Specific Translation Services

By: Mikio Moriyasu - Revised: 2006-06-22 devin

Introduction

Information about translation dictionaries, phrase and sentence translation, document translation, and web page translation.


Dictionaries

Dictionaries are the most common form of language translation services available. Practically hundreds can be accessed on the Internet or purchased for use with Windows and Mac OS. These are either stand-alone utilities, support packages that can be used in concert with most word processing applications and web browsers, or functions that are part of more sophisticated translation applications. These utilities are essentially language dictionaries which can be used to look up words and their foreign counterparts.

Ask The Web for Mac OS X

Depending on the size and complexity of the dictionary, the application will present the user with the most likely translation as well as additional options based on verb tense, where in the sentence the word may be used, and if there are additional words that mean have similar meanings. In a few examples, whole sentences can be entered with all of the potential options for every word presented to the user.

Phrase/Sentence Translation

Phrase/Sentence translators can function as dictionaries but are designed to translate short phrases and small groups of sentences. A few will even allow users to cut and past small documents for translation. In most examples, however, the total number of words that can be entered will not exceed more than 300. As a result, they are not very practical for large document translation.


Systran Online Translation Services

Phrase/Sentence translators are widely available as either stand alone applications, as a function of more sophisticated translation applications, or the primary function of most Internet translators.

Translation Experts LTD WordTran for Mac Classic

Most are produced or supported by major language translation software companies and utilize proprietary translation databases and guidelines for their operation.

Document Translation

Available only as dedicated applications, document translators are designed to translate large or technical documents. These applications use an extensive and sophisticated translation database and guidelines to analyze the words, grammar, and to a limited degree, context of the subject document and convert it into a specified language.

Translation Experts LTD NeuroTran for Mac Classic

Most large document translators are produced by major language translation software companies and utilize proprietary translation databases and guidelines for their operation.

Web Page Translation

Web Page translators are a part of most Online services or are a function of more sophisticated translation applications. The user enters a URL and the Online site or application will access the web page, analyze the content, and display the results.

SDL International FreeTranslation Web Translator

FreeTranslation Spanish Translation of University of Utah Home Page

There are a few issues, however, associated with web page translation. Text that is part of a graphic or a header or any pages linked to the converted page will not be translated. In addition, Web pages containing a large number of graphics, Flash animations, or interactivity will take more time to process or may not process at all. Shown below is the Systran Online French translation of the Lego home page. Note how the text in the buttons, animations, and graphics have not been translated.

Systran Online French Translation of Lego Home Page

Most are produced or supported by major language translation software companies and utilize proprietary translation databases and guidelines for their operation.