Machine Translation Pros and Cons
Machine Translation Pros
- Speed : Machine Translation can handle large volumes of words at a pace that professional translators cannot match. Neural Machine Translation (NMT) tools such as Google Translate and DeepL can translate content in minutes when you need to save time.
- Cost-Effectiveness: It is more budget-friendly than professional human translation, especially for repetitive tasks and non-critical content.
- Consistency: In terms of high quality, MT allows better consistency in terminology and style across all documents when paired with translation memories.
Machine Translation Cons
- Lack of Context: Machines cannot capture idiomatic expressions, cultural nuances, and complex sentence structures in the same way as professional translators.
Example: The phrase “break the ice” could cause confusion for non-English speakers.
- Inaccuracy in Specialized Fields: Machine Translation often lacks the expertise needed in critical areas such as legal, medical, or technical fields, and it struggles to handle industry-specific terminology.
- Limited Domain Creativity: Automated machines cannot adapt tone or voice, making them a poor choice for brand messaging and marketing content.
Human Translation: Pros and Cons
Human Translation Pros
- Accuracy and Quality: Professional translators are aware of cultural connotations, latest buzzwords in the target culture and society, and legal implications, especially when dealing with technical or sensitive content.
- Creativity and Adaptability: They have a natural knack for wording and conceptualizing content, such as marketing slogans, to make it relevant and engaging in the target languages.
Example: “Share A Coke” campaign by Coca-Cola succeeded globally by adapting names and phrases to local languages.
- Expensive Cost: Human translation often charges more than machine translation due to the expertise, time, and attention to detail involved.
- Can Be Time Consuming: Professional translators generally take longer to complete projects, especially when translating large volumes of content or complex subject matter.
Neural Machine Translation (NMT): A Hybrid Approach
Before we begin, what is neural machine translation? In simple terms, it is the use of artificial intelligence and huge amounts of language datasets to understand grammar, context, and meaning, making translations much more accurate. While some complex texts warrant human translation, it is not always necessary to rely solely on human translators. The ideal solution is to use both machine translation with human expertise. MT is the first stage for translating large volumes of content quickly. It leverages AI and massive datasets to produce fast, scalable drafts. However, raw MT output often lacks the accuracy, tone, and cultural nuance needed for professional use. That’s where our post-editing services come in. Our expert linguists review and refine the NMT output to ensure it meets high-quality standards. This approach offers the best of both worlds: speed and scalability from MT combined with human precision and quality, while keeping costs under control.
Which Translation Method Fits Your Needs?
Human vs Machine Translation| Approach | Best Used For | Example |
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Machine Translation (MT) |
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MT works well for FAQs and customer reviews, even when minor errors won’t affect understanding. |
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Human Translation |
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When launching a new ad campaign, human translation ensures your message resonates with your audience. |
|
Hybrid (NMT+Post-Editing) |
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Using this approach for eCommerce product listings for both accuracy and efficiency. |
The Role of Professional Translation Services
1. Expertise:
No one can argue that human translation is always the go-to solution for translating content in many fields. Our professional translators are native speakers with years of linguistic expertise. They set the appropriate tone and use idioms that resonate with the target audience.
Our team includes specialists in legal, healthcare, e-learning, tech, and marketing. They have a deeper understanding of cultural context, accurately correlate the word to its context, and make informed decisions about what and how to translate.
2. Quality Assurance:
Being a certified language service provider, you can rest assured that we deliver translations that meet the highest standards in terms of quality, information security, and management.
We carry out a strict three-step review approach known as TEP: Translation, Editing, and Proofreading.
First, translators handle the translation, followed by expert editing and proofreading for accuracy and cultural relevance.
Our DTP specialists then conduct localization testing and apply the final formatting. Using advanced tools and expert care, we deliver publication-ready translations.
3. Technology Integration:
We are living in a time full of endless possibilities. Technology keeps growing, and every day brings new inventions. Nearly all fields have been impacted, from work and education to daily routine.
We recommend getting the best of both worlds, combining human expertise with advanced technology to enhance efficiency and consistency. By using tools like:
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- CAT Tools
- Machine translation
- Translation management systems
- Translation memories
- Glossaries
