Online translating machine tools have become both popular and frequently used. Machine translation, also referred to by the acronym MT, is a sub-field of computational linguistics that examines how computer software is used to translate texts or phrases from one language to another. The most basic form of MT is the substitution of isolated words in one natural language for words in another. On a more advanced level, complex translations could also be attempted, allowing for better handling of idiomatic expressions as well as linguistic anomalies.

Combining Human & Machine

Improved output quality can also be achieved by human intervention: for example, some systems are able to translate more accurately if the user has identified which words in the text are proper nouns (names). With the assistance of these techniques, MT has proven useful as a tool to assist human translators, and in some cases can even produce a translation that can be used without modification. However, current systems are unable to produce translations of the same quality as a human translator, particularly where the source material uses casual language.

The Shortcomings of a Machine

Although translation tools are in most cases successful in conveying the general sense of the original words, they often prove incapable of producing an impeccable translation. As in many other technological attempts to supplement human skills with sophisticated machines, a human touch remains necessary to adequately convey the exact meaning of the source text. No matter how advanced translation tools have become, they can hardly be regarded as a substitute for a skilled and experienced human translators. There are specific styles of translations that machine tools cannot handle properly. While they are reasonably good at translating government and legal documents, in the case of conversation or less standardised texts, the machine tools would produce a translation  replete with errors.

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Tjc Global

TJC Global is a translation and interpreting company based in Oxford. We have been providing language services to a diverse range of clients for over twenty years.