Machine translation (MT) uses artificial intelligence (AI) to automate the process of converting text from a source language to a target language. While MT is efficient and cost-effective for many use cases, it also has significant limitations, especially when accuracy is critical. Here, we explore the key advantages and disadvantages of machine translation to help you decide if it suits your business needs.
Advantages of Machine Translation
Volume and Speed
MT can process large volumes of text in seconds. For high-volume projects, MT ensures content is organized and tagged appropriately, maintaining its structure when translated into multiple languages.
A Starting Point for Human Translation
MT serves as a helpful starting point for human translators, especially for large-scale tasks like manuals, FAQs, or business documentation. When used in combination with skilled linguists, it reduces time and cost while improving overall quality.
Cost-Effective Solutions
With a customized engine, MT significantly lowers translation costs. When combined with human post-editing, businesses can save 15-30% on total translation expenses while maintaining high standards of accuracy.
Balancing Cost, Quality, and Time
MT allows businesses to adjust cost, quality, and turnaround time to meet specific needs. For example, MT has enabled faster, more cost-effective translations for industries like healthcare and finance.
Efficiency for Real-Time Communication
MT excels in speed, translating hundreds of thousands of words per second with the right infrastructure. Paired with human post-editing, it reduces project turnaround times by up to 35%.
Disadvantages of Machine Translation
Accuracy Issues
MT often struggles with maintaining the accuracy of complex texts, such as medical reports, legal documents, or technical manuals. Critical errors in such contexts can have serious consequences.
Loss of Conciseness
MT may dilute concise content by using alternate words or longer structures, which can confuse readers and detract from the primary message.
Potentially Offensive Output
Machine-translated content may contain grammatical errors or ambiguous meanings, which can offend readers or fail to communicate the intended message.
Usage Limitations
MT cannot effectively process non-editable file formats like JPEGs or certain PDFs, making it less useful for translating documents that aren’t in standard text formats.
Poor Contextual Understanding
MT lacks the ability to interpret cultural nuances, colloquial expressions, and industry-specific jargon, leading to low-quality translations.
Lack of Precision
Human translators outperform MT in precision, especially when dealing with ambiguous terms or highly specialized content.
Choosing the Right Translation Method for Your Business
The choice between machine and human translation depends on your business needs. For projects requiring speed and cost-efficiency, MT paired with human post-editing can be a viable solution. However, for content where accuracy and cultural sensitivity are paramount, human translation is indispensable.
Partner with Lingual Consultancy for Reliable Translation Services
At Lingual Consultancy, we offer tailored translation solutions combining the strengths of machine and human translation to meet diverse business requirements.
For any translation needs or queries, email us at [email protected] and build a long-term partnership with a trusted service provider.
