Significance of Certified Translator - Machine Translation vs Human Translation

Human-Based Certified Translator Vs Machine-Based Translator

The significance of a Certified Translator can never be ignored when it comes to the specialized task of converting one language into another. The Translation Industry especially in the United Kingdom (UK) has always been exposed to the pertinent debate of Human translation vs Machine translation. In 2021 this topic of Official Document Translation has never been more relevant considering the technological advancements, specifically “Artificial Intelligence”, which is enabling machines to comprehend and replicate human behavior and its lingual characteristics.

                In 2016, the world was introduced to the first humanoid AI robot “Sophia” which could exhibit an advanced use of language based on reasoning, irony, and even sarcasm. Some lesser outstanding versions are “Siri, Cortana, Alexa, and Google Assistant” which have become an essential part of our technology dependant lives. 

                So, considering all of this, is it time to let go of the $ 50 Billion Language industry relating to translation services and hand it over to our new electricity consuming certified translator friends? Let us go through the on-ground practicalities and try it answer this question.

Machine Translation

The advancements of machines as a certified translator, using human language and its minute details, are in fact revolutionary and mind-boggling for official document translation; however, the use of such has only been exhibited in a controlled and planned environment. What that means is that despite the evolving; perceiving and duplicating abilities of AI, it is not yet ready to completely comprehend the human language especially for technical and legal translation services.

Realistically, the abilities of machine translators can be narrowed down to two points:

It costs less, and it is considerably faster as compared to any human translator. However, those perks are accompanied by un-ignorable cons which can be anything from inaccurate to incomprehensible, to being potentially dangerous and offensive even.

Advantages of Machine Translation

•             Free and easy access for any official document translation.

•             Almost every language is available in case of a machine-based certified translator to work in.

•             It is quick and time-saving.

•             It’s constantly evolving with every passing day.

 

Disadvantages of Machine Translation

•             The output is rarely consistent and it is very annoying in case of legal translations and interpretations.

•             Accuracy, as compared to an experienced certified translator, is extremely low across different languages.

•             Machines cannot pick up and comprehend context as a professionally skilled translator.

•             AI lacks the understanding of creative language use such as puns, irony, sarcasm etc.

•             Sometimes technical translations simply are not possible.

Uses of Machine Translation

•             As initial support for a human certified translator to speed up the translation process.

•             When a bulk content of translation document is needed to be worked on and accuracy is not as relevant.

•             Where simply translating a language to give a general meaning.

 

Human Translation

Language is an art and human artistic abilities are unparalleled. It is probably the only thing that would not ever be topped by artificially intelligent machines as compared to a human certified translator. Be it the use of creativity or improvisation, human language skills are unmatched. The translation service industry is going to be dependent on human resources for at least as far as I can see in the future.

Human professional translator offers you an absolute perfect accuracy against higher cost and longer turnaround time. The question is whether that initial investment outweighs the likelihood of ending up with an imperfect transcript.

Advantages of Human Translation

 

•             The output comes as a near-perfect translation along with the Skilled and Certified Translator taking full responsibility.

•             The Human the certified translator does comprehend and replicate the effect of context.

•             Human translation of official and legal document comes loaded with all the lingual characteristics like cultural and political references, metaphors, and slogans, etc.

•             Human translators can identify the pieces of the script where literal translation is not possible and adapt accordingly.

•             The human translation by a professional certified translator includes the understanding of referential and idiomatic contrasts between languages.

 

Disadvantages of Human Translation

 

•             It costs considerably more to translate or interpret any document or certificate.

•             The turnaround time is more, and specialized service is not easily accessible.

•             The spectrum of language skills is limited unless you have access to a language translating agency.

Uses of Human Translation

•             Certified translator is highly recommended when accuracy is needed.

•             When the content needs to be creative and needed technical skills to provide translation services.

•             Where the content is meant to appeal to an audience i.e., marketing or consumer audience.

 

So, coming back to the question; is machine translation a viable substitution for a Human certified translator? No. Not yet. It may be used as a quick to access, simple tasks-oriented method to translate a language but when it comes to any kind of legitimate productivity; Human translation is the only way to go with.