Frequently Asked Questions
This is a question many companies ask before trusting us with their projects. Monica Machado Translation Services is represented by Monica Machado, a totally independent registered and certified translator, who will be the only person working on your documents. Confidentiality together with quality of services are of paramount importance.
As member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI), I endorse CPD – Continuous Development Programme. As part of this programme I do 30 hours of formal/ informal training every year. As a proof of this, once this is achieved annually, the logo below is shown on my website and other documentation.
To know more on my latest CPD actions, visit the News page or refer to my qualifications.
Yes. We use Trados for direct clients and other software like Passolo, MemoQ or Studio for agencies. However, Translation Memory software is only a resource. It cannot replace the human factor. This software assists in keeping track of all documents translated and terminology used and helps to improve consistency. Translation Memory software does not translate anything by itself. For more details please refer to the next question.
Advantages:
- Reuse of translated text and subsequent reduction on translation time and costs. In HSE fields, for instance, documents often present repeated chapters. Using Translation Memory software, it is possible to reuse text previously translated and therefore reduce translation time and costs.
- Improved terminology consistency and cross-references.Most technical documents use specific terminology and translated texts should always contain the same translated term for a specific English term. Companies may have their projects refused by Government institutions if their documents are not presented with the correct terminology.
TM software records all sentences translated once and offers the possibility of terminology searches.
MT stands for machine translation. This is a process where a computer translates using dictionary embedded tools. There is no human intervention although some companies now use people to post-edit those machine-created texts. MT is strongly condemned by most professional translators, us included, because no machine can produce translations that accurately transmit the right idea of the original, especially when dealing with highly complex or technical texts. There is no substitute for human thought.
Computer-assisted translation is sometimes called machine-assisted, or machine-aided, translation (not to be confused with machine translation).
A CAT tool assists translators in keeping consistency, using approved terminology and maintaining a record of all sentences translated.