The Paradox of Precision: Why We Care About Food Labels But Not About Accuracy in Translations

In today's world, consumers are increasingly vigilant about the food they consume. We carefully scrutinize food labels, seeking detailed information about ingredients, nutritional values, and potential allergens. The rise of clean eating and the focus on health-conscious living has made us more discerning than ever. We demand transparency and accuracy in what we put into our bodies, understanding that even a small mistake in labeling can have significant consequences.

?Yet, there is a surprising lack of the same scrutiny when it comes to the consumption of information, especially in the form of translated documents. As artificial intelligence (AI) and machine translation (MT) become more prevalent, many organizations and individuals are quick to adopt these technologies without considering the potential risks. We often see companies relying on machine-generated translations without human verification, assuming that the output is good enough. But is it?

?The Risk of Fluent but Inaccurate Translations

?Artificial intelligence has made tremendous strides in language processing, and machine translations can often produce fluent, natural-sounding text. However, fluency does not equate to accuracy. A translation might sound perfect but still contain errors, misinterpretations, or omissions that can drastically conflict with the intended meaning of the original text. In fields such as law, medicine, or international business, these errors can lead to misunderstandings, contractual disputes, regulatory violations, or even legal liabilities.

?Imagine a legal document in which a key term is mistranslated or a medical report in which a patient's diagnosis is not accurately conveyed. The consequences could be severe, ranging from financial loss to serious health risks. Unlike a mislabeled food product, the errors in a mistranslated document might not be immediately evident, making them even more dangerous.

?The Value of Human Expertise

?Despite the convenience of AI and machine translation, there is still no substitute for human expertise. Professional translators not only understand the nuances of language but also bring cultural context and subject matter knowledge to their work. Translators are ambassadors of cultures.

?Human verification of machine translations is essential, especially in high-stakes situations. A professional translator reviewing a machine-generated text can identify inaccuracies, correct them, and ensure that the final document is both fluent and accurate. This step is critical to avoiding the risks associated with relying solely on AI for translation.

?A Call to Action: Demand the Same Precision in Translations

?As consumers, we demand accuracy and transparency in the products we consume, and we should expect no less when it comes to the information we rely on. Whether it's a contract, a medical report, or any other critical document, we must prioritize accuracy over convenience.

?Just as we carefully read food labels to protect our health, we should be equally diligent in ensuring that qualified professionals verify the translations we use. By doing so, we can safeguard against the potential liabilities of inaccurate translations and ensure that the information we rely on is as trustworthy as the food we eat.

?ASTM International Standard 2575 proposes the use of labels to alert the reader what kind of translation he is about to consume. These labels will show if a professional human translator has verified a translation or not. Initially, the standard introduced Unedited Machine Translation (UMT) and Bilingually Reviewed Translation (BRT). This year, after consulting with stakeholders, and to more accurately reflect reality, ASTM 2575 is proposing to change the labels to Un-Verified Translation (UVT) and Professionally Verified Translation (PVT).

?In the end, it's not just about the words on the page; it's about the trust we place in those words and the decisions we make based on them. Let's be as careful with our consumption of information as we are with our food, and recognize the value of human expertise in a world increasingly dominated by AI.

?Andy Benzo