“Machine Translation is computer generated translation based on specific algorithm sets. Usually fast and simple to use, MT engines represent a quick and easy, although not always the best solution for translation.”
The concept of machine translation (MT) came into existence as a result of the constantly-growing need for translation services combined with the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. To keep step with the times and improve efficiency, many translation agencies have launched the service called machine translation post editing (MTPE) as soon as they can.
Will MT or MTPE replace human translation in the future? What should professional translators do to survive the industry shocks? Opinions are widely divided when it comes to these concerns.
On the one hand, MT/MTPE can greatly improve efficiency and reduce costs. With the assistance of MT engines (for example, TranSmart, DeepL, Google Translate), you can get the translation within minutes with an ultra-low cost, even zero cost.
On the other hand, we can’t ignore the inherent defects of MT/MTPE. It is generally known that translation is not a process of word-for-word interpretation, instead, it’s a person-to-person art. The nuances, slang, and cultural considerations that might be in your text needs to be considered in the target language. That’s why we can’t fully reckon on MT/MTPE in our work.
As a professional translator, there is no need to be panic. As the Chinese proverb says, “The water that bears the boat is the same that swallows it up.” All we can do is continuously improve our translation skills and embrace change, strive to deliver fast and improved translation by balancing the quality and efficiency.
