Machine Translation and Human Translation (Professional) - What's the Difference?

When you need documents translated, you have two options to choose from: machine-translation or professional translation. There are plusses and minuses to both, and you need to know the details to make an informed choice.

What is Machine Translation?

Machine translation (MT) is an automated program that translates documents using algorithms and rules. You type in text and the machine compares what you wrote to its dictionaries and phrasebooks to produce and automated, instant translation.

MTs are available on websites like AltaVista’s Babel Fish, and are good for quick translations of single words or short phrases. Users can enter their own text or translate whole websites online.

The benefit of MT is its speed. The drawbacks, however, are many. MTs are word-for-word and quite literal. If a particular phrase isn’t in the machine’s phrasebook, it won’t translate it correctly. Also, MTs don’t understand speech rhythms, fluency, or word choice, so many MTs sound unnatural and awkward.

What about Professional Translation?

Professional translations use real, live humans to translate text based on their expert knowledge of the language. Quality can vary by translator, and those with significant experience produce the best quality translations.

Professional translators can be found at agencies or working free-lance. A good way to determine the quality of translators’ work is to check their references and speak directly with their past clients. Make sure your translator speaks both languages fluently to ensure your translation will be right.

The benefit of professional translation is accuracy. Expert translators know the language and produce fluid, correct, and natural translations. When you need good quality translations, this is the only choice. The drawback is speed. Professional translations take time and money to produce the best results.

The Bottom Line

MTs are useful when you need to get a sense of text quickly, or need to translate only a single word or a short phrase. You shouldn’t rely on MT in any situation where you need to know exact wording or need to produce readable documents in another language.

Professional translation is the method of choice when accuracy and fluency matter. Choose this option when you need to know exactly what a document says or need readable copies that will make sense.

So, the bottom line is: Go with the pros whenever you need to know what’s really being said.

Whether your translation is big or small or simply want a second opinion contact TechnovateTranslations.com and we'll deliver your translated document when you need it. We are also available toll free 1-800-736-7764.