Translation Technology 1 (Electronic Translation Tools) 3h/ 5 ECTS MET 6-002

The aim of this course is to familiarise students with state-of-art translation aids and tools. The course focuses on encouraging the flexibility and adaptability of the future translators. Emphasis is placed on the ability to select the appropriate tools depending on the task at hand and use them effectively while carrying out practical translation assignments during hands-on workshops. Topics covered:

  • IT Basics; using Word for translators
  • Use of online resources for translators including search engines, e-dictionaries, translation lists, terminology databases, (online) corpora and relevant aids
  • CAT tools: underlying principles, main functions and features including project creation and management, translation memories and terminology management, quality checks. Available tools through academic licensing: Wordfast, MemoQ, Déjà Vu X3 courtesy of Wordfast LLC and Yves Champollion, Kilgray, Atril, respectively. Additional commercial packages pending on software availability.
  • Cloud-based (pending on availability and cost) and open-source tools (WFA)
  • Introduction to localization; handling multimedia files
  • Introduction to Machine Translation and Post-Editing: history, underlying principles and applications of MT. The eTranslation MT platform developed by the European Commission is used.
  • Introduction to project management workflow (XTRF tool).

On successful completion of this course, students will:

  • Have improved their IT skills
  • Be able to work with a variety of formats
  • Be able to use ICT and a variety of professional (e-)tools for translation purposes
  • Be able to select the appropriate tools depending on the task at hand and use them effectively
  • Be familiar with the main concepts of cloud-based software
  • Know the basic functions as well as the limitations of TMS and MT tools
  • Be familiar with project management workflow
  • Have developed their teamworking and cooperation skills
  • Be flexible enough to handle tools unknown to them.

Assessment

Continuous assessment and final exam (40% weekly tasks and quizzes, 20% midterm, 40% final exam).