Machine Translation Post-Editing (MTPE) is a process where human linguists review and refine translations produced by machine translation (MT) systems. It combines the speed and scalability of AI with the expertise and cultural understanding of human editors. When done correctly, MTPE ensures translations are both accurate and natural-sounding, meeting the expectations of a global audience. Here, we discuss the best practices to achieve quality and efficiency in MTPE, presented in simple terms for easy understanding.

What is Machine Translation Post-Editing?

Machine Translation Post-Editing (MTPE) is a hybrid translation approach that combines the speed and efficiency of machine translation with the accuracy and nuance of human translation. In this process, machine translation software generates a raw translation, which is then meticulously reviewed and edited by a human translator. This ensures the final output is accurate, clear, and culturally relevant. MTPE offers the advantage of faster turnaround times and reduced costs compared to traditional human translation, while still maintaining high-quality results. By leveraging the strengths of both machine and human translation, MTPE provides a balanced solution for modern translation needs.

1. Understand the Purpose of the Translation

Before starting, know the purpose of the content. Ask yourself:

Who is the audience?
Is the content formal or casual?
What is the main message?

In this process, machine translation software generates a raw machine translation output, which is then meticulously reviewed and edited by a human translator. For instance, translating a legal document requires precision and formality, while a blog post can be more conversational. By understanding the purpose, you can adjust the tone and style during post-editing.

2. Choose the Right Machine Translation Tool

Not all MT systems are created equal. Some are better for specific languages or industries. For example:

Neural machine translation tools like Google Translate or DeepL excel at general text.
Specialized MT systems might perform better for technical or legal content.

Selecting the right tool increases the chances of receiving a high-quality draft, reducing your editing workload.

3. Familiarize Yourself with Machine Translation Post Editing Output

MT systems have patterns and limitations. For example:

They may struggle with idioms, slang, or cultural nuances.
Technical terms might be mistranslated or inconsistent.

By understanding these tendencies, you can focus your efforts on areas that need the most attention.

4. Set Clear Translation Quality Expectations

Not all translations need to be perfect. There are two common levels of post-editing:

Light Post-Editing: Correcting only critical errors to ensure basic understanding. This is suitable for internal documents or rough drafts.
Full Post-Editing: Refining the text to be polished and publication-ready. This is ideal for marketing materials or customer-facing content.

Determine the required level of quality before you begin to save time and effort.

5. Work in Small Segments

Editing large chunks of text at once can be overwhelming. Break the content into smaller sections and tackle them one at a time to ensure high translation quality. This approach:

Makes errors easier to spot.
Allows you to focus on consistency and flow within each segment.

6. Focus on Meaning First

Start by ensuring the translation conveys the correct meaning. Avoid getting bogged down by minor grammatical issues initially. Ask yourself:

Does the text make sense?
Is the intended message clear?

Once you’re satisfied with the meaning, you can refine the grammar, tone, and style.

7. Use Glossaries and Style Guides

Glossaries and style guides provide consistency. They include:

Preferred translations for specific terms.
Guidelines on tone, formatting, and punctuation.

For example, if a company prefers “client” over “customer,” the glossary will ensure everyone uses the correct term.

8. Leverage Translation Memory (TM)

Translation Memory stores previously translated phrases and provides translation memory matches to enhance the quality of translations. It can:

Speed up the translation process by suggesting reused content.
Ensure consistency, especially for repetitive terms or phrases.

When paired with MTPE, TM becomes a powerful tool to enhance efficiency.

9. Be Mindful of Cultural Nuances

A direct translation might not always resonate with the target audience. Consider:

Idioms and sayings: Replace them with culturally relevant alternatives.
Units of measurement, dates, and currencies: Tailor the content to suit the target language.

For example, “It’s raining cats and dogs” might confuse non-English speakers. Instead, use “It’s raining heavily.”

10. Collaborate with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)

If you’re working on technical or specialized content, SMEs can:

Clarify complex terms or concepts.
Ensure the translation aligns with industry standards.

This collaboration reduces errors and builds trust in the final output.

11. Use Quality Assurance (QA) Tools

QA tools can identify:

Spelling and grammar errors.
Inconsistent terminology.
Formatting issues.

Programs like Xbench or QA Distiller can complement your editing process, catching mistakes you might miss.

12. Track Common Errors

Keep a record of recurring issues in the MT output. For example:

Misuse of homonyms (e.g., “there” vs. “their”).
Incorrect gender agreements in languages like Spanish or French.

This log helps you anticipate and address frequent problems quickly.

13. Manage Your Time Wisely

Set a realistic schedule for post-editing. Factors to consider include:

The length and complexity of the text.
The quality of the initial MT output.

Use productivity techniques like the Pomodoro method to stay focused and avoid burnout.

14. Stay Updated on MT Advancements

MT technology evolves rapidly. Keep learning about:

New tools and features.
Best practices in your industry.

Staying informed ensures you use the most efficient methods and tools available.

Conclusion

MTPE is a powerful way to blend human expertise with AI efficiency. By following these best practices, you can deliver translations that are accurate, culturally relevant, and polished. Remember, the key is to balance speed and quality, ensuring the final product meets the needs of your audience. With the right approach, MTPE becomes not just a task, but a valuable skill in today’s globalized world.