Mapping Translation Technology and the Multilingual Needs of NGOs along the Aid Chain

Abstract

Translation technology is now widely used almost in all areas where multilingual needs are identified, at least in commercial settings. From a market perspective, it offers a wealth of tools that contribute to speeding up multilingual processes, reducing costs and improving quality. Interestingly enough, the multilingual needs of the third sector and more specifically those of NGOs in the aid chain, seem to have fallen into oblivion as far as translation technology is concerned. We see that there are no easily accessible/shareable large scale resources or tools in this area (translation memory databases, termbases or corpora, to name but a few) and stakeholders, working mostly on a volunteer basis, are ultimately forced to create their own ad hoc materials. With a few exceptions, no reference corpora, public sharing-data initiatives or collaborative experiences can easily be found in the context of not-for-profit. In this scenario, it is my contention that the implementation of language tools and resources specifically designed for the needs of the third sector may see its impact on three key areas: economic, social and technical. The ultimate purpose of the present contribution is to create momentum towards the association of translation technology and the humanitarian aid chain.