlandırma politikası güdülmeden yabancı para birimleri üzerinden satışa sunulmaktadır ve bundan dolayı serbest çalışan çevirmenler bu yazılımlara erişememektedir. Öte yandan, eklenti kurma imkânı sunan, bağış usulü ile geliştirilmeye devam eden ücretsiz BDÇ araçları, çeviri şirketleri tarafından da çevirmenler tarafından da kullanılabilir. Bu çalışmada, bahsi geçen ücretsiz BDÇ araçlarının özelliklerine vurgu yaparak kullanım yöntemlerini değerlendirip verimliliklerinin tartışılması hedeflenmektedir. Bu hedef doğrultusunda, web tabanlı Smartcat veya masaüstünde çalıştırılan OmegaT gibi ücretsiz BDÇ araçlarından çevirmenlerin ve iş verenlerin nasıl kullanılacağı gösterilmekte ve işlevleri karşılaştırma yapılarak tartışılmaktadır. Sonuç olarak, eskiye kıyasla ücretsiz makine çevirisi hizmetiyle, özelleştirilebilir olmalarıyla ve geniş özellik yelpazesiyle ücretsiz araçların büyük oranda geliştikleri ve ücretli araçlara alternatif olarak kullanılabileceği tespit edilmiştir.

Legislative Drafting in Multilingual Legal Orders and Computer-Assisted Translation Tools (Case Study: The European Union)

Legislative Drafting in Multilingual Legal Orders and Computer-Assisted Translation Tools (Case Study: The European Union)

Inquiry into students' familiarity with computer-assisted translation tools

Acquiring knowledge of computer-assisted translation (CAT) technology is the basic requirement not only for translation students but also for professional translators to have good use of CAT tools. The present study aimed to investigate the degree of MA translation students’ familiarity with CAT tools used to support CAT-related activities included in the translator’s workstation. To do so, a questionnaire consisting of 16 questions was prepared for data collection based on translation activities proposed by Fulford and Granell-Zafar. This includes document production activities, business management activities and translation creation activities. As the results indicated, the MA translation students were mainly familiar with general-purpose applications, such as word processing software and machine translations, and rarely with specific-purpose software, namely web publishing software and accounting packages. They also were in full agreement with the effectiveness of CAT tools in their productivity and efficiency. Keywords: Computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, machine-aided translation (MAT), technology;

Message from the editor in Chief


 The year 2022 promises many exciting developments for the Global Journal of Information Technology: Emerging Technologies (GJIT). In addition, every year, the number of citations continues to rise strongly in proportion to the increase in the number of articles published. In this respect, first of all, we would like to thank all our authors who have contributed to the success of our journal. While reviewing our new issue, we saw articles from different authors from different countries: Cyprus, Jordan, Iran etc.
 The multiculturalism policy followed in our globally-focused journal makes us happy with every new issue. We examine the following research areas in the current issue; The topics of “Creating a Mobile Application for Online Shopping that has all the Features Required for the Process”, “Requirements For The Use Of E-Learning In University Education (Theoretical Study)”, “Attitudes Of Physical Education Teachers InJordan Towards The Use Of The Internet In The Educational Process”, “An Inquest into the Degree of M.A. Translation Students’ Familiarity with Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) Tools”. We will continue to contribute to the literature within the scope of Educational Technologies with our strong team. Thanks to all our authors the contributors to this issue.
 Hope to see you in our new issue. Asist. Prof. Dr. Ezgi Pelin YILDIZ
 Global Journal of Information Technology: Emerging Technologies Chef Editor

Inquiry into students' familiarity with computer-assisted translation tools

Acquiring knowledge of computer-assisted translation (CAT) technology is the basic requirement not only for translation students but also for professional translators to have good use of CAT tools. This study aimed to investigate the degree of M.A. translation students’ familiarity with CAT tools used to support CAT-related activities included in the translator’s workstation. To do so, a questionnaire consisting of 16 questions was prepared for data collection based on translation activities proposed by Fulford and Granell-Zafar. This includes document production activities, business management activities and translation creation activities. As the results indicated, the M.A. translation students were mainly familiar with general-purpose applications, such as word processing software and machine translations, and rarely with specific-purpose software, namely web publishing software and accounting packages. They also were in full agreement with the effectiveness of CAT tools in their productivity and efficiency. Keywords: Computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, machine-aided translation, technology;

On the Use of Mouse Actions at the Character Level

Neural Machine Translation (NMT) has improved performance in several tasks up to human parity. However, many companies still use Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools to achieve perfect translation, as well as other tools. Among these tools, we find Interactive-Predictive Neural Machine Translation (IPNMT) systems, whose main feature is facilitating machine–human interactions. In the most conventional systems, the human user fixes a translation error by typing the correct word, sending this feedback to the machine which generates a new translation that satisfies it. In this article, we remove the necessity of typing to correct translations by using the bandit feedback obtained from the cursor position when the user performs a Mouse Action (MA). Our system generates a new translation that fixes the error using only the error position. The user can perform multiple MAs at the same position if the error is not fixed, each of which increases the correction probability. One of the main objectives in the IPNMT field is reducing the required human effort, in order to optimize the translation time. With the proposed technique, an 84% reduction in the number of keystrokes performed can be achieved, while still generating perfect translations. For this reason, we recommend the use of this technique in IPNMT systems.

Examining Digital Technology Literacy of Professional Japanese Language Translator and Interpreter

The research measured the digital technology literacy skills of professional Japanese language translators and interpreters. A modified version of the digital literacy skills checklist constructed by Open University was employed in the research. The questionnaire consisted of four sections, i.e., understanding general digital practices, finding, using, and creating information related to Japanese translation and interpreting, and the use of translation and interpreting technology. The result shows that respondents have confidence in their digital literacy skills to find, use, or create information online. However, most of them are still unfamiliar with the application of Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) and Computer Assisted Interpreting (CAI) tools to assist the translation or interpreting jobs. The result indicates that many Japanese businesses and industries do not require translators and interpreters to use specific CAT or CAI tools. However, the rapid development of digital technology and the market trend toward the use of technology are inevitable. Basic knowledge of these tools is necessary because they offer many advantages for translators and interpreters to work effectively. Therefore, it is highly important to incorporate the basic knowledge of CAT and CAI tools and other digital technology resources into the curriculum for students translators and interpreters.

A review of computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools used by Croatian translators

Nowadays, as the demand for fast and accurate translations is growing, translators increasingly rely on computer technology to facilitate the translation process. In this sense, computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools and machine translation (MT) tools have become a necessity in daily work. This study attempts to shed light on the use of CAT tools, particularly among Croatian translators, regarding the types of tools used, the extent to which they are used and the extent to which they facilitate and/or expedite the translation process. The results are discussed in the context of a previously conducted survey among translators around the world on the same topic. The sample for the survey included 94 translators registered in Croatia with different experience and language pairs. The results show that a large number of translators use CAT tools but they do not agree on the degree of their efficiency.