#26299
An Introduction to Machine Translation
The mechanization of translation has been one of humanity's oldest dreams. In the twentieth century it has become a reality, in the form of computer programs capable of translating a wide variety of texts from one natural language into another. This book introduces methods adopted in current systems
Hutchins, W. John and Harold L. Somers. Academic Press (1992). Books>Language>Localization>Machine Translation
#26280
Java Localization with Translation Memory eXchange Standard
One of the main concerns of internationalization consists of separating the main source code from the texts, the labels, the messages and all the other objects related to the specific language in use. This article briefly explain the TMX standard and a simple TMX Java bridge.
Asuni, Nicola. evolt (2005). Articles>Language>Localization>Machine Translation
#25820
This paper aims to assist instructors in informing students of various aspects involved with learning translation and interpretation in a university setting. Because such courses rarely last beyond one or two semesters, many students enroll in such classes with erroneous assumptions about course content and unrealistic expectations about what they can accomplish. The author presents ten concepts that ideally should be presented to and understood by students prior to their enrolling in a university translation or interpretation class so that they may be both realistic and productive in their learning goals.
Rubrecht, Brian G. Translation Journal (2005). Articles>Education>Translation
#25821
Language Learning in Translation Classrooms
Although practicing translators and interpreters are not in the classroom to learn, one of the major benefits to teaching is definitely how much teachers do learn about the complexity of the learning process by supporting student efforts to become competent professionals. One of the common errors that new instructors at university make however is to assume that their students are already expert learners. Because university students are adults, many instructors presume that their own role consists of presenting material once, applying it briefly and then moving on to a new concept. They often assume students are able to apply newly acquired concepts in foreign situations after having been exposed only briefly. However, this may not be the case.
Goff-Kfouri, Carol Ann. Translation Journal (2005). Articles>Education>Translation
#30372
A Layered Approach to Translating Online Documentation 
Localizing a large online documentation system is a significant, expensive, and ongoing project. SAP AG has adapted a layered approach to translation to help manage an online help system in 12 languages. This approach is based on an analysis of online documentation categories, and it is implemented by an analysis of the target markets. Technologies such as hypertext linking and text embedding need to be carefully controlled in order for this approach to be successful.
Elliott, Keith H. STC Proceedings (1993). Articles>Documentation>Translation>Localization
#25811
A Lifetime of Learning and Teaching
After more than 30 years of making money as a translator, I wonder why no one ever thought of guiding me in that direction. Instead I was left to find it for myself, as the result of fortunate circumstances and opportunities I somehow created for myself.
Howell, Betty. Accurapid (2005). Articles>Education>Translation
#29198
This is a list of limitations of the types of automated audio translation offered by such services as Talkr.com. Since we do not see a list in their help center, we thought we would compile our own list and offer it as a wiki page for any customers to keep a list of limitations.
KeyContent.org (2007). Articles>Language>Translation>Audio
#19993
Linguistic Issues in Authoring for Technology-Enabled Translation
For many corporations, growing international is almost a must. Obviously, human translators play a key role in this difficult venture. A range of computer tools aimed at expediting the translation process are now being used by translators. However, whether or not translation tools are used, translators feel frustrated and blame technical writers for their flaws. Authoring does not seem to be done with translation in mind, and the linguistic issues to be solved up front are sometimes countless. An efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality translation requires the right combination of ingredients, and proper authoring will have a major impact on the entire process.
Rivas, Juan-Carlos. STC Proceedings (1999). Articles>Language>Localization>Machine Translation
#14087
The LISA Toolbar enhances your ability to look up multilingual dictionary definitions from anywhere on the web and takes only seconds to install. When the LISA Toolbar is installed, it will appears along with the Internet Explorer toolbar. This means you can quickly and easily use the dictionary to lookup a word from any website location. The LISA Dictionary toolbar is powered by LOGOS.
#25795
Here are some signs gleaned from various websites, including www.interweavers.com/brett/humor/signs.world.html and www.engrish.com/, that have amused (and confused) even the most jaded of us.
Straus, Jane. Grammarbook.com (2004). Humor>Language>Translation
#30154
The task of communicating in a global environment requires planning, sensitivity and expert help. The authors have developed a series of check lists and tips to guide writers, editors, and other members of the localization team through the process.
Sellin, Robert and Elaine Winters. STC Proceedings (1997). Articles>Language>Translation>Localization
#25762
Machine translation links - Not really internationalization but sometimes usefull
i18nGurus.com. Resources>Directories>Translation>Machine Translation
#23490
Machine Translation - 2001 Has Already Arrived
The easiest way to cope with existing language barriers undoubtedly is the use of translation programs, electronic helpers that translate texts automatically. However, with high expectations meeting poor quality translation results in the past, press media regularly concluded that users had better learn the language themselves or employ at least a human translator. Yet a closer look at modern machine translation (MT) programs allows a more subtle view.
Bauer, Elisabeth. TC-FORUM (2000). Articles>Language>Localization>Machine Translation
#23477
Machine Translation - A New Dimension and What You Can Expect
Instead of 'translation', AltaVista offered me unbelievable junk, evidently, an unedited MT version of American promotional material. The text was unreal, the result of a myth: You click a button and the translation is staring at you. You are in the middle of a jungle.
Klein, Fred. TC-FORUM (1998). Articles>Language>Localization>Machine Translation
#23473
Machine Translation - Mystery, Misery or Miracle 
As one of the first users of commercial MT in the United States, and as a senior professional translator, I see MT as one of many 'tools.' As an independent expert without connections to the industry I can be objective. Since 1980 I have used one system for years and have worked on and tested others. Few translators have years of experience in both the conventional and the MT fields.
Klein, Fred. TC-FORUM (1997). Articles>Language>Localization>Machine Translation
#24441
Machine Translation and Multilingual Technical Communication
The demand by the global market for products which have been localized has brought a whole set of issues and concerns to international technical communication. Of particulur interest is the need to translate technical documentation into a number of languages without sacrificing the necessary timeto-market. Old solutions and processes are insufficient. This paper explores some of the computational tools now offered by the machine translation industry for the facilitation of multilingual document translation as modern corporations need it.
Bennett, Winfield Scott. STC Proceedings (1995). Articles>Language>Localization>Machine Translation
#30516
Machine Translation and Technical Communcation
Machine translation, the use of computers for translating between languages, is only now coming of age, just at a time when there is increasing need for such technology. Views of machine translation range from realistic assessments to extravagant statements for and against the technology. The reality is that machine translation can provide high-speed automated quality translation depending on a variety of factors; it is not a panacea for all translation problems. Successful machine translation requires human-computer interaction which promotes the strengths of each. Machine translation has reached a stage at which it can contribute to multilingual technical communication.
Bennett, Winfield Scott. STC Proceedings (1993). Articles>Language>Translation>Machine Translation
#26298
Machine Translation Today and Tomorrow
The field of machine translation (MT) was the pioneer research area in computational linguistics during the 1950s and 1960s. When it began, the assumed goal was the automatic translation of all kinds of documents at a quality equalling that of the best human translators. It became apparent very soon that this goal was impossible in the foreseeable future.
Hutchins, W. John. Gardez Vlg (2002). Articles>Language>History>Machine Translation
#13187
Machine Translation: An Objective Look and Primer
Machine Translation is a wonderful technology partner for the technical communicator, saving, under the right circumstances, time and money. As with any partnership, roles, responsibilities, and accountability must be clearly defined. In this human-machine partnership, the technical communicator shoulders most of the responsibility. There are many translation systems available, and the one that is best for you can be identified by considering, among other things, the purpose of the translation, its audience, the document’s size, and the desired quality. Despite the sophistication of the systems currently on the market, a human translator is a requirement for most post-translation editing!
Luttrell, Carol. STC Proceedings (2001). Presentations>Language>Localization>Machine Translation
#26300
Machine Translation: General Overview
This chapter introduces the main concepts and methods used for machine translation systems from the beginnings of research in the 1950s until about 1990; it covers the main approaches of rule-based systems (direct, interlingua, transfer, knowledge based), and the principal translation tools; and it concludes with a brief historical sketch.
Hutchins, W. John. Oxford Univ Press (2003). Articles>Language>Localization>Machine Translation
#29662
Managing Translations: Achieving Quality by Coordinating All Available Resources
Technical communicators have many potential advantages for managing the translation process. When the translation process is outsourced, the technical communicator can ensure that the translators have access to all the resources necessary to achieve quality documents. The same resources used to create the source document will be valuable resources to a translator. Also, the SME team can become an essential part of ensuring the quality and completeness of the translated documentation.
Poiré, Elisabeth. STC Proceedings (2005). Articles>Language>Translation>Technical Translation
#28285
The New European Standard for Translation Services
The new European standard DIN EN 15038 on translation services will become effective on August 1, 2006.
TC World (2006). Articles>Language>Standards>Technical Translation
#25823
On Dictionaries: A Conversation with Ilan Stavans
An interview with the Lewis-Sebring Professor of Latin American and Latino Culture at Amherst College.
Albin, Verónica. Translation Journal (2005). Articles>Language>Translation
#25819
On Idioms, Intertextuality, Puddings, and Quantum Physics (all of them in simultaneous, please)
These notes were triggered by an anecdote recently reported by trainee interpreters at the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The anecdote has to do with the way interpreters handle idiomatic expressions and more generally what is known as "culture-bound" items, or realia.
Marzocchi, Carlo. Translation Journal (2005). Articles>Language>Translation
#25121
Outsourced Technical Translations: Assuring Quality
Technical communicators who serve international audiences must prepare for and manage translations, yet they cannot read the outsourced translation, may have no knowledge of the target culture, and rarely have access to resident linguists who can verify the quality of the work. As well, the time frame in which material is translated is usually short and associated funding is vulnerable. Still, practitioners are expected to maintain corporate standards of language style, grammar, and accuracy. This paper examines the fundamental challenges of outsourcing technical translation, and offers tools and techniques that can be used to assure quality, at arms’ length, in the absence of access to a native speaker of the target language.
Douglas, Gordon J. and Sarah E. Eaton. STC Region 7 Proceedings (2002). Presentations>Language>Localization>Technical Translation
