Human Translation vs. Machine Translation: Which is Better?

In the debate between humans and AI, it sometimes feels like the computers are winning. After all, we constantly see AI in the news, on social media, and on our computer updates. While it’s true that AI is becoming a more significant part of our lives, there are still plenty of things machines can’t do.??

So what about translation? Are AI translation services better than human translators??

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What is Machine Translation??

To start, let’s talk about AI and machine translation. While translation using large language models (LLMs) is relatively new, people have used computers to translate for decades. Machine translation (MT) is the most common way to encounter computer-generated translations.??

How Does Machine Translation Work??

Machine translations start with data for two languages: the source language and the target language. When given a translation project, the computer will separate portions of the text into words and phrases, which can be quickly translated into the target language by matching those portions with their target-language counterpart. LLM-based translation works similarly, except the AI used in an LLM is designed to learn and develop new solutions based on added context. If the LLM makes a mistake when translating, this is logged in the system, and the LLM will work around it.?

What are the Types of Machine Translation??

Overall, there are four main types of machine translation:?

• Rule-Based Machine Translation uses grammatical structures as the primary basis for translating. It relies on spelling and grammar rules to translate content.?

• Statistical Machine Translation creates a statistical model of the relationships between words and translates content using those relationships as a reference.?

• Neural Machine Translation uses AI, like large language models, to constantly learn and update language rules in real time, as we do. This type of machine translation requires large datasets and a consistent stream of new information.?

• Hybrid Machine Translation is a mix of rule-based and statistical machine translation. It combines the strengths of both to create more accurate translations.?

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What Can You Translate With MT??

Machine translation is the fastest, most affordable way to translate content. However, it can’t translate everything. For starters, machine translations aren’t ideal for translating content within a particular field of study. For example, Legal and medical documents need translators familiar with both languages’ terminology, rules, and privacy guidelines. Machine translation isn’t suitable for conveying emotions either—if you need to translate something that will resonate with your target audience, human translators and transcreators are your best bet.??

Can Anyone Translate Legal Documents??

So, who can translate legal documents???

Your best bet for legal translations is to find a human translator with professional experience translating legal documents. Translators certified with the American Translators Association are a generally safe option, but the ATA doesn’t offer certification for every language. Translation agencies specializing in legal translation services are another excellent resource. ?

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Which is Better? Human Translation or Machine Translation??

The final verdict isn’t so cut-and-dry: both human translation and machine translation have their perks. Machine translation is especially good for quick, low-cost projects and can be made more accurate with post-editing services. However, human translators are ideal for translating creative content or documents that require specialized expertise. When choosing which type of service to use, you’ll need to consider your source material first.?

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Finding Affordable Translation Services with Traduality?

Ultimately, considering your budget is the best way to get an affordable translation. Language services play a vital role in our economy, and it’s far less expensive to get your translations done right the first time than to pay for different services over and over. Traduality’s team of vetted translators and interpreters are here to help ensure your projects are completed with the utmost care and precision—ensuring affordable language services every time. To learn more, contact us today!