Post editing machine translation (MT) can be a demanding and exhausting task, especially when you have to deal with large volumes of text, complex terminology, and tight deadlines. How do you cope with stress and fatigue when post editing MT? Here are some tips and strategies to help you improve your productivity, quality, and well-being.
Before you start post editing MT, you should have a clear idea of what your goals and expectations are, both for yourself and for your clients. What level of quality do you need to achieve? How much time do you have to complete the task? How much effort and intervention do you need to apply to the MT output? By setting realistic and achievable goals and expectations, you can avoid frustration, disappointment, and burnout.
I don’t do post editing. I do human translation. I edit only human translation. That is all I can say. When I have tried to use MT, it has been sorely disappointing and it has brought my quality down.
Quality translation, whether done by a human or machine, starts with the quality of the source document. Minimization of very specific jargon or poorly constructed sentences that are highly ambiguous. Human translator tend to push back and or seek clarification to ensure clarity in the intent of the source text. Machine tend to just translate what is in front of it, which makes post editing more stressful than just doing the translation from scratch. As Machine translation (with the use of better AI systems) technology improves, this may be less of an issue. The other stressor is not taking style in use of target language personally, it is very hard sometimes to evaluate correctness of the translation when considering personal styling.
Post editing MT requires the use of various tools and resources, such as MT engines, post editing guidelines, quality metrics, terminology databases, reference materials, and feedback mechanisms. Choosing the right tools and resources can make a big difference in your post editing efficiency, accuracy, and consistency. You should select the tools and resources that suit your needs, preferences, and budget, and that are compatible with your workflow and formats.
It also depends on the software / platform used in the MT and whether ifxthe source text is in document form or is part of a localization process. Each are unique in its purpose and context. It is not the same to use an online tool like Google translate or Babel than to use a professional translation software like Trados that learns as it goes and is customizable to the organization, industry or business specific terminology. The translator editing the MT also needs to know the subject matter well enough in both the source and target language to asses the idiomatic expressions unique to the subject.
Post editing MT is not just a matter of correcting errors and improving fluency. It is also a matter of following best practices and standards that ensure the quality, usability, and reliability of the post edited text. Some of the best practices and standards include: adhering to the post editing guidelines and specifications provided by your clients or project managers, applying the appropriate quality metrics and evaluation methods, using consistent terminology and style, and documenting and reporting any issues or feedback.
Post editing MT can be a time-consuming and energy-draining activity, especially if you have to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. To manage your time and energy effectively, you should plan your schedule, prioritize your tasks, set milestones and deadlines, and track your progress and performance. You should also take regular breaks, switch between different types of tasks, and avoid distractions and interruptions.
Post editing MT can have a negative impact on your health and well-being, both physically and mentally. Some of the common health risks associated with post editing MT include: eye strain, headaches, neck and back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fatigue, stress, anxiety, and depression. To take care of your health and well-being, you should adopt a healthy lifestyle, such as: eating well, drinking enough water, exercising regularly, sleeping enough, relaxing and meditating, and seeking social and professional support.
Post editing MT is a dynamic and evolving field, which requires constant learning and improvement. To keep up with the changes and challenges of post editing MT, you should update your knowledge and skills, learn from your experiences and feedback, explore new tools and resources, and seek new opportunities and challenges. By keeping learning and improving, you can enhance your post editing quality, productivity, and satisfaction.