translation studies. retrospective and prospective views

III. Spreadsheets
Spreadsheets are generally used to organize data, memory banks,
and organizational tasks. They are easy to update, sort and retrieve
information. In the case of a large database, when only parts of it are
needed to be shared, these parts can be exported into spreadsheets and
passed along. There is no limit to the cell size, which can be useful when
there is a large amount of information to be entered.
IV. Translation memory
Translation memory (TM) is a type of database used in software
programs which are designed to help translators in their task. Some of
these programs, using translation memories, are known as translation
memory managers (TMM). Translation memories are usually used in
connection with a computer assisted translation tool, word processing
program, terminology management systems, and electronic dictionaries.
A translation memory is made up of text segments in the source
language and their translations into one or more target languages. These
segments can be blocks, paragraphs, sentences, or phrases. Individual
words are handled by terminology bases and are not included in the
translation memory system.
V. Terminological databases
When translating technical texts, a lot of problems concerning
terminology may appear. Therefore, tools such as terminological databases
or termbanks have been developed, in the effort to support the translator in
finding the most suitable translation.
Termbanks can be described as a type of machine-readable
dictionary, containing extensive information on technical terms. The
advantages of a terminological database lie in the possibilities offered to the
user, to create, maintain, and retrieve specialized vocabulary. It also allows
the user to look up for definitions, foreign language equivalents, and
background information. Databases are easy to manipulate, accessible to
different users, and they can store enormous amounts of information.
VI. The internet
One of the most versatile tools for the translator is the Internet. The
Internet provides various information resources and services, such as
electronic mail, online chat, file transfer and file sharing, inter-linked
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