GLOSSARY
This page provides explanations of specialized terminology commonly used in the translation industry and by translation companies. Please use it as a reference if you encounter any unfamiliar terms when requesting a translation or making an inquiry.
C
CAT Tools
Overview
CAT tools are translation support software designed to assist human translators in improving efficiency and ensure consistency in quality. They reuse past translation assets through translation memory and glossary functions.
Terminology
CAT Tools (Computer-Assisted Translation Tools) software helps translators work efficiently and accurately by providing Translation Memory (TM), Term Base (TB), and quality check functions.
It ensures consistency and speed by using past data and basing work on manual translations.
Unlike machine translation (MT), which is performed by AI, CAT tools assist human translators.
Typical examples: SDL Trados Studio, memoQ, Phrase (formerly Memsource), Wordfast
Use Cases
- For translating documents that contain repeated expressions, such as manuals and user guides
- For unifying terminology between multiple translators in a large-scale project
- For continuing to use the translated data as an asset
Benefits of Implementation
- Increased translation speed and reduced costs
- Ensures consistency in terminology and style
- Enhances efficiency by reusing past translation data
Precautions / Challenges
- Requires initial adoption costs and translator training
- Risks repeating incorrect translations due to inadequate translation memory management
- Requires management and updates of translation memories
- Costs for initial learning and tool adoption
- Requires translator judgment rather than full automation
I
Inclusive Language Practices
Overview
Inclusive Language Practice refers to the use of language that respects and embraces all individuals, accounting for factors such as gender, race, religion, disabilities, and age. Avoiding discriminatory or biased expressions promotes diversity and equality.
Terminology
Inclusive Language refers to the practice of choosing neutral and inclusive words to avoid excluding others or reinforcing stereotypes. This includes revising gender-biased or discriminatory terms in language, which has become increasingly important in corporate branding and global communication.
Examples:
- Replacing “policeman” with “police officer”
- Referring to individuals as “people with disabilities” instead of using outdated or stigmatizing terms
- Using “they” instead of “he/she” to ensure inclusivity
Use Cases
- When creating websites or marketing materials for international companies
- When reviewing discriminatory expressions in source texts during translation
- When preparing informational materials for public institutions or educational organizations
Benefits of Implementation
- Using language that considers diverse audiences enhances trust and fosters empathy.
- Ensures compliance with international ethical standards and corporate DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies.
- Reduces the risk of misunderstandings with readers and customers.
Precautions / Challenges
- In certain contexts, inclusive language may come across as unnatural or awkward.
- “Appropriate expressions” can vary depending on the target language or cultural context, requiring careful consideration.
L
Localization
Overview
Localization optimizes content to make it natural for the target audience by translating the text and adapting it to the language, culture, customs, and legal frameworks of the target market.
Terminology
Localization goes beyond literal translation to adapt content for the target audience. This process involves language adjustments and modifications to elements such as currency, date formats, images, humor, and cultural references, design adjustments, and content restructuring. This ensures the content feels natural and relatable to users in the target region.
Examples:
- Providing a Japanese version of a foreign app or web service
- Adapting product descriptions or advertisements for the Japanese market by Western companies
- Localizing game text, voiceovers, and user interfaces into Japanese
Use Cases
- Multilingual deployment of websites or apps by multinational companies
- Translation of product manuals with cultural adaptations for international markets
- Regional optimization of product descriptions and purchase workflows on global e-commerce sites
Benefits of Implementation
- Enhances brand credibility and user satisfaction in the target market
- Prevents misunderstandings caused by translation errors
- Improves the efficiency of regional marketing efforts and customer support
Precautions / Challenges
- A rigid structure in the source text can make flexible localization challenging.
- Insufficient understanding of local culture or religion can lead to negative outcomes.
- Localization typically requires more time and resources compared to standard translations.
N
Native speaker
Overview
A native speaker is someone who has naturally acquired a language from early childhood and uses it regularly in daily life. Native speakers have the deepest understanding of natural expressions and nuance in that language.
Terminology
A native speaker was born and raised in a specific linguistic environment and speaks that language as their mother tongue. In translation and localization, reviews by native speakers are essential when creating natural and reader-friendly content.
Examples:
- English native speaker (e.g., from the United States, the United Kingdom)
- Japanese native speaker (e.g., a Japanese speaker raised in Japan)
Use Cases
- Proofreading during the final review process (native check) after translation
- Localization review for multilingual websites or advertising copy
- Verifying natural language expressions in international marketing materials and contracts
Benefits of Implementation
- Resolves grammatical or unnatural expressions to create reliable documents
- Allows adjustments that consider the cultural background and nuances of the target language region
- Produces text that conveys a professional and polished impression
Precautions / Challenges
- Being a native speaker does not automatically equate to having editing or proofreading skills, so it is important to select individuals with the appropriate training and professional experience.
- “Appropriate expressions” can differ depending on the target language and cultural context.
- Language expressions can vary across regions and generations, making it essential to choose native speakers who align with the specific purpose and target audience.
Neural Machine Translation
Overview
Neural Machine Translation technology uses neural networks (artificial neural networks) to provide accurate translations by considering the meaning and context of the entire sentence.
Terminology
Neural Machine Translation (NMT) uses deep learning technology to generate more natural and fluent translations.
Unlike conventional statistical methods, it processes text by sentence or paragraph. It selects words and phrases with an understanding of the context within a single sentence, making it easier to obtain a coherent translation. However, current technology has limitations in retaining context for long sentences. Recent studies on “context-aware NMT” and “document-level NMT” have been conducted.
Typical examples: DeepL, Google Translate (current version), Microsoft Translator (NMT version), etc.
Use Cases
- For translating business documents, contracts, etc. that require accuracy and naturalness
- For translating complex syntax and long sentences
Benefits of Implementation
- Enables more natural, contextual translations
- Reduces the risk of mistranslations and literal translations
- Allows continuous learning and improvements due to its model structure
Precautions / Challenges
- Requires advanced computational resources for adoption and operation
- Possible issues with translation accuracy for technical terms in certain fields
P
Per-Word Rate
Overview
Per-Word Rate is a pricing model that calculates translation fees based on a “rate per word.” This system provides clear and fair pricing determined by the volume of the project.
Terminology
Per-Word Rate is a pricing model that calculates translation fees based on the number of words in the source text or the translated text. The rate may be adjusted depending on the project’s volume and complexity, making it the most common pricing structure in the translation industry.
Examples: Rates are typically presented in formats such as $0.10/word (10 cents per word) or ¥15/word.
Use Cases
- Creates estimates when translation agencies assign projects to translators
- Determines invoicing for clients
- Allows freelance translators to outline their own rate structures
Benefits of Implementation
- Provides transparent pricing based on project volume
- Provides accurate estimates based on the word count
- Accommodates projects of any size
Precautions / Challenges
- The basis for word count (source text or target text) may lead to confusion.
- Additional fees may apply for projects requiring tight deadlines or expertise in certain topics.
Phrase(formerly Memsource)
Overview
Phrase (formerly Memsource) is a cloud-based CAT Tool. It is an integrated translation platform for streamlining the entire translation process, including Translation Memory (TM) and Term Base (TB) management and machine translation integration.
Terminology
Phrase is a translation support tool formerly offered under the name Memsource, which was rebranded from “Phrase by Memsource” to simply “Phrase” in 2022 after Memsource merged with Phrase in 2021.
It is characterized by its comprehensive cloud capabilities, including translation project management, translation memory utilization, and integration with machine translation engines. It is flexible enough to handle multilingual and large-scale translation projects.
Use Cases
- For translating multilingual websites and product manuals for global companies
- For centralizing project management and translation processes at translation companies
- For freelance translators to work with clients in the cloud
- For continuously localizing software and mobile apps (Continuous Localization)
Benefits of Implementation
- Browser-based, can be used from anywhere
- Allows centralized management of project progress and translation assets
- Enables a flexible linkage with other translation tools and machine translation engines
Precautions / Challenges
- Paid plans required for some advanced features
- Requires a constant Internet connection, cannot be used offline
Proofreading
Overview
Proofreading is the final editing process. An editor will review grammar, spelling, typos, punctuation, and other errors to enhance the quality of the text.
Terminology
Proofreading is the final stage of the translation or writing process, correcting objective errors such as grammatical mistakes, spelling errors, punctuation issues, and formatting inconsistencies. It does not delve into the meaning or stylistic aspects of the text, but aims to eliminate errors and improve accuracy.
Examples: Commonly applied to pre-publication or pre-delivery checks for books, websites, contracts, product manuals, and other materials.
Use Cases
- Conducting a final check for typos and errors before delivering a translation
- Reviewing an entire website for consistent terminology and formatting prior to publication
- Performing a final review of brochures or materials before printing
Benefits of Implementation
- Prevents errors and inconsistencies
- Builds credibility with clients and readers
- Ensures consistent quality within the team
Precautions / Challenges
- Proofreading is not the same as editing, as it does not involve revising content or verifying the meaning of a translation.
- Large volumes of text require adequate time and resources to complete the task.
S
Statistical Machine Translation
Overview
Statistical Machine Translation is a technology that uses large amounts of bilingual data to build statistical models and automatically generate translations based on probabilistic relationships.
Terminology
Statistical Machine Translation (SMT) uses statistical methods to learn translation patterns based on bilingual corpora (document data) in the source and target languages to translate new texts.
It makes probabilistic judgements on a word or phrase basis to generate the best translation.
Typical examples: Google Translate (early version), Microsoft Translator (early version), etc.
Use Cases
- When you need to quickly translate a large number of documents
- When you need a quick overview of internal documents, web pages, etc.
Benefits of Implementation
- Possible to translate a large number of documents in a short period of time
- Reduced translation costs compared to human translation
- Useful for grasping the overall content in the early stages of translation work
Precautions / Challenges
- Difficult to accurately convey context and nuance, may provide translations of uneven quality due to the nature of a method that simply combines the most probable phrases without considering context. This may also result in unnatural-sounding translations
- Lower precision for text that contains many technical terms and unique expressions
T
Translation Memory
Translation Memory
Translation Memory (TM) is a technology that improves the efficiency and quality of translations by creating a database of past translated sentences and reusing them.
Terminology
Translation Memory (TM) records and stores pairs of translated source and target sentences and automatically suggests similar or matching sentences when creating new translations, supporting translators in their work.
Typical examples: SDL Trados Studio, memoQ, Phrase (formerly Memsource), etc.
Use Cases
- For translating technical documents, manuals, etc. where the same or similar expressions are repeated
- For making differential translations for product updates (translating only the updated parts)
Benefits of Implementation
- Saves work time by increasing efficiency
- Maintains consistent terminology and expressions
- Reduces translation costs
Precautions / Challenges
- Requires regular maintenance and quality control
- Risks of quality degradation due to incorrect translations registered in the memory
Provided Services
Japanese Translation Service
Birdie Discount translation coordinators provide a proposals that meet your quality, delivery, and budget requirements to provide “ready-to-use” translations.
Interpretation Service
Our interpretation service can arrange professional interpreters with extensive experience in international conferences, business meetings, and other events.
Temporary language services staffing and recruitment
We can provide skilled translators and interpreters with experience at major consulting firms on your preferred budget and timeline.