Human translation has long been the gold standard when translating text from one natural language to another. Unfortunately, the human approach is relatively slow and more costly than are automated services. Without some degree of personal involvement however, it is difficult or impossible to achieve a professional quality result using technology alone. Today, the growing sophistication of machine-based translation can support and assist the professional translator in achieving outstanding results.
The Gold Standard of Human
The inherent challenge in translating between natural languages is context. Most words have more than one meaning depending on the words around it. English speakers and writers are prone to using idiomatic words and colloquial phrasing, many of which convert poorly into another language. Computer-based translators have historically lacked the ability to recognize non-standard or informal usages, resulting in translations that can range from clunky to unfortunate. Personal translation overcomes these hurdles, assuming the translator has a strong working knowledge of both languages as well as more subtle nonstandard word usages.
New Models and Platforms of Machine Translation
For simple words and phrases, most people turn to their favorite search engine for a quick answer. When the copy is complex however, especially if it relates to business or technical subjects, this unsophisticated approach can result in disaster. Fortunately, high-quality machine translation is rapidly becoming more commonplace. In fact, machine translation is being used in many medical treatment settings, especially in those cases where human translators are not available. For more formalized, written word translations however, experts caution against total reliance on machine-based services if your goal is to achieve true localization. Today’s model is moving toward a combination of a human translator working in concert with a sophisticated machine translating system.
The New Hybrid Paradigm of Translation
Sophisticated new technology applications have greatly improved the role that computers can play in translation services. Nevertheless, human involvement remains necessary, at least to some degree, to ensure high-quality output. In this hybrid model, sometimes known as machine-aided human translation (MAHT), the human translator identifies proper nouns and industry-specific words, terms or phrases prior to submitting copy to an automated system. Once the computer processes its translation, the professional translator proofreads and edits, so that the nuances of natural language translation are achieved. Augmenting the process with computer-based translation applications can effectively reduce both time and cost for the client while ensuring a tightly controlled level of output.
At Verbatim Solutions, the Verbingo™ cloud-based translation management system provides a host of advantages. Clients save both time and cost with centralized file management, quality control, translation memory and reuse. Verbingo™ also allows Verbatim Solutions’ clients to track their work’s progress on their smartphone or tablet. It’s cloud-based platform allows collaboration and document sharing and even the upload and reuse of past translations. Contact Verbatim Solutions today to learn more about the ways Verbingo™ assist the professional human translation process.
