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Article published In: Babel
Vol. 64:5/6 (2018) ► pp.734–762

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Translation memories and the translator

A report on a user survey

 | Saarland University
 | University of Wolverhampton
 | DFKI GmbH | Saarland University
Published online: 23 January 2019
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/babel.00062.sch
Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive study on the use of translation memory software by translators of different backgrounds. We designed a questionnaire that was completed by a pool of 723 respondents including professional translators, translation students, and lecturers in translation studies and translation practice. We analyse the results of the survey providing important information concerning user requirements, the most important features of TM software, users’ perceived productivity, and market shares.
Résumé
Cet article présente une étude exhaustive sur l’utilisation des mémoires de traduction par des traducteurs d’horizons différents. Nous avons élaboré un questionnaire, qui a été complété par un groupe de 723 répondants, dont des traducteurs professionnels, des étudiants en traduction et des chargés de cours en traductologie et en pratique de la traduction. Nous analysons les résultats de l’enquête en fournissant des informations importantes sur les besoins des utilisateurs, les fonctionnalités les plus importantes d’une mémoire de traduction, la productivité perçue par les utilisateurs et les parts de marché.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
    • 1.1Related surveys
  • 2.Methods
    • 2.1Issues in questionnaire design
    • 2.2Participants profile
  • 3.Results
    • 3.1TM software usage
    • 3.2Market shares
    • 3.3Perceived productivity gain
      • 3.3.1Evaluating individual TM software features
    • 3.4Qualitative analysis
    • 3.5Online-based TM tools
  • 4.Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
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