This is a helpful list of translation related terminology

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Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG)
A W3C standard for vector graphics on the web. A viewer application can be downloaded from the Adobe web site.

SDK Software Development Kit
A collection of documentation and source code designed to aid the writing of programs that need to interface to an existing product.

Search Engine
A software application which queries an index file. In broader terms it refers to a collection of programs which are used to firstly "index" a web site and then present a user interface that allows queries to be constructed and searched.

Segment
In order to create the translation memory, the CAT software divides the source text into segments. The segment usually corresponds to a phrase, at least in running texts. Segmentation is governed by complex rules based, in principle, on punctuation. See also translation unit.

Server-Side
The server side of a client-server system. On the web, your browser is thought to be the client and a web server hosting a web site is thought to be the server (hence the name). When you request a document from a web server by entering an URL or clicking on a link, the server sends information to your client (in this case your browser) in the form of text, graphics or audio.

SGML
Standard Generalized Markup Language. It is called a metadata language and is used for defining markup languages.

Sim Ship
Simultaneous Shipment. Release of all localised versions and the original product at the same time.

Simultaneous interpreting
Oral translation of a speaker's words into another language while the speaker is speaking. The interpreter usually sits in a booth and uses audio equipment. (cf. consecutive interpreting)

Single sourcing
Writing a document in one format and then automatically translating it into a number of other formats, for example, HTML for the web, RTF for help files and PDF for print. Fine in theory but very difficult to achieve in practice. Webworks Publisher is the only tool I've seen that comes close.

SME Subject Matter Expert
Someone who is considered an expert in their particular field.

Software localisation
see Localisation

Source
In translation, and as opposed to "target", the term "source" defines everything connected to the language of the text to be translated.

Source text analysis
A pre-translation process aimed at evaluating the qualitative and quantitative properties of the source text. The main purpose of source text analysis is to determine the procedures to be followed and the translation tools required in order to optimise work on projects of some considerable size. Among other advantages, analysis makes it possible to extract a list of terms and collocations and their frequency, to establish a list of terms not found in a specific dictionary, to analyse a term within its various contexts (concordance), to determine the repetition rate and the terminological and phraseological consistency, or to establish a provisional glossary.

Specialised language competence
Familiarity with the relevant subject matter and command of its special language conventions.

Specialised terminology
The term used within the profession to define highly specific vocabulary within a given field. With today's increasing specialisation within professions and the rapid evolution of applied techniques, it is increasingly difficult to obtain dictionaries containing up to date, specialised terminology.

Spot colour
A colour produced by using an specially mixed ink rather than by printing CMYK colours. Spot colours are guaranteed to be consistent from one print job to another and are therefore used for important images such as company logos. The disadvantage of spot colours is the cost. Each spot colour requires a separate printing pass. A typical catalogue page is printed using CMYK with 2 spot colours.

SQL
Stands for Structured Query Language. Developed by IBM in 1970's, SQL is a simple yet extremely powerful database query language. A typical SQL statement looks something like this:
SELECT NAME, PHONE, POSITION FROM EMPLOYEES WHERE NAME='John' ORDER BY POSITION
Many database programs support SQL such as Microsoft SQL Server and MySQL.

SSH
Stands for Secure Shell. With SSH, you can log on to a remote server safely. Intended as a replacement for telnet which transmits data including user name and passwords unencrypted between local and remote hosts.

Standard line
A standard measure of the size of a text. The standard line length varies from country to country. In Germany , for example, it is usually 55 keystrokes, in Belgium 60. Translation projects are often priced on a per line basis.

Standard page
A standard measure of the size of a text, used esp. in the publishing industry and in literary translation. The standard page length may vary from country to country and depending on the sector, but is generally in the region of 1500 to 1800 keystrokes. Translation projects are sometimes priced on a per page basis, although - except in the case of literary translation - this practice is becoming less common, being replaced by the standard line.

Structured Document
A document with a structure that complies with a certain standard. A HTML document is an example of a structured document.

Style Sheet
A document that contains a list of formatting styles corresponding to paragraph styles or tag mark-up. In the context of web publishing, version 4 and later browsers support style sheets whereas version 3 browsers do not. FrameMaker+SGML produces version 4 HTML files and corresponding style sheets.

Syntax Highlighting
Syntax highlighting in action on a PHP program

A feature commonly found in many advanced text editors and integrated development environments (IDE) which makes it possible to automatically assign different colors to certain keywords, variables, or function names used in a computer program to make a programmer's life easier.

Target
In translation, and as opposed to "source", the term "target" designates everything related to the language into which the text will be translated. The "target" or "translated" text is the objective of the work to be carried out. The target language must be the translator's mother tongue.

Target audience
The group of people that an interpreter addresses. Used mostly in connection with simultaneous interpreting. Sometimes used (incorrectly) in the sense of target readership

Target readership
The group of people for which a text is translated, for example subject experts, novices, prospective customers. It is important to specify the target readership when commissioning a translation so that the translator can choose an appropriate style and vocabulary.

Tariffs
Tariffs for translation vary widely, not only in terms of price but also as far as calculation methods are concerned. The English-speaking world calculates by word, whereas Switzerland usually applies a tariff per line. In some cases, the tariff is based on the source text and in others, invoicing is calculated on the target text. Quoting a tariff by line or by word alone is an advertising argument which should not inspire confidence, since this reveals nothing about either the services included or about the quality of the texts and the customer support, etc.

Technical translation
Because of volumes that are often high and the necessity of respecting absolute consistency, the translation of technical texts (installation, user or maintenance manuals, catalogues, data sheets) is today inseparably associated with the use of computer assisted translation tools and terminology analysis.

Terminology analysis
Analysis of the vocabulary within a text or specific field, mainly carried out with a view to creating special dictionaries. An important process within pre-translation, it is also a means of providing a long term guarantee consistency and quality within texts (thanks to regular updates).

Terminology software
A data processing tool that makes it possible to create, edit and consult dictionaries or electronic dictionaries.

TermStar
Terminology program published by Star. A component of the Transit translation memory program, but also available as a separate product.

Text (TXT)
Data presented with alphanumeric characters, usually in the form of words, sentences, and paragraphs. Typically, the term text refers to pure text stored as ASCII codes (that is, without any formatting). Objects that are not text include graphics, numbers (if they're not stored as ASCII characters), and program code.

Text expansion
An increase in the length of the target text as compared to the source text.

The problem of text expansion must be anticipated by the graphic artist wishing to use the same page format for both the source text and the translation.

This problem also arises when translating texts for software screen features, where the space reserved for a text is usually extremely limited (e.g. Print -> Imprimer).

Text function
The function served by a text, e.g. to sell a product, to provide instruction on the use of a product, to convey information about an event. It is important to specify the text function when commissioning a translation to so that the translator can choose an appropriate style and vocabulary.

Text type
Class of text (e.g. abstract, news report, light fiction, commentary) with specific characteristics of style, sentence formation, terminology, etc.

TIFF (TIF)
Tagged Image File Format. A loss-less graphics file format often used for archiving images. Web browsers cannot display TIF images.

TMX
Translation memory exchange format, designed to allow easier exchange of translation memory data between tools and/or translation vendors with little or no loss of critical data during the process. Supported by the latest versions of most leading translation memory programs. (For a full specification, go to www.lisa.org/tmx/tmx.htm)

Topic file
In the context of WinHelp, a Word or RTF file containing topics in a format suitable for the WinHelp compiler.

Tracking
Positive or negative tracking values can be used to change spacing between characters

The space added to or subtracted from the normal space between characters in a block of text. Not to be confused with kerning, which is used to adjust space between pairs of specific characters.

Trados
Publishers of the Translator's Workbench translation memory program.

Transcription
As opposed to linguistic adaptation, a transcription is a literal (word by word) method of translation which is rarely applied with the exception of lists and catalogues.

Transit
Translation memory program published by Star.

Translating
The act of rendering written text from one language into another. (cf. interpreting)

Translating competence
Ability to render text into the target language correctly in terms of language, subject matter and idiomatic style, having regard to the text function of both the source text and the target text.

Translation agency
Provides translation and interpreting services, acting as middleman between customers and freelance translators. May offer value-added services such as typesetting, publishing, project management.

Translation company
Provides translation services using mainly in-house translators. May specialise in a particular field - such as legal, patents or technical - and may offer value-added services such as typesetting, publishing, project management. The term is often used synonymously with translation agency.

Translation Manager
Person in charge of managing a translation project. In large translation projects, the translation manager is responsible for liasing between customer and translators, coordinating the translation work (which may be carried out by several translators for each language), maintaining the terminology database, ensuring consistency of style and terminology, etc.

Translation memory
A translation memory is a data bank in which a source text and the corresponding target text are recorded in the form of translation units. This memory - the basis of CAT software - makes it possible to find passages that have already been translated automatically, or to find modified passages that it then submits to the translator for updating. See also: alignment.

Translation unit
A translation unit consist of the source segment and the corresponding target segment, recorded as equivalents in a data base. It thus constitutes the base unit for the translation memories.

Translator
Renders written text from one or more languages into an other language, usually into her language of habitual use. May offer additional services, such as desktop publishing or proofreading. (cf. interpreter)

TrueType
A popular scalable font format developed with the joint effort of Apple and Microsoft that did not want to adopt Adobe's Type 1 format for their operating systems namely MacOS and Windows.

See also: Type 1

Type 1
A scalable font format developed by Adobe that uses a subset of the PostScript language.

See also: TrueType

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