tõlkimismäludele

Tõlkimismälud, often referred to as translation memories (TMs), are databases that store previously translated segments of text. These segments typically consist of source text sentences or phrases and their corresponding translations. The primary purpose of a translation memory is to facilitate and improve the efficiency of the translation process, particularly for large or repetitive projects.

When a translator works with a translation memory system, the software analyzes the source text to be translated. It then compares each segment of the source text against the existing entries in the TM database. If a match is found, meaning an identical or very similar source segment already exists in the TM, the system retrieves the corresponding translation. This retrieved translation is then presented to the translator for review and potential editing.

The benefits of using translation memories are numerous. They ensure consistency in terminology and style across a project, which is crucial for maintaining brand identity and clarity. By reusing previously translated content, TMs significantly reduce translation time and costs, as translators do not need to re-translate identical or similar sentences. This also leads to faster turnaround times for projects. Furthermore, TMs can help to improve the overall quality of translations by promoting consistency and reducing the likelihood of human error. They are an integral part of modern computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools.