Cloud platform SmartCAT in teaching future translators

Abstract

Modern translators face the necessity to cope with substantial amount of translation done at a shorter time than ever. Computer assisted translation (CAT) tools have been successfully used for this purpose. Therefore future translators should possess the skills of CAT tools application. We argue that translation internship, which students have during their final year, can serve a platform to master these tools. We compare the students’ performance without and with the use of SmartCAT during the internship. The advantages of this tool application are evident, since the number of terminological inaccuracies, lexical and grammar mistakes have significantly decreased, the marking-up process became easier and more transparent. Students aptly used the theoretical and practical knowledge in fulfilling the task and self-analysis. Both students and supervisors report positive attitude towards implementation of SmartCAT. Considering the prevailing beneficial reviews we conclude that the skills in CAT tools should become an obligatory part in future translators’ curriculum.