Learn more about translation concepts

Within the translation industry, there are a lot of terms and concepts to keep track of. We understand that it may be difficult to remember all of them. For this reason, we have created a technical knowledge bank, where you can find definitions of some concepts related to translation and our other language services. Examples include concepts within translation, machine translation or the translation technology we use. Find out what a fuzzy match is, what localisation means and what a Translation Memory does.

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100 % Match

100 % Matches are sentences that are identical with sentences that have been translated previously and saved in the TM. The translator still has to check that the existing translation matches the context.

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Alignment

You can use alignment to reuse old translations. By using the alignment tool, previously translated text and its original source can be aligned and saved in the TM. In other words, a segment from the original text is aligned with the corresponding segment of text it was translated into. This is repeated until every source and target language segment is aligned.

API Integration

API is the acronym for Application Programming Interface. API integration allows one software program to “talk” with another software program. Using API integration, the interface between your content and document management system (CMS, PIM and DMS) and our translation tools can be integrated, enabling the automatic exchange of data.
Learn more about our API solution.

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CAT

CAT is the abbreviation of computer-aided translation. When translators use a CAT tool, it means they use a computer program to help them work much more efficiently while they translate, by among other things, reusing previously translated text where possible (TM). However, CAT should not be mistaken for machine translation. Examples of CAT tools: SDL Trados Studio, STAR Transit and Across.

Lean more about CAT-tools

Context Match

Context Matches are sentences that are not only identical with previous translated sentences in the TM, they also occur in the same context as when they were first translated.

CMS

CMS is the acronym for Content Management System, and it is a system that is used to structure, streamline and manage digital content, such as documents, data and other information. There are different types of CMSs, all depending on the aim of the system. For example, WordPress is a CMS used mostly for web content, while in the field of technical documentation, Component CM-systems (CCMS) are used. CCMS does not divide content in relation to documents but in relation to text components, which makes the technical documentation significantly easier because it allows the re-use of text components in different documents.

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DTP

DTP is the abbreviation of Desktop Publishing. When translating with CAT tools, often the layout of the translated document needs to be worked on, where the text needs to be adjusted because of the specific language (e.g. the changing of font for Eastern European languages) and format adaptations (hyphenation, line breaks).

Learn more about our DTP service

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Embedded content

Embedded content is content that imports another resource into its content. An example of embedded content could be an image or a video, which is embedded on a website.

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File formats

A file format states what kind of file you are using. Not all software programmes can deal with all file formats. Our translation tools allow us to work with every kind of editable file format, including:

Word files (.docx)
InDesign files (.indd)
Photoshop files (.psd)
Framemaker files (.fm)
Excel files (.xls)
Text files (.txt)
XML files (.xml)
HTML files (.html)
However, we prefer not work with PDF files, since generally PDF files are in a non-editable format and a “copy” of the original document. This means for instance, that the text can be “locked” in the format. However, if a file is only available in a PDF format, we can convert it to another format.

Freelance translators

World Translation has its own network of freelance translators. A freelance translator is allocated work on a task-by-task basis. Our extensive network of freelance translators means that we can provide a great deal of flexibility and a large number of different language combinations. All of our translators are highly trained and qualified native language translators, who are evaluated on an ongoing basis.

Fuzzy Match

Fuzzy Matches are sentences, which partially match sentences in the TM. This means that the translator can reuse part of a sentence from the database, i.e. a portion of a previously translated sentence. The degree of matching is stated as a percentage.

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GroupShare
SDL Trados GroupShare is a server-based tool for managing translation projects. The tool allows several parties, e.g. translators and project managers, to access and share resources such as terminology and translation memories on a specific project. This makes collaboration on translation projects significantly easier and smarter.

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Hard/soft line change

A hard line change is used for a new paragraph. For example, you press the Enter key to do this in WORD.
A soft line change is used for a new line in the same paragraph. For example, you press Shift + Enter to do this in WORD.

HTML

HTML is the acronym for Hyper Text Markup Language. HTML is designed to show data and is used to create web documents and websites. HTML uses pre-defined tags, which determine what your web document or website will look like in a browser.

Example of HTML:

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IDML files (see also InDesign)

IDML stands for InDesign Markup file. It is a file that has been created in InDesign and contains a hierarchy of different XML files, which together represent the InDesign file.

InDesign

InDesign is a software program from Adobe for creating page layouts and designs. The aim of the software is to arrange the layout of text and illustrations. InDesign is primarily intended for tasks where creativity and visual design have top priority, e.g. when creating brochures and other marketing material.

International SEO

International SEO covers different aspects: the translation of the website, extraction of keywords, establishment of keywords in the target language, translation of AdWords, etc.

International SEO involves language experts using different techniques to establish the most correct and most frequently used keywords in the target language. Only experienced translators who translate into their native language and who have SEO experience and training are involved. Keywords cannot simply be translated from one language to another, because search behaviour and search engine use changes from country to country.
Learn more about our international SEO.

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Language Service Provider

Language service providers are professional businesses that provide translation services and other language services. Their services may also include proofreading, localisation, terminology management, DTP and more.
World Translation is a leading language service provider, and provides the following services:
• Professional, high-quality translation – regardless of the type of text or language combination
• Translations by highly-trained and qualified native language translators
• Project managers who are language graduates and service-minded
• Translations using the best translation and terminology tools

Legal translations

Legal translations can be for example, translations of contracts, share purchase agreements or articles of association. Legal translations are the most demanding form of translation assignment. When legal documents need to be translated, it is important that the translator understands the intention of the translation and is proficient in the legal terminology.
At World Translation, we only use experienced external legal translators who translate into their native language.
Learn more about translation.

Localisation

Localisation is the linguistic, cultural and stylistic adaptation of a text for a target group. This ensures that all of the cultural requirements are met. In addition to the linguistic adaptations, this can also include the adaptation of units of measurement, date formatting and possibly layout.

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Machine translation

Machine translation uses professional translation software to automatically translate text. Machine translation is usually used when a lot of content needs to be translated in a short period of time, where manual translation is not a realistic option. After the text has been automatically translated, usually a translator will edit the text (post editing).

Learn more about our machine translation service

MultiTerm

MultiTerm is a terminology management tool. It enables you to save and systematise terminology and share this with relevant parties, such as translators, technical documentation authors and others. MultiTerm is a software tool that helps you to ensure the uniform use of terminology across the organisation.
Learn more about terminology management.

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PDF

PDF is the acronym for Portable Document Format. The PDF format is used to present documents independent from what system they were created in, e.g. Word or InDesign. Since PDF files have limited editing options, the content must be extracted, so that the text can be translated using CAT tools. In addition, if the intention is for the translated files to have the same layout as the original, it can require a lot of time to set up the text and images into a file format that can be edited.

Perfect Match

Perfect Matches are sentences that are identical with previous sentences in the selected reference file in Trados format.

Post editing

Typically, when machine translation has automatically translated a text, a translator will then edit the text, this step is known as post editing. How much post editing is required shall be agreed with the customer and is dependent on the desired quality of the translated text. There are two levels of post editing – light or full.

Proofreading

When a text is proofread, it is checked for errors, which are corrected before it is published. At World Translation, we can proofread texts in all languages, which means we also help you to localise the texts.
Learn more about our proofreading.

Pseudo translation

Pseudo translation is a procedure where a simulation of a translation is carried out. Specifically, the simulation shows how a document will look after the translation, and how much DTP work is required to complete the document. Pseudo translation is used as an aid for planning translation projects and for estimating time and costs as effectively as possible.

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Quote

A quote is an offer for the provision of a translation or other language service that you have ordered from us. You can obtain a quote by using our free customer portal. Once you have uploaded the file and selected the language combinations in the customer portal, you will receive an offer in as short a time as possible, showing how much the translation will cost. If you are satisfied with the quote, all you have to do is to accept it and the translation process will begin.
Learn more about our customer portal.

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Relay translation

A relay translation describes the process where an intermediate language is used as a text is translated from one language into another. Sometimes it can be difficult to translate from a “minor” language. For example, when translating from Danish to Japanese, you would use the English language as an intermediate language. The Danish text is first translated into English and this text is then translated into Japanese.

Review Portal

The review portal is World Translation’s review system for companies who want to review and shape their translations. Using the review portal means that reviewing translations becomes an integrated part of the translation workflow.
Learn more about the review portal.

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Segment/segmentation

When a document is translated using a CAT tool, it is split into smaller units, which are called segments. The segments are then compared in a TM for the purpose of reusing previous translations. A segment is usually a whole sentence, it can however also be a whole paragraph. The CAT tool automatically segments the text, based on punctuation and formatting in the document. The segmentation settings in the CAT tool can be adapted as required.

SEO

SEO is the acronym for Search Engine Optimisation. SEO is the term used to describe the work to make a website more visible in a search engine’s organic search results. SEO is the optimisation of the page’s code, the selection of the correct keywords, content on the website and hyperlinks to/from other pages. All of this combined, helps to ensure that your website is better placed in search results compared to your competitors.

smartQuery

smartQuery is a software tool that manages translator queries. The tool enables easy and fast communication with translators. smartQuery centralises our communication and means we can save questions and answers in a customer-specific database for future translations. Not only does this strengthen knowledge sharing with our translators, it ensures information is not lost between projects.

Software localisation
Software localisation is the translation of a software user interface and local adaptation. Local adaptation can be the adjustment of a currency, units of measurement and adaptation to suit cultural differences.

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Tags

When a document is translated using a CAT tool, the translator does not see the document’s formatting and structure (e.g. font types, images). Instead, this information is shown as tags. Since the tags are specific to each file format, this information is different from format to format. However, they share general characteristics. A CAT tool like SDL Trados Studio defines tags in accordance with their function and in that way presents the translator with more information about the content of the segment. To ensure that the translated document retains its original formatting and structure, the tags must not be deleted in the translation.

Termbase

A termbase contains the defined terminology for the desired language. It may be that you want to use different terms depending on the type of text in question. In that case, different termbases for different types of texts is the smart choice. The termbases are confidential and belong to you.

Terminology management

Terminology management ensures the terms and phrases specific to your company are translated consistently and according to your rules. Terminology management identifies industry-specific and company-specific terms, acronyms and abbreviations. You can also stipulate terminology that must not be used in your translations.
Learn more about terminology management.

A Translation Memory (TM) is a customer-specific database containing all of the previously translated sentences. Using a TM, if you are translating text that is similar to text that has already been translated, you can reuse the translated text. This increases translation speed and ensures uniform quality. A TM is the most important element in a CAT tool.

Learn more about Translation Memory

Transcribing

When speech or audio is written down, this is called transcribing, and this may involve audio files or video material that you wish to see in print. Transcribing involves the writing down of speech as it is spoken on an audio file as accurately as possible, so that it is a precise copy of what is said on the recording – the difference is just that now it is on paper.

Training in technical documentation

At World Translation you can complete a TCTrainNet training programme – this is an online training course in technical communication. The course will train you in five competency areas:
– content analysis
– planning
– concept development
– content creation
– media production, publication and distribution.
Learn more about the course.

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Voiceover

Voiceover refers to work with the spoken word. This can be narration for videos, radio advertisements, etc.

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Workflow

In a translation context, a workflow describes the processes that a file undergoes during the entire translation assignment.
To see what the translation workflow looks like at World Translation, click here.

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XBench

XBench is a quality assurance and terminology management program, and it can work with many different CAT formats. The programme can be used to carry out quality assurance checks, for example in SDL Trados Studio or STAR Transit, and it checks translations for consistency, completion, concordance with numbers and much more.

XML

XML is the acronym for Extensible Markup Language. XML is a file format that is used to save and move data from one location to another.

A single-language XML file
A single-language XML file contains a single language. On translation, the source text is replaced by the translated text. For example, if we are tasked with the translation of an XML file from English into Danish, we will receive an English XML file and deliver a Danish XML file.

A dual-language XML file
A dual-language XML file contains two languages. On translation, the source text is retained in the XML file and the translated text is inserted into the same file. For example, if tasked with a translation from English into Danish, we will receive an English XML file and deliver an XML file that contains both Danish and English texts.

You can be assured at all times, that the translated XML files which we return to you will have the same intact XML structure and syntax, so that they can be re-imported into your system without any problems.
Example of XML:

Learn more about translation concepts

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