Translation memories (TM) are linguistic databases where all translations are stored for future use. The entries in a translation memory include sentences in the original language (source) and their translation into another language (target). In this blog, we will discuss in more detail what they are, why they are important for our clients, and what the benefits of using them are.

What is a Translation Memory? 

A translation memory (TM) is a translation technology that consists of a lexicon database of a company, client, or user. Each database focuses on collecting segments of text that have been used previously with the intention that they can be reused. This means that when starting a new translation, translators do not have to start from scratch. Through TMs, they can build on their previous work and enrich the database with each project, adding newly translated content that can be reused in the future.

How does a TM work?

In principle, the translator must upload their content to a CAT tool that will start scanning the root text with its software in order to find any type of content already translated that matches the TM.  Translation memories always work in the background of CAT tools, suggesting almost identical words or phrases that have been formed in previous translations stored in their memory. 

Why are translation memories important?

Translation memories are important for several reasons: they ensure a consistent translation in the documents because they make the same thread of words visible in the texts; they centralize the work on a single platform as they allow translators to refer to a single database and thus build a unified language; last but not least, they provide adaptability by subjecting translations to continuous revision and making it possible for each company, client or user to modify the voice of their brand. 

Benefits of TM

Furthermore, the implementation of TMs provides a number of benefits, such as cost reduction, quality improvement, and work time optimization. Let’s take a closer look at what they consist of.

Cost reduction

Working with TMs allows you to quickly identify and classify content into new content, similar content, repeated content, or previously translated content. This drastically reduces costs in the medium and long term because previously approved and quality-monitored translations are reused.

Improved quality

Translation tools allow processing multiple file-formats and generating translated files with a similar layout; this reduces formatting efforts. Translation software together with QA tools facilitates terminology management and automated quality checks, reducing inconsistent translations, grammatical and spelling problems, or numerical and other meaning errors.

Deadline optimization

Another benefit of using translation memory is the optimization of productivity at different stages of a translation project. Translation software also enables real-time collaborative work when teams need to expand to meet tight deadlines.

Boost the productivity and budget of your translation project

At Win & Winnow, we work with all the translation tools on the market. As part of our ISO-certified translation processes, we create translation memories for all the languages our clients assign to us and implement the use of translation technologies as part of our customized quality strategy.

We also offer the following complimentary services:

• Advice on the selection of the translation tool according to your needs;
• Creation and maintenance of translation memories;
• Creation of style guides and glossaries and continuous updating;
• Periodic productivity and cost reduction reports.

If you want to know more about translation memories and how they can help your company achieve its multilingual communication goals, contact us!