AI translation: the answer to all your problems?

Only if it’s done right!

In recent months, we’ve all become obsessed with AI. We love it and we’re sick of it all at once. Everyone is discussing the possibilities, the ramifications, the ethical implications, but above all, for many businesses, what’s at the top of the list is the possible SAVINGS!

The translation sector is one in which AI has an important role to play, but it’s also a clear example of an area where the use of these tools should be approached as one cog in the machine of a well-implemented and smart strategy.

How does AI apply to translation?

The use of AI in translation processes is actually none other than machine translation. Something which was very much a ‘dirty word’ until recently, has become a big trend, and it’s time for translation agencies to assume their important role in ensuring that customers are well informed on the responsible and successful use of these tools, and to ensure the best quality output by implementing ‘human-in-the-loop’ workflows.Despite the undeniable advances in automatic translation models in recent years, the translation process is still incomplete without human translators carrying out an all-important post-editing process. A correct and effective translation still requires the cultural understanding, sensitivity to nuances, and attention to detail that only human eyes can provide, so a system for human review and post-editing is a critical part of any AI translation model.

Advantages of automatic translators

here are several advantages that AI machine translation can provide, especially for ecommerce and online businesses. The implementation of AI can help speed up delivery times and reduce costs, two important and decisive factors. So, it’s tempting for companies to see AI as a ‘miraculous invention’ to translate for free. However, this approach can have a serious impact on brand image, customer relations and even turnover in international markets. Hence, the importance of a human translator in the loop. The post-editing process carried out by a professional linguist will ensure that a translation is correct, reads naturally and achieves its desired aim.

There are types of texts that lend themselves to AI translation, such as product descriptions. But even these texts should be reviewed and edited by a human professional to ensure that technical details are correct, and that the customer understands what they are buying. In recent months, requests for the proofreading of AI generated translations that have caused complaints from customers has become a growing trend in the translation sector. 

There are also many types of texts that are highly unsuitable for AI translation, such as marketing texts, literary texts, and SWORN translations to name just a few. The creative and adaptive process needed in the former, and the need for a certified translator to carry out the whole process in the latter, are just some of the elements that customers should bear in mind. Furthermore, we, as translation agencies, should be working on transmitting, guiding clients in the application of the best strategy.

Limitations of machine translation

So, as we can see, it’s one thing to incorporate AI in the translation of your product descriptions as part of a wider human-in-the-loop process, and something very different to translate all your website automatically and launch it in a foreign market without a second thought. It’s important for businesses to look at the bigger picture and put the customer back at the centre of their strategies.

Post-editing projects in BigTranslation.

At BigTranslation we understand the needs of the digital sector and know that clients often want to incorporate AI into their workflows to optimise profitability and speed up turn around times. 

That’s why, via our online Instant Quote, along with our professional native translation services, customers can also order AI+postediting. This ensures that all automatic texts are carried out through the best AI models and thoroughly edited by a native professional to ensure they achieve their desired aim. All this in the click of a button and delivered to your inbox! 

Among the advantages highlighted by our customers are the speed of the service, and the ease of use. They also trust their texts to us to ensure any cultural nuances are treated correctly in texts for different international markets.

The blend of AI translation and human revision

To sum up the answer to a very large question in just a sentence: Can AI be a useful ally translating your company’s texts? Yes, but it depends on the context! (It’s not lost on us that this is a translator’s favourite answer to any question!) The role of native professional translators is still vital in any kind of professional translation process and can mean the difference between a sale and a customer clicking that back button and looking elsewhere.

👉Would you like to know more? You can place your order or contact us at sales@bigtranslation.com