Translation Blog

Globalisation and technological advances have impacted most business sectors, and the translation industry is no exception! The translation industry is growing fast, both in demand for services and in service providers. For example, the annual value of the translation market has increased year on year and currently shows no signs of slowing down, surpassing £50 billion internationally in 2021. Due to globalisation, the demand for translation services is higher than ever, and the need for the translation of documents between multiple languages is more common. Additionally, the number of translators in the UK and internationally is also increasing.

These positive trends mean the translation industry will become more competitive as translation agencies battle to decrease delivery times, whilst maintaining high quality and fair pricing. Subject matter expert (SME) translators will become increasingly important as the translation industry becomes more competitive.

The Translation Industry – A Highly Competitive Market 

The development of advanced translation technologies has allowed the translation industry to flourish over the past few years, and we only see this trend continuing. Digital translation aids and technology, including automated translations, machine translation (MT) or computer aided translation (CAT), Translation Memory (TM) and artificial intelligence (AI) will increasingly become part of every translator’s toolkit. However, the need for precise localisation and transcreation services will still require human skills to produce a high quality deliverable for the foreseeable future.

Furthermore, modern day translators in the UK need to develop their skills beyond a direct translation of documents. They also need to be adept at integrating multiple software tools into their project workflows. Without such tools to create drafts to add their creative skills too, they will be unable to meet deadlines or offer acceptable pricing.

Many international companies are looking to enter emerging markets in developing countries. Therefore, there is an increased need for translation of documents in the areas of business, legal, medical and scientific fields. This means translation agencies need to work with subject matter experts and industry specialists translating across an ever wider selection of languages.

As the Internet becomes our preferred method of obtaining information, we increasingly rely on search engines. In fact, this trend is impacting the translation industry. If the user is unable to find content online, it will never be read, making Search Engine Optimisation increasingly important. Whilst this will not affect the translation of documents intended for physical distribution, it will affect the translation of websites. We predict the increasing importance of specialist SEO translation. Now when translating content intended for the web, translators in the UK and internationally should also be considering the appropriate use of short- and long-tail phrases. It also needs to rank in the most popular searches.

The Key Future Trends in the Translation Industry include:

1. Growing demand and market potential
2. Increasingly competitive market
3. Faster turnaround times
4. Lower prices in common language pairs
5. Significant reliance on translation technology to aid human translators
6. Requirements for localisation and transcreation services increasing
7. Greater variety of language combinations being translated
8. Increased importance of specialist SEO translation services

Renaissance Translations’ Professional Language Services 

Renaissance Translations are leaders in the translation industry. With over 5,000 translators on our books, including many translators in the UK, we cater to many markets and specialisms. We only work with qualified and experienced translators, translating into their native language, in order to guarantee a high-quality translation of documents. Get in touch today to discuss your project with one of our project managers. We will be happy to become your language services partner.

A lot is lost during the homogenisation of languages. When a foreign language goes extinct, we risk losing cultural traditions, unique expressions, and nuanced meanings that cannot be expressed in other ways. Moreover, all language is used to communicate information, and we risk losing this essential information as languages go extinct.

According to recent studies, the extinction of languages is a real threat. Around 3,500 languages will effectively die out in the coming years as the most remote areas of the world adopt modernisation. This article looks at what happens when we lose languages in more detail, how to learn speaking dominant languages and the current rates of foreign language extinction. 

Why are Languages Endangered?

As the world economy expands and communications speed up, our need for clear communication has increased dramatically. Where throughout history, the use of a foreign language was restricted by geography, this is no longer the case. Today, our need to communicate between all language types has outweighed the benefits of diverse expression.

The current dominant languages are Arabic, English, Spanish, and Mandarin. These four languages have the most native speakers globally. They are also four of the six official languages of the United Nations, used for global communications. As more people learn and communicate using these prominent languages, minor languages risk becoming extinct.

How Quickly will Languages Go Extinct?

The most extreme predictions, 90% of all language groups currently spoken will be in danger by the end of the century, if not completely extinct. This means that we could lose a foreign language every month, and the number of spoken languages will rapidly and dramatically decrease.

The International Congress of Linguists recognises this rapid deterioration of linguistic diversity as a crisis. The United National Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the United Nations are making these facts known through world language recognition programmes and compilations of endangered languages.

How Can we Stop Languages from Disappearing?

Documenting the world’s languages is the only way to ensure that all language is preserved in the future. Unfortunately, this is a gigantic task! Linguists are scrambling to complete the documentation of every foreign language before it’s too late. In fact, the sheer volume of work and the short time frame make this an onerous undertaking.

One researcher, David Harrison, has worked on preserving many endangered languages in Siberia and Mongolia and illustrated the growing issue through his works. However, he believes there is no record for over 85% of all languages. According to his research, 3,500 languages are only spoken by 0.1% of the global population and will be the first we lose.

What if Your Native Language Goes Extinct?

All language is at risk of dying out. If enough people choose to speak dominant world languages, it is easy to see how a minor foreign language can become endangered in only one generation. However, it is these minor languages spoken by 0.1% of the population that will be the first to go—the significant languages in the world should be well-preserved in the future.

Nevertheless, you may have questions: Does teaching your children and grandchildren the language you inherited make sense? Or do you encourage them to study English or another primary language? If learning and communicating in major world languages, your native tongue may be lost. However, speaking dominant languages is essential in the global economy of today.

Renaissance Translations’ Professional Translation Services

The extinction of languages is a real and growing problem. Linguists are working hard to preserve every minor foreign language currently in use. However, documenting all language is a big task, and there is no guarantee that linguists can tackle it in time. Just think: Saving the scrapbooks and letters from an older relative might not even make sense in the future!

At Renaissance Translations, we take our role in sustaining linguistic diversity very seriously. If you assign us to work on a unique combination of languages or a project that could save critical information, we’ll give extra attention to this project. Let us preserve your cultural heritage by translating and protecting your family heirlooms, and contact us today.

Translation technology has come a long way from a simple translating device. Today, advanced technology translation systems are in place, and Language Service Providers (LSPs) use various innovative tools to serve their international clients. These technology translator tools increase efficiency by saving translators time, thereby saving clients money. Technology translations also achieve consistency and more high-quality results.

Even for people within the industry, it can be challenging to understand the differences between translation technologies. The names of different software types are similar, and the abbreviations are often identical. This article will review the commonly referenced translation technology terms. This should help you gain insight into the tools offered by your chosen agency!

Technology’s Translation Memory Software (TMS)

Commonly abbreviated to TMS, translation memory software examines the source text and looks for matching phrases from previously translated documents. It then pulls translations of these phrases and suggests “matching candidates”. Your technology translator can then select to use or reject the proposed translation match offered by the translating device software.

The programme can also search for “fuzzy matches”. A fuzzy match is when nearly all the words in the source document match or are close to a phrase already in the database. In this case, the programme might return a closely matching phrase for the translator to consider using. This is useful for all translations, but especially for legal, engineering, medical or information technology translations requiring precise industry-specific terminology.

If the programme cannot find a match for a phrase or segment of the document, then the translator translates that portion manually. This is when native-speaking experienced translators significantly outmatch technology. Even when compared to the best technology, translator services performed by humans are superior.

Terminology Management (TM) and Translation Memory (TM)

Terminology management (TM) and translation memory (TM) refer to the storage component of the TMS translating device software described above. They essentially act as a database for the terminology used in previous translation projects. Using this technology, translators can search for specific terms using the database or pull up matches automatically using the TMS.

Both terminology management and translation memory are particularly helpful with industry-specific terms, making technology translations or financial translations with sector-specific jargon simple. It also helps with collaboration and ensures consistency with multiple translators working on the same project. They can apply specific vocabulary throughout the project or future projects.

The main difference between terminology management and translation memory is what they store. Translation memories store phrases, sentences, and even paragraphs. However, it does not store specific words – that is the function of terminology management software. As terminology management software stores terms, you may also hear it referred to as a termbase.

Translation Memory System (TMS) or Translation Memory Managers (TMM)

Now is where the rise of many technology translation tools and software becomes confusing! Like translation memory software, a translation memory system is also abbreviated to TMS. A translation memory system is also commonly referred to as a translation memory manager or TMM. For simplicity, we will be using the TMM abbreviation in this article.

A TMM is where you can manage your translation memory software, translation memories, and terminology management systems. You can create new translation memories, edit existing phrases stored in the database, and update language based on your client’s preferences. You can also align documents written in other languages and store the entire text in your TM.

The TMM essentially takes your translating device software and makes it as efficient and optimised as possible. Doing so helps to streamline processes for your technology translator further. They become quicker and more efficient, working to tighter turnarounds and offering more competitive pricing.

Technology’s Translation Management System (TMS)

You might run into the phrase translation management system (TMS), another concept altogether. A translation management system is a programme or group of programmes that aim to automate many parts of the language translation process. The translating device systems also help monitor workflow and facilitate collaboration among translators working on the same project.

In short, a translation management system is an all-in-one solution for some translation agencies. It supports complex translation tasks, including workflow management, translation memory management, terminology management, reporting and machine translation. They help technology translators collaborate, streamline processes, and produce accurate results.

As with all technologies, there are some drawbacks to using these technology translations software and management systems. The most significant drawback is “error propagation;” if a word or phrase is translated incorrectly initially, the mistranslated phrase may be repeated, exaggerating the error. However, the associated benefits far outweigh any drawbacks.

Renaissance Translations’ Use of Technology

Technology translation tools continue to become more commonplace and necessary for the success of many translation firms. As you can see, many of these concepts use the same acronyms. If you see one in something you are reading, ensure that it is clear which translating device software or concept is actually being referenced.

At Renaissance Translations, we have become partners in the Trados LSP Partner Programme. This means that our linguists handle and manage all your projects using SDL translation software to ensure your project is accurate and uses consistent terminology.

Get in touch with our project managers today to discuss your translation project! With the use of advanced technology, our translation services are professional, cost-effective, and efficient!

As a global translation company, we know all about the history of translation. But it doesn’t take an expert to tell you that the translation industry is growing rapidly! The current translation market expanded to just over $56 billion in 2021, which was more than $5 billion growth within two years. With an estimated 300,000 translators in the profession today, working in the translation industry has become a well-respected and in-demand career choice.

Unlike the interpretation of the spoken word, translation focuses solely on converting written content from a source language to a target language. The purpose of translation is to allow information to be shared with diverse audiences with different native tongues. Let’s now look at the critical junctures in translation history that have allowed the industry to expand to what it is today.

1. Creation of Writing Systems

Before the translation market existed, oral storytelling was the only way to pass information from generation to generation. The tradition was (and still is) an honoured practice that shapes cultures. However, the human brain’s ability to interpret, convey and remember details limits the accuracy and completeness of information communicated verbally. We cannot be sure the original content is accurate when passed down through ancestral lineages.

The creation of various writing systems allowed information to be preserved in a more stable format and is the first key milestone in the translation industry. The earliest known writing systems date back to about 3,200 years ago in Mesopotamia and Egypt. As a reference, the Greek alphabet emerged 2,800 years ago. The Latin alphabet we use today is about 2,500 years old, and the Chinese writing system has around 1,200 years of history.

Writing provided source text for those able to communicate in more than one language to read and share with others. Over time, this practice of consuming written content in one language and transforming it into another written language became known as translation. It’s a far cry from the type of global translation company around today, but the first step towards our current position.

2. First Significant Translation

The Bible is the first significant translation in the history of the translation industry. The Old Testament was translated from Hebrew to Greek in the third century BC. Because so many Jewish people no longer spoke Hebrew, they commissioned 70 linguists working in the translation market to independently translate the content. The name of the new translated version was “The Septuagint,” meaning “seventy” in Greek.

As well as being the first major translation, the Bible is also the most translated text in history. As of 2020, portions of the Bible have been translated into 3,415 languages! A non-profit global translation company, Wycliffe Bible Translators, launched have committed to translating the Bible into all other remaining languages worldwide. This should be achieved by 2038.

3. Progression of Writing Systems & Tools

Since the Septuagint was first written, writing tools have progressed significantly. Stone tablets and chisels; knives and wood or bone; damp clay and stylus; ink and leaves or paper; typewriters; and ultimately, computers. With each writing tool improvement, the ability to translate also became more efficient, and the size of the translation market grew.

In the earlier stages, manual handwriting was time-consuming but effective at preserving content over long periods. A significant finding for the translation industry in 1799 was the Rosetta Stone, the first Ancient Egyptian bilingual text carved by hand in 196 BCE. It was almost perfectly preserved and the relic allowed modern scholars to study and translate ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.

Dictionaries, wordlists, and lexicons also came to life along with the birth of writing systems. These books included definitions, common usage, etymologies (word origins), pronunciations, and translations into other languages. Books that assemble information on words in various languages are invaluable to linguistic scholars and translators. They are still useful in helping a global translation company today produce accurate translations.

4. Academic Study of Translation Industry

Intellectuals that study the various facets of language have been known as grammarians or linguistic scholars for centuries. Another historical term was “philology”, the study of language. Therefore, academics were unsure where to place the translation in the curriculum when the translation industry started to emerge. They argued whether it should fall under linguistics or literary studies.

Ultimately, an independent area of academic study focused solely on the translation market emerged globally between the 1950s and1970s. As a result, terms describing translation studies included translatology and traductology. Over time, the industry and profession of linguists working for a global translation company have become known as “translation”.

5. Duplication & Transmission of Data

The printing press came to life in the fifteenth century, replacing the tedious process of a global translation company manually transcribing content. Moreover, the mass production of documents and books created access to information for large public audiences. And translating content into multiple languages proliferated the dissemination of information to readers worldwide.

In the 1970s, the speed of technological advancements accelerated further. Computers with word processing software and facsimile machines were in offices worldwide. The ability to send typed documents across the globe became instantaneous without shipping for the first time. This revolutionised history and the translation industry, enabling people to duplicate and transmit content to a global audience quickly.

Computer modems and the internet took communications to a new level of speed and efficiency overnight. Today, technology plays a pivotal role in sharing data and information and aiding translations. Without these data communication advances, the translation market would not have grown to its current $56 billion standpoint.

6. Translation Quality Controls

As the translation industry matured, so did translators’ qualifications and agency licensing requirements. Translation is no longer a hobby or side job performed by freelancers! A global translation company must register with local authorities, obtain business licenses, and take out professional indemnity insurance.

Reputable agencies also implement strict vetting processes; professional translators must earn translation degrees and hold nationally or internationally recognised certifications. The process of translating content is also becoming systematised and regulated. Typical quality measures in the translation market include matching the source and target languages, industry expertises, and proofreading before delivery.

This all results in higher quality translations that consider cultural nuances and societal preferences. Formal global quality control standards are available in the International Organization of Standardization quality management system ISO 9001 and ISO 17100:2015.

7. Technological Advances in the Translation Industry

The translation industry has come a long way from the days of word processing software only providing basic spelling, grammar, and word count functions. Foreign translating technology is now built into even the most basic software, with programs such as Microsoft Word allowing you to translate your text into hundreds of languages.

Technology within the translation market itself has also advanced. Language technology tools, such as computer-assisted translation tools (CATs), have resulted in a new level of translation accuracy and speed for every content topic. These are used by our global translation company and many others worldwide, yielding significant cost savings and improving productivity.

Translation Memory (TM) has also become common in the industry. All sectors have their own jargon and vernacular with nuanced meanings, and keeping the terms clear and consistent across multiple projects is essential. TM tools have created efficiencies by suggesting “full matches” and “fuzzy matches” for common terms. Translators can now review the computer-generated suggestions to make the best translation decision to achieve the source writer’s intended meaning.

In addition, new technologies have emerged in the translation industry to assist with workflow management. Quality control, project management, and document management systems come together to create an efficient translation process and quality deliverable. Nevertheless, although technology continues to advance, it will probably never be able to extract information and express meaning in a culturally appropriate tone as effectively as the human brain.

Trust a Leader of the Translation Industry: Renaissance Translations 

Renaissance Translations is grateful for the translation pioneers who have advanced the translation industry to the current level. As a global translation company, we have progressed through several challenges and leveraged opportunities to create a network of experts that work hard to improve communications across languages.

If you’re looking for a language partner in the expanding translation market, we can help! Our network of qualified linguists can handle projects in more than 120 languages or industry. With our customer-centric approach and technology-driven processes, we offer translation services you can trust.

Your partnership with Renaissance Translations comes with professional memberships such as ATC and a guarantee to meet any tight deadline placed on us. To discuss your project, contact us today! We look forward to matching one of our professionals to your specific project requirements.