The process of converging the two different approaches of classifying linguistic knowledge - namely, lemma-based vs. concept-based - is going to bear fruit soon.
The project of TRADOS & Langenscheidt to implement Langenscheidt technical dictionaries in its translation memory system as MultiTerm termbases will soon come to the market.
The problem is that translators, in their everyday work, use both glossaries and paper-based/electronic dictionaries to check terminology. Merging the two sources will save time for researching and browsing in print or electronicmedia. Translators can thus refer simultaneously to dictionaries and termbases and easily compare internal terminology with standard dictionary translations.
The Langenscheidt project is probably one of the forerunners of an upcoming tendency to joing the products of translation memory/terminology tool providers and specialist dictionary publishers. They have the same target group but completely different approaches in data management and product marketing. Specialist dictionary publishers will have to act in the future as content providers for language tools in order to meet their actual needs.
For this reason, LexTerm is a bridge between lemma-oriented lexicography and concept-oriented terminology and a means for integration of lexicographical content in CAT tools such as Translation Memories.
So far, the total of 10 specialist bilingual Langenscheidt dictionaries in 100+ subject areas in the major European languages have been converted to be integrated in Translation Memory tools such as Trados’ Translators’workbench and which are believed to be on the market in 2007.
In this particular case, Langenscheidt dictionary content is converted into the native TRADOS MultiTerm exchange format. The content is then encrypted and write-protected to guarantee authenticity and write/copy protection.This safeguards the copyright of the publishing houses and their authors.The Langenscheidt dictionary can then be accessed (in read-only mode) like any other termbase in TRADOS MultiTerm.
I hope that the process of integrating dictionary content and electronic terminology/translation tools will take roots…
