Does automated translation replace the human translator entirely?
Using unedited translations made with machine translation software can be dangerous for a number of reasons. Here are some of them:
- Lack of accuracy: machine translations may not always capture the exact meaning of the source text, which can lead to errors or incorrect information being conveyed in the target language. They are context-sensitive and may misinterpret the meaning of phrases or sentences. There are many examples with how machine translation messes certain specific phrases and the outcome can be quite hilarious at times, and quite unprofessional at other times. Furthermore, it seems that enumerations and numbers and not correctly translated by many translation software, so, if you need the translation of a legal documents which contains many numbered articles, paragraphs, extensive enumerations, then you can be sure that the automated translation will not be entirely correct.
- Consistency and style problems: Machine translations may not maintain a consistent level of style and tone throughout the document, which can affect the comprehension and overall impact of the translation. This can lead to confusing communication or a negative image of the business.
- Risk of loss of cultural meaning: Machine translations do not always take into account cultural subtleties and local sensitivities, which can lead to translations that are inappropriate or offensive in the cultural context of the target audience.
- Data privacy and security: The use of machine translation software may expose sensitive or confidential data to the risk of being accessed or intercepted by third parties, which may jeopardise the security and confidentiality of information.
- Loss of added value of professional services: Exclusive reliance on machine translations can lead to an underestimation of the added value provided by professional translators, who bring expertise, knowledge and cultural understanding to the translation process.
In conclusion, the use of unedited translations carried out with machine translation software poses significant risks, including translation errors, style and consistency problems, loss of cultural meaning and security risks. It is essential to use professional translation services to ensure the quality, accuracy and relevance of translations and to protect the confidentiality and security of data. The great advantage of machine translation is that it does provide a basis to work with and thus save some time for the translators who actually know their way around the proper use of the software, so as to get good results.