HO CHI MINH CITY OPEN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ADVANCED STUDYGRADUATION INTERNSHIP REPORT MAJOR: BUSINESS ENGLISH THE USE OF COMPUTER ASSISTED TRANSLATION CAT TOOLS IN PROFESSIONAL TRANSLATI
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
As we approach the end of 2023, the translation industry is experiencing a significant transformation driven by remarkable technological advancements (O’Brien et al., 2017) My passion for translation and the fusion of languages and cultures has led me to take on the role of subtitle translator at VIET NAM YBOX TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED This innovative company exemplifies the harmonious coexistence of cutting-edge technology and traditional translation expertise In this digital era, my position offers not just a job but a promising career opportunity, where linguistic precision and technology align My objective as a subtitle translator is to enhance my skills and improve the accuracy and efficiency of the translation process by leveraging Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) techniques, paving the way for exciting advancements in the field.
Goal
This report aims to highlight the significant benefits of Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools in enhancing translation accuracy and productivity By analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of technologies like Grammarly, Quillbot, and Google Translate, the report advocates for their faster and broader adoption These innovative tools are not just enhancements; they represent the future of the translation industry by streamlining processes while ensuring exceptional accuracy and speed Ultimately, this report seeks to transform skepticism into acceptance and foster a shared understanding of how CAT tools can redefine the translation landscape.
The primary goal of this internship report is to thoroughly investigate the benefits thatComputer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools bring to individuals undergoing translation internships.
Here are the two main research questions for this paper
Research question 1: How can CAT tools replace or augment human translation capabilities?
Research question 2: Can the integration of machine learning algorithms further refineCAT tools for improved translation accuracy?
Limitations
This research has inherent limitations, primarily drawing from the experiences and insights of employees at VIET NAM YBOX TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED While these professionals are central to our investigation, it's important to understand that the realm of CAT tools and professional translation is extensive and varied, encompassing much more than our organization alone Consequently, the experiences and constraints discussed may not comprehensively reflect the full spectrum of CAT technologies or the global translation industry Therefore, this study should be viewed as a focused perspective on a multifaceted profession.
Methodology
This report employs a descriptive study methodology to thoroughly explore the advantages and disadvantages of Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) technologies in professional translation It aims to provide an in-depth analysis of CAT tools, highlighting their potential while critically assessing their limitations By systematically reviewing existing literature and incorporating real-world experiences, the report seeks to uncover the true impact of CAT tools on the field of professional translation.
By conducting a thorough evaluation of their benefits and drawbacks, we aspire to provide a holistic view of their role within a translator's toolkit, highlighting their potential.
Report structure
OVERVIEW OF VIET NAM YBOX TECHNOLOGY
Ybox's business results
CHAPTER 2: OVERVIEW OF VIET NAM YBOX
2.2 YBOX.VN is the largest, active, talented, and eager-to-learn community of young people and students in Vietnam, with nearly half a million monthly visits (unique visitors), rated among the 500 largest websites in Vietnam, according to Alexa.com and Similarweb.com To date, YBOX.VN has been used by more than 8 million young people and Vietnamese overseas students in 200 countries around the world YBOX is the official partner of top global businesses such as Unilever, BAT, Deloitte, etc for startups and SMEs.
Firm name: VIET NAM YBOX TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMTED Abbreviated name: YBOX INC Co., LTD
Address: No 42, Lane 290, Kim Ma Street, Kim Ma Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi City, Vietnam
Representative: Ms Nguyen Thao My and Ms Nguyen Thi Thanh
Managed by: Ba Dinh District Tax Department
Type of business: Non-state limited liability company
Ybox serves as a valuable resource for young individuals, offering a wealth of information and articles on essential topics such as creating a Curriculum Vitae (CV), recruitment processes, scholarships, events, competitions, writing books, skill development, workshops, youth philosophy, and English learning videos The website consistently updates its content to provide relevant and timely information.
THE DYNAMICS OF COMPUTER ASSISTED
An overview of Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) Tools
The evolution of Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) technologies has significantly transformed the translation landscape This report explores the historical origins and development of CAT tools, highlighting their crucial role in professional translation We will examine the functionality, advantages, and limitations of CAT technologies, focusing on the dynamic interplay between technology and the subtle nuances of language translation.
Computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools significantly enhance productivity and translation quality, facilitating international communication and overcoming language barriers (Doherty, S., 2016) These software applications, installed on personal computers, streamline the translation process by ensuring consistency and efficiency, allowing translators to handle larger workloads in less time CAT tools utilize translation memory to automatically suggest previously translated phrases, saving time and effort by avoiding repetitive typing This memory is regularly updated and organized by topic or project, ensuring high consistency across translations However, CAT programs may struggle with culturally nuanced or localized text, necessitating human oversight for final edits Thus, while CAT tools are invaluable for improving workflow, human expertise remains essential in delivering polished translations.
In today's global translation industry, including Vietnam, professional translators and interpreters commonly utilize at least one type of translation assistance software to meet client demands effectively The two primary categories of these tools are online and offline translation support software This article will explore the key functions and features of these tools, highlighting their practical benefits and demonstrating the effectiveness of Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) software to help users select the most suitable option for their needs.
Machine translation systems consist of multiple components that collaborate to analyze and translate text effectively Key elements of a Computer Assisted Translation system include various tools and technologies that enhance translation accuracy and efficiency.
To ensure accurate translation, the initial text undergoes preprocessing, which includes language identification and normalization This process involves cleaning the text by eliminating special characters, recognizing proper nouns, and breaking the content into manageable words or phrases.
A language model is a statistical or neural framework designed to understand and replicate language patterns and structures By analyzing extensive datasets in both source and destination languages, it learns to predict the likelihood of various phrases and sentence constructions.
A translation model is a statistical or neural framework designed to convert text from a source language to a target language To ensure accurate translations, it is trained on a substantial amount of aligned bilingual data.
The decoding process utilizes advanced language and translation models to deliver the most accurate translation of a source text This entails identifying the best sequence of words or phrases in the target language that aligns with the original sentence.
Post-processing: The generated translation is then post-processed to eliminate mistakes, change word order or tense, and apply formatting as needed.
The evaluation of the completed translation involves assessing its quality and identifying areas for enhancement This process may include comparing the translation to a reference version or utilizing automated assessment tools such as BLEU metrics and TER measurements.
The evolution of CAT
Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) tools have their origins in the 1950s, coinciding with the public introduction of computers The initial attempts at automating translation involved basic rule-based systems aimed at replacing human translators In 1949, Warren Weaver from the Rockefeller Foundation outlined several recommendations to realize the concept of a translation machine.
Leveraging insights from information theory, lessons learned from World War II, and principles of natural language, he laid the groundwork for creating machines capable of translating languages He initiated an experiment to explore the feasibility of an automated language translation machine using early computing technology Weaver's strong foundation in mathematics and language theory was essential in shaping and defining the objectives of the experiment.
The Georgetown-IBM project marked a significant milestone in machine translation history when, in 1954, IBM showcased a system capable of translating 250 Russian phrases into English at its New York headquarters This groundbreaking achievement captivated global interest, leading to substantial investments in the field of computer science Despite their initial success, the researchers of the Georgetown experiment predicted that machine translation technology would be refined and perfected within the next three to five years.
Figure 3.1 The Georgetown-IBM project
Despite initial achievements, machine translation has continued to pose significant challenges for researchers This ongoing difficulty is evident in the fact that, even 60 years after its early successes, the translation algorithms have yet to be fully refined and developed.
Early machine translations provided a basic understanding of texts, but they were not perfect Despite a decline in interest in machine translation in the United States, other countries continue to develop their own algorithms Notably, Canada launched the METEO System in the 1970s to translate weather reports from English to French, successfully translating 80,000 words daily from 1977 to 2001 before being replaced by newer technology.
In recent years, deep learning techniques, particularly neural machine translation (NMT), have significantly improved machine translation by effectively modeling the entire translation process These advanced algorithms have demonstrated exceptional results across various translation tasks, leading to their widespread adoption in both commercial and academic settings.
Figure 3.2 The Neural Machine Translation (NMT) Mechanism of GoogleTranslate
Machine translation has significantly evolved from its early stages, becoming an essential tool for facilitating communication and collaboration across different languages and cultures Nevertheless, challenges persist, and ongoing efforts are necessary to improve the accuracy and quality of translations.
The benefits of employing CAT Tools in professional translation
CAT tools are essential for effective project planning and time management in translation, as they allow users to document their processes and showcase completed translation or proofreading tasks Research by Garcia-Sanchez et al (2009) highlights the significant impact of CAT tools on strategic planning, enabling translators to organize their time efficiently By providing a systematic approach to translation workflows, CAT systems enhance overall project management and facilitate better time allocation.
Data protection and backup are crucial in preventing issues like damaged files, computer crashes, and accidental deletions CAT technologies effectively mitigate risks associated with data loss by automating the saving of every translated text, ensuring the creation of backup files This approach provides a reliable solution to unexpected technological disruptions, safeguarding your work and enhancing data security.
Utilizing translation memory and support tools significantly enhances efficiency by saving time during the translation process For instance, when translating an instruction manual that undergoes upgrades, the core structure remains similar, requiring only minor adjustments Translation memory minimizes the need for re-translation, allowing translators to focus on new content Research by Carl and Schaeffer (2015) highlights advancements in Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools, particularly the integration of machine learning algorithms These technological innovations not only expedite translation but also improve the accuracy of translation memory recall by enabling tools to understand contextual nuances Their findings underscore that CAT tools not only save time but also elevate the overall quality of translated materials.
Using translation memory ensures consistency in translations by storing and suggesting challenging terms, including specialized vocabulary and idiomatic expressions This tool simplifies the process of maintaining uniformity across translations, making it easier to handle difficult-to-translate content effectively.
In translation, a single word can have multiple interpretations across different languages Without the use of Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools, the final document may exhibit inconsistencies, as the same source term could be translated in various ways This issue is further compounded when multiple translators work on a large project, potentially leading to different translations for identical terms.
Ensuring consistency in translation output can be challenging, but Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools offer a solution By utilizing Translation Memory, these tools maintain uniformity in word choice throughout the translation process This not only enhances the quality of the projects but also results in smoother translations overall.
All CAT solutions come equipped with advanced translation quality assurance features, including automated error correction, grammar and formatting flagging, and identification of missing translations and inconsistent numbers These functionalities enhance the efficiency of translators and streamline the project clean-up process for project managers, making them a superior alternative to traditional machine translation.
In their 2015 research, Carl and Schaeffer examined the evolving landscape of Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools, focusing on recent advancements, particularly the integration of machine learning algorithms They found that these technological innovations have not only accelerated translation processes but also significantly improved the accuracy of translation memory recall The study reveals that machine learning enables CAT tools to grasp and utilize nuanced contextual information, leading to more precise and contextually appropriate translations Ultimately, Carl and Schaeffer underscore the transformative potential of CAT tools, highlighting their role in enhancing the overall quality of translated materials beyond mere efficiency.
CONCLUSION
CHAPTER 2: OVERVIEW OF VIET NAM YBOX
YBOX.VN is Vietnam's largest community of young individuals and students, attracting nearly half a million unique visitors each month and ranking among the top 500 websites in the country, according to Alexa.com and Similarweb.com With over 8 million users, including Vietnamese students abroad in 200 countries, YBOX.VN serves as a vital resource for the youth The platform collaborates with leading global companies such as Unilever, BAT, and Deloitte, focusing on supporting startups and small to medium-sized enterprises.
Firm name: VIET NAM YBOX TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMTED Abbreviated name: YBOX INC Co., LTD
Address: No 42, Lane 290, Kim Ma Street, Kim Ma Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi City, Vietnam
Representative: Ms Nguyen Thao My and Ms Nguyen Thi Thanh
Managed by: Ba Dinh District Tax Department
Type of business: Non-state limited liability company
Ybox is a valuable resource for young individuals, offering a wealth of information and articles on essential topics such as creating a CV, recruitment, scholarships, events, competitions, writing, skills development, workshops, youth philosophy, and English learning videos The website is frequently updated with new content, ensuring students have access to the latest opportunities for employment, internships, studies, and free workshops.
Y-Scholarship (Scholarship Box): Information on scholarships from university level and above, cultural exchange scholarships, etc.
Y-Contest (Contest Box): information about contests for students and young people to help encourage your enthusiasm in many different fields.
Y-Recruitment (Recruitment Box): recruiting news from corporations, social groups, huge clubs, etc.
Y-Skill (Skill Box) focuses on sharing essential soft skills, including leadership, communication, and business development Meanwhile, Y-Success (Success Tales) features inspiring stories of both success and failure from dynamic young individuals in various fields, as well as contributions from YBOX readers, highlighting their personal journeys.
2.3 The company’s establishment and development history
Following its impressive triumph at the 2015 Startup With Kawai competition at Foreign Trade University, Ybox garnered over 1.4 million visits and secured investment from Silicon Valley Aiming to create a platform that connects education, job opportunities, and professional development for Vietnamese youth and students, YBOX Vietnam Technology Company Limited was officially founded in December 2015.
Figure 2.3 Dang Hong Thai was honored at the Startup With Kawai competition in 2015
Mr Dang Hong Thai, the General Director and founder of YBOX.VN, was recognized by Forbes Vietnam in 2020 as one of the 30 outstanding individuals under 30 in the social field Throughout his student years, Mr Thai actively engaged in various school activities, including social entrepreneur clubs and community projects, which fostered his commitment to environmental protection in Hanoi His dedication opened doors for him to gain international experiences, such as participating in the ASEAN Student Conference in Malaysia and competitions in Thailand and Cambodia After facing challenges in securing employment, he pivoted towards pursuing a Master's degree scholarship and ultimately secured a position at a Philippine firm focused on internet business.
In 2013, Dang Hong Thai and a group of international students launched Ybox on Facebook, dedicating evenings and weekends to develop the platform while balancing full-time jobs Despite initial challenges, including unpaid staff, Ybox achieved significant milestones within a year, attracting 1.5 million registered users and 3.5 million page views It emerged as a vital resource for young people, offering career options, study opportunities, scholarships, and skill development programs As Ybox gained credibility, it became a trusted platform for companies to post job openings During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ybox further established itself as a crucial link between job seekers and employers, as reported by Tuoi Tre online daily.
2021, Ybox had 20 million members, and one million people joined each month (Uyen Uyen, 2022).
Figure 2.4 YBOX is Forbes Vietnam's official media partner for the Forbes 30 Under 30 2018 event.
After nine years of operation, Ybox has established itself as a trusted platform for millions of young people, primarily students, offering a wealth of full-time and part-time job opportunities from numerous employment agencies Beyond job listings, Ybox serves as a hub for sharing life skills, empowering youth to develop their passions and achieve their goals Unlike traditional recruitment sites, Ybox fosters a community where users can exchange knowledge, experiences, and hobbies, as well as connect with potential job opportunities The website, Ybox.vn, features a diverse range of articles and stories tailored to young people's interests, including recruitment, scholarships, events, personal development, psychological insights, and career orientation With over 200 articles updated daily, the platform particularly highlights content related to youth psychology, catering to the need for optimism amidst life's pressures Notably, Dang Hong Thai received recognition at the 2015 Kawai competition.
By June 2020, the YBOX website had reached more than 20 million out of more than
Vietnam has 68 million Internet users, with around one-third visiting YBOX Among these users, 70% are students, international students, and recent graduates aged 18 to 24, primarily from top economics institutions in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as from approximately 200 countries and territories worldwide.
Figure 2.5 The amount of Ybox.vn users
Figure 2.6 Age and gender ratio of Ybox users
In November 2023, Ybox achieved over 1.8 million sessions and attracted more than 600,000 unique users, resulting in over 2.8 million page views This impressive performance positioned Ybox as the 772nd largest website in Vietnam and ranked it 52nd in the education and science category, according to SimilarWeb.
Website www.Ybox.vn (according to Similarweb.com) on December 30, 2023 Ranked 835th among the largest websites in Vietnam and 58th in the field of science and education
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ybox.vn
YBOX is dedicated to delivering exceptional services to prominent clients, including multinational companies like Unilever, the British Council, RMIT International University, and British American Tobacco, as well as innovative startups such as Shopee and Haravan The company specializes in high-quality solutions for recruiting young talent and promoting study abroad events and courses.
YBOX offers free job postings for businesses seeking to hire top talent, particularly benefiting startups and small to medium-sized enterprises A fee is only incurred when additional advanced support services are requested, such as prominently pinning job listings for greater visibility.
We offer complimentary media support services for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), non-profit organizations (NPOs), embassies, youth volunteer groups, social entrepreneurs, and socially responsible corporations Our focus is on media sponsorship for non-profit initiatives, events, competitions, and festivals aimed at engaging young people and students nationwide.
Functions and tasks of each department:
The CEO serves as the primary decision-maker for the company, wielding the authority to determine the business and investment strategies for the upcoming fiscal year, as well as addressing other critical issues.
The general manager reports directly to the president and oversees the executive director's responsibilities in editorial, media, and human resources This role involves supervising these three departments and assisting the president in tackling professional challenges.
The Deputy General Manager reports directly to the president, overseeing the project and business departments This role involves directing these departments and assisting the president in addressing professional challenges and concerns.
Technology Director: The technical team is responsible for managing operations and creating Ybox products.