The Evolving Landscape of Machine Translation: Why Human Touch Still Matters
When contemplating Sandro Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus," one might wonder: what would a machine make of such a masterpiece? Despite advances in technology, a machine, unlike a human, cannot grasp the emotions or the intrinsic beauty emanating from this artwork. This analogy aptly extends to the realm of language.
Language is more than a mere conveyor of information; it's an emotive force. Imagine if "Les Misérables" by Victor Hugo were penned by a machine – it might resemble an opera sung by a satnav, lacking the emotional depth to truly resonate with the reader's heart.
This holds especially true for corporate communications, be they press releases, advertising, or research papers. These forms of communication aim to connect with humans on an emotional level, striving to convince, attract, or raise awareness. A human translator, unlike a machine, can intuitively select the most fitting "equivalents" in a target language, considering the objective, audience, and context. Present the same text to multiple human translators, and you'll receive a variety of translations, each correct in its unique way.
As of 2021, despite significant advancements, machine translation (MT) still falls short in providing that crucial editorial touch. While it has become more reliable in conveying the overall message (particularly with English due to the abundance of online data), it often lacks a natural feel and tone.
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This isn't to say MT has no place in our world. It remains a remarkable tool for quick translations and is accessible 24/7 through platforms like Google Translate. Its capacity to process content in a broad spectrum of languages has improved, thanks to substantial investments by tech giants in AI and algorithmic development.
MT is excellent for grasping the gist of a text or accessing documents that don't warrant professional translation. However, for professional-grade, publication-ready content (such as corporate communications, website translations, or marketing materials), the expertise of professional translators is indispensable.
In essence, while the capabilities of machine translation have undoubtedly evolved, the nuanced understanding and emotional intelligence of a human translator remain irreplaceable in capturing the true essence of language.
Co-founder | Entrepreneur | Startup and Business Advisory
7 年Context is important but prices are under pressure and technology can help serve existing markets and create new ones. As such, you might enjoy this presentation by Spence Green on the Democratisation of Translation. https://youtu.be/_e6WnVZZ9aU
Chief User Engagement Officer
7 年As an MT solutions developer I can tell you that one of the biggest challenges is helping clients use the tech correctly. It's great for gisting, it's great for creating a first draft. It's a productivity tool but high-quality translation still requires a human touch.
Trusted advisor for leaders and their teams // Founder & CEO @ wingman.cz // Co-Founder @ Leaders of Tomorrow // Host of The Roman Zelenka Podcast // exCEO at ZELENKA // Motivational Speaker
7 年It is so important for people to understand this, there is no denying that MT is becoming more relevant and will have a very important place in the future of our industry, but it is not a replacement for quality translations. I especially like the comparison of how language, just like art and music, is meant to evoke emotion, something that we are still lightyears away from in MT. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, William.
Manager, Field Engineering IMEA at Databricks
7 年Not today but not never....