MET workshops

SDL Trados Studio: beyond the basics 


The benefits of using a computer-assisted translation (CAT) tool include ready access to previous translations, terminology consistency and fewer human errors. Aware of these benefits, translators are keen to get up and running fast with their chosen CAT tool, especially if an agency requires it for an upcoming project. Months and even years later, time constraints and a fear of “breaking” the software may have prevented them from learning to use the tool thoroughly. This workshop will provide three hours of hands-on practice with SDL Trados Studio to remedy the situation. 
 
Developer and facilitator: Emma Goldsmith 
 
Purpose: To enable translators to make better use of SDL Trados Studio beyond its basic features, thus improving work productivity, translation quality and Trados enjoyability. 
 
Description/provisional structure: We will start by looking at the default Studio layout and then customise it by adjusting, moving and hiding windows, the ribbon and the main working area. After discussing the virtual file merging feature, we’ll open a file for translation and look at segmentation, adjust the tag and text appearance and then focus on the translation process itself to learn about features related to the Editor window (segment status, concordance, segment merging, comments, autotext and the advanced display filter). At a project level, we'll look at termbases and field values in translation memories. We’ll also practise using shortcuts – including KeyTips on the ribbon – and learn how to customise them.
 
During the session, we’ll discuss best practices, such as which files to save, where and how often, and also review general and project settings to tweak the default values for QA checks and editor options.
 
Finally, time permitting, we’ll look at the online Studio AppStore, and the facilitator will recommend some apps that she finds particularly useful. 
 
The final workshop structure will be adapted to attendees’ needs by means of a pre-workshop survey to identify current knowledge of the above features.  
 
Who should attend? Translators who use SDL Trados Studio in their work, have a fair grasp of its essential functionality and are interested in learning about some or all of the features mentioned above.
 
Outcome: By the end of the workshop, attendees will have a more in-depth knowledge of Studio and be more confident to tweak the program to suit their needs. The training will not prepare attendees for an SDL certification exam, although some of the intermediate level certification content will be covered.
 
Pre-workshop information: Attendees must bring a laptop to the workshop with SDL Trados Studio installed. Studio 2019 or 2017 is preferable. Attendees with older versions (2014 and 2015) will still benefit from attending but will not have access to all the features. The workshop is unsuitable for users with Studio 2009 and 2011.
 
About the facilitator: Emma Goldsmith is a freelance Spanish to English medical translator. She originally trained as a registered general nurse in London and later retrained – informally and formally – as a translator in Madrid. She currently serves as membership chair on MET Council.
 
Emma learnt about CAT tools the hard way, throwing herself in the deep end about 15 years ago and soon giving up. Later, she embraced SDL Trados Studio by attending in-person and online training sessions and asking a lot of questions. Emma is not a certified SDL trainer, but she enjoys sharing her ad hoc knowledge informally through her blog, Signs & Symptoms of Translation.