Translation and technology : bridging the Gaps

incl. ref.

The skills required of translators have changed dramatically in the last few years; what once was primarily a linguistic activity has evolved into a complex practice requiring both advanced language and computer skills. This presentation covers a range of technologies, providing practical Information on how they can help the translator to translate faster and more accurately and to transition to the changing market. I will first look at the changing nature of the profession, which appears to be the place of an increased number of demands on the translator (for no extra pay). 1 will then discuss a course we have developed at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to help bridge the gap between the new demands of the marketplace and traditional translation training programs. I will next review a number of basic computer tools for the translator, including multilingual word-processing, desktop publishing, Internet codes, communication tools, translation dictionaries and databases, machine translation, and Internet discussion groups. Finally, I will conclude suggesting that all these changes may in the long run have a positive impact on the translation profession; rather than being viewed as a technical scribe, translators will become more involved in the final production of texts. This new status is empowering and will have repercussions in increased prestige and pay for practicing translators.