MACHINE OR HUMAN TRANSLATION?

The long-running debate about using a machine or human translation seems to have no end. Each of it has its own advantages and disadvantages. Today, we will have a general look at the pros and cons of both.

MACHINE TRANSLATION

It is no doubt that machine translation brings several advantages. The first benefit is the availability of free tools as well as translation applications. That allows the users to save time in some cases, they can translate the content quickly instead of pouring hours into dictionaries to understand the words. The second advantage lies in the convenience. Thanks to the development of technology, the quality of machine translation are improving. The raise quantity of language pairs allows people to convey multiple languages by only one tool.

Besides the advantages of machine translation, there are also its disadvantages. We can see that the accuracy level of machine translation might be very low. It is also very inconsistent across different languages because it does word to word translation without comprehending the information which might have to be corrected manually later on. The machines can’t translate context as systematic and formal rules are followed so it can’t concentrate on a context and solve ambiguity and neither makes use of experience like a human translator can. You won’t get the text that reads naturally across those language barriers. In some cases such as for medical equipment, aviation manuals, legal documents, it requires 100% accuracy. Using machine translation in such cases might be risking as mistakes can cost lives, huge amounts of money and irreparable damage to your company’s image. After all, It is only a machine, some translation works require lots of research, study, and further localization – all things machine translation can’t take into account.

HUMAN TRANSLATION

When using human translation, we can ensure the highest accuracy. In addition, humans can interpret context and capture the same meaning, rather than simply translating words. After that, they can review their work and provide a quality process. In some cases, human also can interpret the creative use of language such as metaphors, slogans, etc. And professional translators understand the idiomatic differences between the languages. Humans can also spot pieces of content where literal translation isn’t possible and find the most suitable alternative.

Human translation also has some disadvantages. First of all, the human translation will take more time than machine translation, it means the turnaround time is longer. Another disadvantage is the high price. Translators rarely work for free so that the cost of human translation is absolutely higher than machine translation. Last but not least, unless you use a translation agency, with access to thousands of translators, you’re limited to the languages translators can work with.

What we should really be talking about is not using a machine or human translation but when to use each of them, because they both serve a very valid purpose. So let’s forget about the machine and human translation debate and focus instead on choosing the right language service provider for each given product.

ExperTrans Global Company is a world-leading provider of language service solutions, including translation, interpretation, voice-over, global business support in over 50 language pairs for various industries, namely Manufacturing, Financial, Media, Life Science, etc.

We are proud to be the language service provider for various organizations in VNR 500 and Fortune 1000, such as Ford, The World Bank, HSBC, Toyota, ABB, Coca Cola, Naver, FPT, Viettel, ANZ…

With ExperTrans Global, we can serve you all!