Glossaries and Translation Memories are tools set to be inclusive and helping elements for translators that work on a bilingual or multilingual translation project. These instruments have transcend their role in the Translation industry, in fact, they are currently key components in global corporations.

The reason why these tools have transcend in importance is their ability to foster term consistency and uniformity in style without risking the deadline. Another reason why glossaries have become essential is the effort the Translation industry has made to surround it with innovative technologies.

Online and offline CAT tools offer a section to create or upload a glossary alongside a translation memory when working in any given project. Platforms such as Zanata, and specially Transifex that set apart a format for glossaries that includes Term, Part of Speech, Translation and Notes give more reasons to not to overlook this tool.

Translation companies and portals understand the advantageous use of glossaries, and have invested in technologies to expand its use and outreach. In consequence the importance of glossaries is emphasized, by the industry and its contribution to the final outcome in a project.

In regard to the translation process as such, glossaries are more concise and topic-centered than a dictionary, allowing translators to have general consistency within the text. Whether there is one or several translators and languages involved within the project, glossaries help to produce a consistent and easy-to-read translation.

Glossaries are specialized term collections listed in alphabetical order to satisfy a specific need. Generally, this need presents itself when the source text contains a specific technical subject; in this scenario, a glossary helps to prevent inconsistency and therefore, a rework. In fact, it is estimated that 15% of all translation projects need rework due to terminology inconsistency, a fact that affects clients and their time.

For this reason, many corporate or freelance translators do request a glossary to the client before starting a translation. In other cases, the translator’s first task is to set up a glossary while many questions and consultations are carried out with the client to avoid complaints at the end.