Translation Technologies
Find out more about the technologies that drive our professional translation and localization quality
Our Translation Technologies
Technology represents the key to improving speed and efficiency in day-to-day task performance, and the translation and localization field is no exception.
Machine Translation (MT) engines and Large Language Models (LLMs)
Machine Translation (MT) engines and Large Language Models (LLMs) represent the forefront of linguistic technology, leveraging the latest advancements to redefine how we understand and process natural language on a global scale. These engines utilize complex algorithms and vast databases to translate text across languages with increasing accuracy, while LLMs “understand” and generate human-like text, providing insights, answering queries, and facilitating seamless interaction in multiple languages. Together, they offer unparalleled efficiency and consistency, revolutionizing communication, content creation, and information access across industries, making global connectivity more accessible and effective than ever before.
Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) Tools
AD VERBUM uses the latest technologies available in the translation industry.
To deliver high-quality translations, we use a wide range of CAT tools. CAT or Computer-Assisted Translation tools are used to split source content into segments (usually full sentences).
Translating in a segmented file gives the members of the project convenient access to the source and target texts. Using CAT tools also helps mirror the layout of the source text.
In addition, CAT tools help our teams ensure that the translations are complete and accurate through the use of Translation Memories (TM) and Language Quality Assurance (LQA) tools.
Using the tool of our choice and our own server gives us complete control over workflows and helps us keep customer data safe.
The advantages of our CAT tools of choice:
-
Translation projects are stored on our server along with the TM – meaning freelance resources can access the translation project without storing data locally, such as the content of the TM.
-
The integrated QA functionality is advanced and allows translators, editors and proofreaders to check their work before delivery – all of this in just a few clicks.
-
In case of urgent projects with several translators working at the same time, the tool allows the linguists to share a TM, which improves consistency and speeds up the translation progress.
-
The translated content is stored in the AD VERBUM server and our staff can monitor the progress of and access the translations at any time.
memoQ
Trados Studio
Across
Passolo
Wordfast
Smartling
Memsource
Translation Memories (TM)
CAT tools work in close conjunction with TMs (Translation Memories).
Translation Memories are essentially databases of segments in the source language (usually sentences) with their counterparts in the target language. While the translator is working, the TM suggests identical or similar matches for the parts of the source text that have previously been translated in part or in full.
When we start cooperating with a new customer, we start building a TM for each of the language combinations the client has requested. All of the content we translate is stored in these TMs and later re-used to achieve the following benefits for the client:
-
Consistency with previously translated content
-
Shorter turnaround times
-
Lower translation costs
If the content for translation has partial or complete matches with content previously translated for the same customer, the TM will display that as partial (fuzzy) or full (100% or CM) matches from the TM.
These matches allow us to ensure consistency not only with previous translations for the client, but also within the document itself – if there is repeated content within the source document the TM will pick it up and automatically provide the same translation that was used for the original segment.
In addition, even if the segment has no match in the TM, the linguist is able to use the Concordance Search feature to locate individual words, terms or expressions that may have been translated already in past projects.
Furthermore, using CAT tools and TMs helps us tackle such situations as updates to the source text that the client makes after the translation has been started or finished.
Since the translation of the original document is stored in the TM, we can use it to pre-translate the updated source document and identify the content that matches the original source and the content that is different and needs to be adjusted or translated.
In our blog, you can read more about how AD VERBUM uses TMs to help you achieve an edge over your competition.
Glossaries
In addition to TMs, we use client-specific glossaries.
Where TMs contain complete sentences in the source and target languages, glossaries contain individual terms. Glossaries are used to unify key terminology across documents. The glossaries are compiled by our linguists during translation and based on the client's feedback.
Similarly to TMs, glossaries are integrated into the CAT tools and automatically suggest translation equivalents to the linguist during the translation process. Glossaries are compiled by our linguists during the translation process and any terminology-related feedback received from our clients is also incorporated into the TMs and glossaries for future use to ensure consistency.
Language Quality Assurance (LQA)
In order to check our translations for potential technical errors, the AD VERBUM Language Quality Assurance (LQA) Department uses automated Quality Assurance (QA) tools. These are specialized programs that check translations for potential issues that may escape the human eye.
Our LQA Department uses state-of-the-art QA tools to make sure that the translations are free from technical errors and inaccuracies. Please contact us if you wish to receive a full list of the tools we use.
These QA tools allow us to avoid the following potential issues:
-
Spelling mistakes
-
Glossary mismatches
-
Incorrect numbers
-
Segment-level inconsistency in the source or target
-
Untranslated content
-
Missing or incorrect tags that may impact the layout of the target content
-
Incorrect decimal separators or units of measurement
-
Inconsistent punctuation in the source and target texts
-
Incorrect or inconsistent punctuation, such as brackets or quotation marks
-
Missing or extra spaces
-
Non-adherence to customer-specific requirements
The AD VERBUM LQA staff select the QA tool most appropriate for the client's content and use it to check the translation. The check usually results in a QA report with potential issues, which the linguist uses to fine-tune the translation and eliminate any errors.
Verifika
QA Distiller
XBench
LTB
Translation Management System (TMS)
We use a Translation Management System (TMS) to streamline our translation and localization processes. We use the TMS to categorize translation assignments into projects, provide instructions to linguists, perform QA and other operations, as well as to maintain our linguist database and issue invoices.
The TMS has a built-in quality module to store client feedback and monitor the performance of our freelancers. The TMS can be viewed as an advanced and well-structured platform used by the AD VERBUM in-house staff and freelance resources alike.
Custom Tools
To meet the needs of our diverse client base, we also use other tools and platforms required by our clients across the globe.
Want us to use your custom in-house tool? We can adapt our workflow and build it around your tool of choice. Do you have specific questions about tools or programs not mentioned above? Do you want to receive a full list of programs we use to produce quality translations? Contact us and we will find the best solution for you.