Most of the time, we get so close to translation & localization projects. And we forget that not everyone knows the technology and tools we use during the process. For example, we sometimes get ourselves describing the difference between Translation Memory and a glossary or terminology database.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the functionality and Glossary, the difference in both, and the advantages of utilizing both Translation Memory and Glossary for your translation & localization projects.

Professional translation services utilize Translation Memory and Glossary daily to save our customer’s translation time and fee and to enhance consistency and quality.

What is translation memory & how does it work?

TM is an exceptional translation tool utilized to monitor and help with the translation procedure. Translation Memory is a software or database system that observes translation progress. It monitors translation in real-time and memorizes every translated passage.

Also, when a paragraph is encountered that has been translated before, the TM tool will let it know the translator and permit him to insert or change this previously translated sentence.

Translation memory also assists in controlling the costs & entire turnaround time throughout the translation & localization procedure. TM tools significantly reduce the time spent translating, thus decreasing the cost to the client. It will result in a quicker turnaround of the translated passage.

TM is a fantastic tool that can achieve consistency, quality, and uniformity because the exact passages identically translate through it. Also, the terminology is employed consistently even if various translators work on multiple portions of a final project.

Translation memory ensures excellent uniformity of passages and terminology throughout multiple documents on the exact subject matter. This consistency will keep even if all documents are translated years apart or if various translators work on different portions of the document. As a result, it will upgrade the translators’ productivity and boost the work’ quality.

What is Glossary & how does it work?

A glossary is a technology that is sometimes known as a terminology database. Also, it is known as Termbase or lexicon, and it’s employed for terminology management. A glossary is a compilation of industry, company, or specific technical terms.

This collaborative tool merged pre-approved terms, pictures, and reference materials for translators to share at the proper time. Also, it can boost the consistency and speed of the translation procedure.

Experts suggest the Utilization of a glossary when there is a freedom of specialized content. A glossary ensures a unified approach to control terminology for different projects across different languages.

It is a valuable tool for managing customer-specific terms in both source & target languages in an efficient way. If there is a high volume of repetition, it can protect both time & money. You can use this terminology by keeping consistency in the translation quality.

An excellent glossary will have source language as critical terms and target language translations. Also, it will have a clear explanation and full context for its usage.

A glossary may have a few specific terms or passages that are not to be translated (NTBT) but are always kept in the source language.

Working on a specific project, highlight core terms to notify the translator of the standardized method for its translation. Beyond highlighting the core term, the terminology database also shows the translator with the established. Approved translation for that project or phrase guarantees consistency, quality, and accuracy every time a key term occurs.

Glossary used by translation & localization translators in combo with their previous translation environment. Perfect terminology databases reduce ambiguity and serve as a guide to translation & localization professionals in how to handle key terminology. Translation Memory and Glossary both are interlinked.

Difference between Translation memory and Glossary:

A Translation Memory is a fantastic tool employed to memorize and help with consistency and quality translating content. On the other hand, a glossary is a specific instruction for translators on how to translate certain terminology for a final translation project.

A glossary can save time, mitigate costs, boost quality, and manage consistency for all localization and translation projects by ensuring explained translations for crucial terminology.

Translation Memory manages consistent terminology & robotically “translates” repetitive text, saving precious time and money. Also, it can improve entire quality.

After the completion of each project for a client, the custom Translation memory and Glossary develop while the course can modify the project and reconcile.

This method makes sure that these fantastic tools are ready for usage in subsequent projects, control consistency across all translated documents, and save charges by reducing the demand to re-translate existing translated passages. We try to make a difference between Translating memory and Glossary. Legal service Translation (LST) is currently using both Translation memory and Glossary and other innovative technology to ensure better service delivery. Also, you’ll get ultimate services related to translating and interpreting.