Computer Science and the Internet for Translators - 2007

Introduction

Until quite recently, the translator’s desk was weighted down with dictionaries and the telephone was essential for making inquiries and asking for clarifications. The computer was a tool solely for writing and saving texts.

Now, however, translators’ desks are neat and clean, since electronic dictionaries have taken the place of books and e-mail has become the primary mode of asking for clarifications. In short, (almost) all of the translator’s tools have been condensed into the computer.

Purpose

The course had a dual purpose:

1) to explain how best to use the computer to facilitate translation; and

2) to present the tools now available on the internet, both online services and tools that can be downloaded and installed from the internet; and to present the basic opportunities for exchanging information among translators: mailing lists and chatrooms for making inquiries.

****
PROGRAM

Wednesday, December 12 – Gotzon Egia

How to adapt the computer for translation

1)Windows functions without a mouse
2)Word for translators:
Advanced Find and Replace functions
Speed Keys
Macros

Thursday, December 13 – Maite Imaz

Internet resources for translators:

  • Spell Check: online and installed on a PC
    - Electronic dictionaries: online and installed on a PC

Overview of online dictionaries and example with those that can be installed on a PC:

  • Euskalbar: consulting many dictionaries simultaneously
    - Applications for managing translation memory: Wordfast
    - Material for translation memory applications
    - Online automatic translation programs
    - A mailing list for translators: ItzuL
    - Chatrooms for making inquiries: Euskaltzaindia, Duda-Muda

This course was funded by CEDRO (Centro Español de Derechos Reprográficos, Spanish Reproduction Rights Center).