Jill Orenstein Translation Tools in a Professional Setting Jill Orenstein Universitat Rovira i Virgili

Jill Orenstein Introduction The basic questions: when do translators start using translation memory tools?, what lead to the decision to use them? how do translators train to use translation memory tools?

Jill Orenstein Defining Translation Tools Esselink: “All tools [...] create a translation memory of the translations entered, which can be used later to quickly update new versions of source files.” (1998: 133) Austermühl: “Translation memories thus recycle existing translation so as to reduce time and costs as well as improve quality and consistency.” (2001: 135)

Jill Orenstein Training for Technology Productive training for practicing translators Lifelong career training National or International standardized training Curriculum development for translation and localization tools

Jill Orenstein Industry Survey LISA Translation Memory Survey Highlighted comparable data: Trados at 71%, SDLX at 28% and DejaVu at 24% Tool choice vs. time used: most fall within the 1 to 5 year range

Jill Orenstein Method: Questionnaire Limited survey of 10 open-ended questions in sequence Goals: to provide an snapshot of freelance profiles to determine whether the topic is of significant interest to look for possible problems

Jill Orenstein Method: population Requirements: Practicing translator Association member Conference attendance New England Translators Association Self-selecting volunteers Action Research Anonymity ensured

Jill Orenstein Results: saturation Between the years 1998 and 2000, translation memory tools reached peak Average: yr Reflections: Relatively new advancements Rapid expansion of TM tools Research potential

Jill Orenstein Results: training method 50% Self-taught 28% help files and user manuals tied with training from colleagues 22% workshop attendance

Jill Orenstein Results: motivators 44% Required by client or agency 28% Increased productivity and better consistency 17% Stay competitive

Jill Orenstein Conclusions Decision-making process leading up to receptivity toward TM tools Freelance translator profiles: 4 Broad range of service levels Advances in translation technologies allow the translator to focus on language skills

Jill Orenstein Further Considerations Clarify the term 'translation tool” in the instructions. Blended answer format: open- and closed-ended Carefully direct open-ended answers Consider other factors, i.e. language pair Compare with professional groups from other regions

Jill Orenstein Translation Tools in a Professional Setting Discussion! Jill Orenstein