What is Translation Memory (TM)?
Translation Memory is a kind of library when all the previous translated words, paragraphs, and even texts are stored.
What does TM include?
Translation memory consists of translated units or TUs. They include the source language and the target one.
TUs can be an exact match (these are 100% match, but we do not know about the context), fuzzy matches (these are below 100% match: there are differences in the source text such as numbers, tags, proper names, punctuation, etc), in-context match (101% match – the form and the context of the source text are exactly as the ones in translation memory)
Where can I use TM?
Translation memory is used in translation software or so-called CAT tools, like Trados or memoQ. They offer you a previously translated target segment or word that will completely or partially coincide with the source segment and you are to confirm or edit this segment according to your source segment. This is very useful, especially if you need the translation in such areas as clinical trials, medicine, or life science.
Benefits of using TM in your work?
It accelerates the speed of translation processes and reduces the number of inconsistencies that can be made by a translator who works without TM. The second: it will increase the turnaround and you will be able to make more translation projects without losing quality. For clinical trial companies, TM management helps to maintain terminology and documentation consistent and reduce costs.