Hi everyone!
Today I want to talk about CAT Tools for mobile devices. We are used to CAT Tools for computers, but there are some options that can be used on smartphones and tablets.
The technology that we have at this time, allows us to understand linguistic differences. Language methods such as translation and interpretation are useful means to understanding other people, customs, and languages. Linguists have tremendously carved a lasting legacy, tilling the fertile soil of opportunity and connection to pass on to the next generation. Their skills in modern language conversion has standardized and professionalized an industry that has been rendered faceless and voiceless for the last millennium.
Computer Aided Translation (CAT) Tools are computer programs that many linguists use for providing translation services. Intended to aid in translating the bulk of works, CAT Tools have significantly eased the professional endeavors of translators. Usually, these tools are used to process post-translation editing. And given the large bulk of work for translation projects, turn-around times are cut short, some even in half because of the way these tools work. They have enormously defined technical assistance in the industry that used to be manually operated by human translators. With pressing needs aligned with globalization, IT companies, in partnership with some language sectors, are keying in valuable inputs to develop more applications and tools to further boost the industry. One major application they are working on at present is devising CAT programs for mobile devices.
However, only a few companies have managed to come up with favorable developments. The best CAT program worth mentioning is WordFast Anywhere. Another one is Boltran. Both are free applications that can be downloaded to your smartphones and tablets.
There is another application that can facilitate using CAT Tools on your mobile device. It is only available for Nokia N900 phones, though. Technically, this mobile device has a comprehensive Linux operating system. This allows the CAT Tool application to be downloaded through Linux OmegaT Archive. With just a few taps, you can start translating on your own mobile phone.
Although there are translators that are willing to use CAT Tools on their mobile devices, developers are reluctant in investing time, money, and resources into developing them. The problem with this technology is that it is restrictive and its memory capacity and size may become a major issue. Mobile devices have smaller screens, and the keyboard may also be quite challenging to use. Large work may not actually be processed in such a situation but it is, definitely, a start.
Looking at the rate of speed that technology has nowadays, we can only think that there will be a lot more CAT Tools developed in the future. It may not even be a far-fetch thing to imagine that translations will be completely processed through smaller gadgets – not necessarily a mobile phone – anytime and anywhere. And when that happens we can expect more development in the evolution of our languages.
As a translator, would you use a CAT Tool on your smartphone or tablet? Do you think it would be as good as using the one you have on your computer? Can’t wait to read your comments!
Thank you again to Day Translations for sponsoring this blog post. Check out more about them and their services here: https://daytranslations.com/
Until next time, take care and stay safe!
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Translation Expert 