Knowledge and Use of Computer-Assisted Translation Tools on Professional Translation in Nigeria

Abstract In recent years, translation as a global industry has witnessed significant changes due to technological advancement that has introduced different tools to facilitate the work of translators. In Nigeria, such changes presuppose that the average Nigerian translator is expected to change with the times. Yet some of these translators do not seem to have sufficient knowledge of such recently developed translation tools as translation memory software, Voice Recognition and Term-base creation tools. Our study sets out to analyse the awareness level of Nigerian translators vis-à-vis state-of-the-art translation tools on the exercise of the profession in Nigeria so as to sensitize them to the need to embrace the new translation tools. This study, anchored on Mary Ellen Kondrat"s (1999) theory of professional self-awareness, applies the inductive research method by using questionnaires to collect data from 80 translators on their knowledge and use of new translation tools; on the reason(s) why they may not use the tools; on assumptions about translation-memory tools; and on their views regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the recent tools. Using the quantitative and qualitative methods, the study makes a careful analysis of the questionnaire administered to the sample population and discovers that while there is a low level of use of translation tools (30%) and most recent technologies (translation memory-20%; term management-10%) by translators in Nigeria, there is a high level of use (100%) of hard copy and electronic dictionaries, pen and paper and Microsoft Word by the same translators.