While the rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has helped to advance the capabilities of computer-generated translation software, there are several reasons why human translation services will always reign supreme. From maintaining consistent writing to relaying cultural nuances, human translation services go above and beyond to ensure accurate translations.
At International Language Consultancy (ILC), we believe in using expert translators to help bridge linguistic and cultural barriers. In this brief read, we’ll be comparing the use of machine and human translation services and discussing the many benefits that come with outsourcing professional translation. If this topic appeals to you, we encourage you to read along with us and find out more.
What Is Machine & AI Translation?
Dating back to the mid-20th century, machine translation first came about during the Second World War to quickly translate and exchange official military documents. Today, machine translation has become incredibly advanced and comes with several features, including formatting support, terminology management, and real-time writing suggestions.
While machine translation services have the ability to produce impressive results, the technology behind how they work is quite simple. Text that is generated by machines is made using computer algorithms. The inputted source material is registered by the learning models built into the translation software, which then uses neural networks to translate it into the desired language. When you visit a website in another language, for example, and a text prompt appears offering to switch the text to your native language, this is considered machine translation.
There have been many technological strides in the last decade in machine translations, especially as the world of AI has continued to advance its ability to accurately churn out data. The current stage of AI and machine translation services has progressed to such an extent that large amounts of text can be translated almost immediately, allowing for content to be made quickly and efficiently. The speedy delivery times, minimised costs, and constant availability are just some of the main reasons why so many opt for machine translation services.
Risk Factors Of Machine Translation Services
It is no question that machine translation services and AI technology have only continued to advance and produce results faster. Machine translation, however, is nowhere near perfect, especially considering the many risk factors that come with using it professionally.
When factoring in its inability to create original content and detect tone, technology has a long way to go before it can replace human translation services altogether. There are several areas where machine translation lacks the human-like quality it claims to provide, such as:
Content Quality
While many argue that fast delivery is the largest benefit of using machine translation, it is also its biggest disadvantage. When compared to human translation services, machine translation can generate translated content within mere seconds, but its quality is not of equal value.
If your source material is translated using only machine translation or AI, it is likely that the output data will not be 100% accurate. Should you need a medical or legal document translated, it’s certainly wise to avoid using machine translation as it won’t provide perfect results and many institutions will not accept machine generated translations and have systems in place to pick up whether AI was used. While AI and machine translation software may work incredibly fast, they compromise the quality of the content they are delivering.
The Volume Of Errors
A claim that is often made by those who opt for machine translation over human translation services is that it eliminates mistakes that would otherwise be made by people. Since AI translation services use advanced machine algorithms to generate content, they can gather research more efficiently in a wider array of languages.
While this may be partly true, it doesn’t account for the errors that are frequently made by AI. Machine translation generates content from its extensive database, which also allows for inconsistencies in text. Translation software and AI technology are constantly evolving and learning so that they can better replicate human text, which, as it stands, they have not yet reached and we believe will not be able to for a very long time. In many cases, AI can make worse mistakes than those made by human translation services, making them a comparatively unreliable platform for translating important documents.
Lack Of Context
One of the biggest risk factors that arise when using machine translation is that it cannot understand tone, style, or cultural context. All languages have their own unique linguistic nuances and subtleties that machine translation programmes cannot pick up on accurately.
When it comes to using translated content for creative or marketing purposes, tone is essential for drawing in target markets. While a human translator can consider your personal preferences and convey the meaning behind your content, AI has not advanced enough to comprehend context effectively.
As machine translation services draw information from existing data, they cannot produce original, creative content. Ultimately, this means that AI translation is incapable of carrying across your brand identity or account for crucial contextual differences that native speakers will be able to pick up on.
Why Human Translation Services Are So Beneficial
Unlike machine- or AI-programmed translation services, human translation involves the work of trained, professional translators. Translators ensure that the content they deliver is proofread and edited thoroughly, ensuring accuracy and precision with every translation. When you outsource translation services from a reputable language agency, such as ILC, your source material is translated into the language(s) of your choice with careful consideration given to the tone and context of your document.
From the accuracy of content delivered to the translation of cultural and linguistic nuances, human translation services provide a wide range of benefits for those seeking professionally translated content, namely:
Creativity
If you’re in need of translation services that can reflect and translate the cultural nuances and tone of your source material, enlisting a team of professional translators, like ILC, is the best way to go. Unlike AI and machine-translated content, human translators have an unmatched understanding of the idioms, syntax, grammar, and subtleties that are unique to both the language they are translating and the output language.
Translation agencies are known for having a diverse team of translators, meaning you’ll be able to get your source material translated by a native-level speaker that can provide linguistic equivalents for the complexities of both your input and output languages. Whether you want a specific style or tone for your translated document or require a deeper understanding of specific cultural references, human translation services deliver the personal touch you need.
Accuracy
One of the biggest takeaways that comes with outsourcing human translation services is the accuracy of the translated content. Translation agencies like ILC hire only professionally trained and qualified translators to deliver precise translations every time.
Since you’re hiring a native-level speaker to translate your source material, you are guaranteed that the translated content you’ll be receiving will be 100% accurate. Depending on the content of the source material you submit, you’ll be paired with a translator who has an in-depth understanding of the subject matter, further ensuring the legitimacy of your translated documents.
Legal Validity
If you need to translate an official legal document into another language, it must be translated by a professional sworn translator. While it may be tempting to use a machine translator to quickly churn out your documents, AI-generated or non-human translated content would not count as a valid form of legal documentation, especially when it comes to sworn translation.
By outsourcing the services of a human translator, you’ll be receiving translation services that are not only highly professional, but also legally accredited. Legal documents like wills, contracts, affidavits, etc. need to be translated by a sworn translator so that they retain their legal validity and can be used in official contexts. Additionally, sworn translators have a deep understanding of the legal system, further ensuring the accuracy and legitimacy of your documents.
Combining The Power Of Machine & Human Translation Services
While it is true that machine translation services offer a range of benefits, they cannot produce results equivalent to the accuracy and skill of professional translation agencies. Though AI and computer-generated translation won’t be replacing human translators anytime soon, the use of both forms of translation is a great way to maximise their strengths and abilities.
As technology continues to advance, the demand for content to be created faster and more efficiently has never been as prominent as it is today. What better way to keep up with the needs of the economy without compromising quality than to utilise the skills of humans and machines? By incorporating machine translation into human translation services, larger amounts of content can be delivered with faster turnaround times while being fine-tuned by human translators.
In this way, machine translation services are better used as tools to improve the skills of professional translators. With machine translation, translators can work more efficiently and take on more jobs while still conveying the nuances and tone of the languages they are translating. When they are combined, machine and human translation can better bridge linguistic barriers, helping to encourage accessibility for communities across the world.
More About ILC
If you’re in search of expert translation services, look no further than ILC. As leading language professionals, ILC strives to break down communication barriers by providing high-quality translation services across the board. From professional transcription and audio translation to localisation, ILC offers a wide range of translation services in many languages, including all of South Africa’s 11 official languages.
Our team is made up of trained, experienced translators with expertise in several departments, including medicine, finance, and more. Whether you need to translate your medical documents, business contracts, academic reports, or marriage certificates, you can trust that our network of native-level translators will tackle sensitive subject matters with precision and professionalism.
We go the extra mile with our translation services by implementing premium technology to keep your documents free of errors or inconsistencies. All the content we translate is localised and proofread to ensure the highest quality of delivered content.
In Conclusion
Now that we’ve explored the pros, cons, and risk factors of AI and machine translation services, it’s safe to say that computer-generated translation is better used as a tool to enhance human translation. While machine translation is constantly evolving, it has not yet reached the point where it can effectively replace human translation services.
Instead, the best way to maximise their strengths is by using AI to check and correct errors in content that has been translated by humans. If you are in need of translation, interpretation, transcription, editing, proofreading, or localisation services, get in touch with us today and we can work together to enhance your content and connect with a broader audience!