Segmentation

In translation technology, segmentation determines how content is split into sentences, phrases or headings. This process is controlled by rules that recognize punctuation, formatting and language-specific structures. For example, a full stop typically signals the end of a segment, while exceptions (such as abbreviations) are handled by segmentation rules.

Accurate segmentation ensures that translation memory (TM) systems can identify and reuse existing translations correctly. Poor segmentation can cause mismatches or disrupt context, leading to inconsistency and rework. At RWS, segmentation is managed through advanced Trados and Language Weaver technologies, combining automation with linguistic precision. Customized segmentation rules ensure that each content type – from marketing copy to technical documentation – is handled in a way that preserves context, readability and meaning across languages.