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Poll: What is the one recommendation you would make for increasing translator productivity? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "What is the one recommendation you would make for increasing translator productivity?".
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Claire Cox
United Kingdom
Local time: 06:06
French to English
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| Other - invest in voice recognition software | Jun 16, 2010 |
That and using a CAT tool, I suppose, but that depends on the type of documents you translate. Everyone can benefit from voice recognition software, whereas CAT tools wouldn't be as useful to a literary translator. I wouldn't be without either of them, mind!
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and use a CAT tool.
I have found that repeatedly translating similar texts has increased my productivity as I sometimes remember the vocabulary and phrases I used before, for example.
A CAT tool is indispensable when translating texts in which sentences are repeated. Even for other kinds of texts, I find it very helpful in ensuring that I don't miss out any sentences.
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Thayenga 
Germany
Local time: 07:06
Member (2009)
English to German
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| A combination | Jun 16, 2010 |
First of all it is important to specialize. Of equal importance is to keep on top of the training, the changes, the new developments.
CAT tools are recommended for recurring projects, are, however, of very little use to literary translators.
A good organisation of one's files and time management are mandatory to increase one's productivity.
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neilmac
Spain
Local time: 07:06
Spanish to English
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How about "a bit of all of the above"?
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Mary Worby
United Kingdom
Local time: 06:06
German to English
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In my experience, working with a CAT tool improves productivity even without repetitive texts. Even with the old Trados, working in the Word interface, I found it quicker and easier to translate than simply overwriting, and the new Editor interface within Studio is excellent. I'd say there is a good boost to productivity in that alone, let alone the huge benefits of using a TM to boot.
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Nikki Graham
United Kingdom
Local time: 06:06
Spanish to English
| Given that we had to choose one... | Jun 16, 2010 |
I plumped for "select your projects more carefully". At the end of the day, it is not the rate you get that matters, but how much you are earning per hour. I am of the opinion that difficult projects paying a high rate can earn you less money than easier projects you can zip through with a CAT tool at a lower rate. Again, if you choose projects you find easy (i.e. specialise/have expertise in), you will be more productive. It is often better to say no and wait for a more lucrative offer.
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Build your own glossary (TM or a normal one if you don't use CAT tools).
Choose your projects carefully
Work hard and don't waste time
Make your research as time effective as possible, writing down the results of those particularly difficult.
Administration is important so do everything regularly and do it once (ouch! I should improve this aspect!!!)
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.... don't answer polls with more than 5 options.
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Charlie Bavington wrote: .... don't answer polls with more than 5 options.
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DZiW (X)
Ukraine
English to Russian
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| one cannot conquer alone | Jun 16, 2010 |
IF the question is about manpower then teamwork is more efficient that a solo (two, five or even more 'equal' translators will surely do it faster and better).
On the other hand IF a translator uses a CAT then he can be equal of two or even three translators without CATs.
Furthermore, if a teamwork uses a CAT then it is a huge advantage...
So, taking into consideration equal conditions for the parties I vote for teamwork.
Yet IMO ... See more IF the question is about manpower then teamwork is more efficient that a solo (two, five or even more 'equal' translators will surely do it faster and better).
On the other hand IF a translator uses a CAT then he can be equal of two or even three translators without CATs.
Furthermore, if a teamwork uses a CAT then it is a huge advantage...
So, taking into consideration equal conditions for the parties I vote for teamwork.
Yet IMO there's an option missing: get a good recommendation from your satisfied customer ▲ Collapse
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Yaotl Altan
Mexico
Local time: 23:06
Member (2006)
English to Spanish
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Use Dragon Naturally Speaking.
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Rebekka Groß (X)
Local time: 06:06
English to German
| Other: CAT tool & Specialization | Jun 16, 2010 |
These two immediately came to mind when reading the questiona and BEFORE I looked at the possible answers.
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John Cutler
Spain
Local time: 07:06
Spanish to English
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Yaotl Altan wrote:
Use Dragon Naturally Speaking.
This was my choice too, but this, of course, depends on a translator's typing skills. It's definitely increased my production!
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Erik Matson
Thailand
Local time: 12:06
English to Norwegian
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| Specialize and CAT-tools | Jun 16, 2010 |
Specializing is absolutely vital.
But for productivity, choosing the right CAT-tool (or other software) for the job is the most important thing. Learn all about the various features of the tools. Becoming familiar with the finer, perhaps "more hidden" features and functionalities of your software is absolutely worthwhile in terms of a time investment.
Built-in AT (automated translation, or machine translation), such as that which is offered as a new feature of SDL Trado... See more Specializing is absolutely vital.
But for productivity, choosing the right CAT-tool (or other software) for the job is the most important thing. Learn all about the various features of the tools. Becoming familiar with the finer, perhaps "more hidden" features and functionalities of your software is absolutely worthwhile in terms of a time investment.
Built-in AT (automated translation, or machine translation), such as that which is offered as a new feature of SDL Trados Studio 2009 is incredibly helpful in terms of productivity.
Machine translation has gotten a bad wrap for too long, and is a very helpful, time-saving tool for almost any translator.
Learning how to fine-tune settings for TM and segmentation is equally important.
While I could not manage without Trados, is is NOT always the best choice, so don't limit yourself to just this one CAT environment. There is a lot of other fine software, each package with its own distinct benefits. ▲ Collapse
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