Computer-assisted Translation 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.

Domestic Research on Computer-Assisted Translation: Frontier Hot Spots and Evolutionary Paths

In recent years, computer-assisted translation is one of the important teaching contents in MTI majors, and the discussion of its content helps to cultivate students' translation ability. Based on the bibliometric theory and CiteSpace analysis tool, this paper systematically combed the domestic computer-assisted translation literature in the past ten years, and analyzed the knowledge mapping from the aspects of keyword co-occurrence, keyword clustering, keyword mutation, etc., in order to explore the frontier hotspots of the research in this field and its evolution path. The results show that computer-assisted translation has significant development prospects, and its research content covers a wide range and tends to be diverse. Based on the research results, this paper also makes an outlook on the further development of this field.

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.

Artificial intelligence literacy for the language industry – with particular emphasis on recent large language models such as GPT-4

Abstract This article explores the concept of artificial intelligence (AI) literacy in the context of the language industry, placing particular emphasis on recent large language models such as GPT-4. After a brief introduction in which the relevance of AI literacy in the language industry is highlighted, the article provides a concise overview of artificial neural networks and a brief history of neural network-based artificial intelligence. This is intended to lay the conceptual groundwork for the subsequent discussion of the basic principles and capabilities of large language models. Then, the article investigates in detail the concept of AI literacy, discussing the AI Literacy Framework proposed by Long/Magerko (2020) and illustrating the interface between AI literacy and the two adjacent digital literacies of professional machine translation literacy and data literacy. The article then zooms in on the practical applicability of AI technologies by discussing areas where workflows in the language industry (with a focus on the computer-assisted translation process) could be automated or optimised through large language models. The article concludes with some general reflections on the relevance of field-specific and societal AI literacy in the presence of powerful AI technologies.

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.

The impact of CS structured computer-assisted translation system on English linguistics teaching in universities

Abstract In the age of information technology, the teacher is no longer the only source of information, and a single lecture mode can trigger a range of messages for learning emotions. For this reason, this paper designs a cs-structured computer-aided translation system composed of machine translation in a neural network. After solving the exposure bias problem, the model regularization method combined with the bi-directional decoding consistency is used to optimize the assisted translation system. Then, aspects of the effectiveness of students’ use of the system on their English proficiency improvement were studied. The test scores of the test and comparison classes showed that the mean values of the scores before and after the test of the test class were 13.58 and 15.94, with a mean difference of 2.36 points. The mean values of the scores before and after the test of the comparison class were 14.58 and 14.94, respectively, with a mean difference of 0.4. Comparing the absolute values of the mean differences between the scores before and after the test of the two classes, it is clear that the test class improved their English proficiency level significantly more than the comparison class. Furthermore, the overall satisfaction of the teachers using the system reached 85.62%. Therefore, in terms of traditional teaching methods, the assisted translation system is more capable of improving students’ English proficiency. It enables teachers to improve English teaching efficiency in the classroom and promotes the modernization and intelligence of English teaching.

Development of semi-automatic multilingual terminological resources

The text suggests a methodology for semi-automatic creation of terminological resources for the Bulgarian language for computer-aided translation systems. For this purpose, the technical characteristics of computer-assisted translation systems and their components (translation memory, terminological base, machine translation) are described and analyzed. The results of a survey aimed at translators in Bulgaria and their opinion regarding this type of technology are described. The proposed methodology does not claim to be exhaustive, but takes into account the processes that translators follow in their work. Through the proposed methodology, an English-Bulgarian terminological base in the field of computer terminology was also created.

Google Translate and DeepL: Breaking taboos in translator training

In recent decades, when we read about the use of machine translation, we were told that it was not suitable for professional translation. The reason was that machine translation used to produce poor results as long as it was not applied to controlled language of pre-edited texts within a specific field of specialization, and with post-editing of the target text, all of it using the appropriate specialized tools.
 However, three considerations led us to want to assess to what extent machine translation could be used in a German-Spanish/Spanish-German Specialized Translation course, since we observed that
 1) despite warnings, students made use of machine translation,
 2) Google Translate and the newcomer DeepL were improving their machine translation results, and
 3) in short, computer-assisted translation uses machine translation as a secondary help tool, although always controlled by the human translator.
 As translator trainers, we planned to use post-editing as an opportunity to teach translation and focus on how to diagnose machine translation errors as a means of improving proficiency in both the mother tongue and the foreign language. In this work we focus on Spanish-German translation of specialized texts, which poses many challenges to students and usually requires reviewing and deepening the grammar of the target language in class. Our aim is to contribute to the didactics of translation, teaching the students how to prevent errors analyzing machine translation and handling post-editing with a critical mind, in order to improve linguistic competence.
  

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."

Professional Translators and Translation Technology

Nowadays we are all aware of the role that technology plays in our private and professional lives, as this has been and continues to be the purpose for which it was created and continues to develop. This article begins with a short analysis of the importance of the use of translation technology in various areas of modern life, focusing on the causes that led to its birth and development. It then describes in general terms the tools offered by this technology, from the translation machine to the computer-assisted translation, explaining what is considered to be the core of CAT known as MT – memory translation. In the last part, the article discusses the pros and cons of professional translators regarding the tools offered by this technology, concluding that on the one hand translators should increasingly insist on using these tools, to be competitive in translation’s process, but on the other hand also the companies that produce these technologies should work more towards the quality of translation as well as the involvement of professional translators in the development projects of these tools. Communication between the two parties should be the next challenge for these companies.
  
 Received: 5 January 2023 / Accepted: 28 February 2023 / Published: 5 March 2023

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’.

Machine Translation of Selected Ghazals of Hafiz from Persian into English

Neural Machine Translation (NMT) is an end-to-end learning approach for automated translation with the potential to overcome many weaknesses in conventional phrase-based translation systems. However, there are still grey areas that need attention in the field of machine translation, mainly in the context of literary translation and poetic language. This research aims to identify the shortcomings of the NMT in addressing ambiguity and the semantic complexities of poetic expressions that are important in translating literature in a cross-cultural and multilingual context. Furthermore, while human translators struggle to retain naturalness and accuracy in translation, this research aims to identify to what extent machine translation could convey the message in translating literary-based texts from Persian into English. The corpus of this study consists of Forty ghazals from the Divan of Hafiz, which is translated by a computer-assisted translation software, memoQ and then compared to the authentic translation of Hafiz by Henry Wilberforce Clarke. This comparative descriptive study portrayed the challenges and issues related to Hafiz’s poems, which demonstrate that the literary touch is lost in MT products.

On Teaching Mode of MTI Translation Workshop Based on IPT Corpus for Tibetan Areas of China

With the technological turn of applied research in translation, increasing attention has been paid to the teaching of translation technology. This article addresses two important questions in this regard: how to independently develop Master of Translation and Interpreting (MTI) translation teaching resources with ethnic minority characteristics and how to use information technology to carry out Tibet-related computer-assisted translation (CAT) teaching. This article discusses the background, structure, and functions of the International Publicity Translation Corpus (IPT Corpus) for Tibetan Areas of China through empirical research, combining theory with practice, and validates the translation teaching mode through case study to better train translators and interpreters working on content related to Tibetan culture. Through teaching practice since 2017, the MTI translation workshop based on the IPT Corpus has proven to be an effective teaching mode that is worthy of further improvement and extension.