You are here: Home / Translations / Terminology / TM Systems /

Efficient language technology – Translation Memory Systems

KERN uses advanced translation memory systems such as across, Trados, Déjà Vu, and Transit to streamline the translation process, ensure maximum terminological consistency, and improve quality assurance. By establishing databases and translation memories, we are able to make full use of specialized vocabulary, terminology, and idioms and phrases compiled from existing translations.

: Terminology work entails a higher initial outlay, but less outlay in the long run - and this applies in terms of both time and money spent.

What is a translation memory system?

A translation memory system is a programme that saves text segments from the source language and the corresponding translations produced by our specialist translators and then suggests their usage when identical or similar sentences appear in later texts. Translating a document and saving segments of source and target language text in a translation memory forms the basis for the subsequent translation of similar or identical texts. A translation memory system is essentially a linguistic prompting system, a kind of “extension” to one’s memory. This should not be confused with machine translation, where the translation is generated by a computer programme.

Examples of suitable projects:

Technical manuals and product catalogues
Instruction manuals
Websites, software, and help files
Documents concerning different versions of a product by one particular manufacturer,
or similar products by different manufacturers
Documents composed in controlled language

Fundamental to the use of a translation memory system is that the texts requiring translation are available in an editable electronic format. The team at KERN will then prepare the documents for use with a translation memory system and finalize the documents accordingly.

Our team would be more than happy to perform an alignment on material previously translated without the use of a translation memory system. The aim of this alignment is to develop a translation memory database for future translation projects and to increase consistency with documents still requiring translation.

Consistent corporate language

Using translation memory systems in the different departments of a company promotes the development of consistent company-specific language. This will significantly strengthen your company’s internal and external corporate image, guaranteeing the preservation of your corporate identity.

Standardising company knowledge

In addition to aiding the development of consistent corporate language, translation memory systems help develop and consolidate the knowledge of individual employees.

Improved quality – simplified production

Translation memory systems allow company-specific expressions and terminology to be used throughout many different types of documents. In many cases you will require your international branches or employees to check and approve the translation. In order to simplify their task, it is

advantageous to have them participate in the formation of a translation memory database from the outset.

Greater linguistic consistency

When it is necessary to employ several translators or edit a variety of documents, using a translation memory system ensures that the translations will be phrased in a uniform manner. Moreover, it means translations no longer need to be checked for basic linguistic consistency, saving you both time and money.

Shorter delivery times

Improvements in the translation process save time for all participants. It allows for a more efficient preparation of the documentation needed for a product launch. KERN would be happy to provide you with an outline of the use of translation memory systems to help improve the translation process in your company.