Everything you need to know about machine translation

Using machines to translate content from one language to another has long been a goal for computer scientists and translators. It was about ten years ago when machine translation made its first great leap forward thanks to the practical application of techniques such as machine learning and neural networks.

What is machine translation?

Machine translation refers to the use of intelligent software and technology to translate texts from one language to another without the need for human intervention. Originally, these systems were based on rules that used grammatical structures and bilingual dictionaries.

Over time, and in order to achieve a faster and more accurate process, statistical systems were developed. These were based on the analysis of enormous amounts of human translations and the subsequent use of statistical methods to generate a translation result.

Today, neuronal translation systems are based on neural networks and deep learning to achieve an automated continuous learning model and very high quality results.

In fact, a study published last month by CSA Research predicts that current trends in artificial intelligence development will result in machine translation that can fully and adapt translations in a receptive way based on context, metadata and usage scenarios.

Machine translation

Machine translation (MT)

Machine translation refers to a purely automated translation system capable of converting source content into target languages in a matter of seconds.

Let's take the example of Google Translate: this platform is able to instantaneously translate texts through the use of algorithms and patterns extracted from millions of samples.

This type of machine translation allows companies to translate more and more content without having to add resources to manage the translation process.

Machine translation goes far beyond converting words from one language to another. At Pangeanic, when we speak of machine translation, we are referring to a process adapted to each context which improves machine translations based on human revisions, interpretations and corrections.

You might be interested in: How to train your machine translation engine

The advantages of machine translation

Machine translation and its ability to implement a first stage of purely automated translation brings many positive aspects to any project requiring translation services. And the fact is that, as far as speed, volume and cost are concerned, MT has far surpassed human translators' capabilities. The following are some of the main advantages.

Immediacy

For large quantities of texts, machine translation provides a first layer of automatic translation that will speed up the translation process and will allow organizations to save enormous amounts of time and money.

To ensure the accuracy and quality of professional translations, let's remember that it is necessary to have a professional translator to review the resulting translation, as well as verify and edit any inaccurate information.

In this way, machine translation tools enhance the value of the human experience and skills, freeing the translator from the most tedious part, and allowing them to focus their work perfecting the translations.

Feasibility and scalability

Over the years, the language industry has heavily invested in technological developments that have made translation more accessible and can serve a wider audience, without compromising the quality of the results.

Machine translation may therefore be a very viable option from a financial point of view. If a professional translator is hired to work on the translation from scratch, the resulting bill is likely to be sky-high.

Automation offers the translation tools necessary for the system to constantly evolve without having to add more investment and resources as the volume of content to be translated increases.

Content management

Machine translation can simplify the entire workflow by automating the process of content management tasks so that linguists and companies don't have to worry about managing ongoing translations, reducing the workload.

Intelligent automation empowers users with the ability to manage and update translations automatically in the same connected space. This is especially useful when linking actions to tasks, validating translations or corrections, or viewing active translations.

Privacy

Remote working due to COVID-19 has increased the costs in security breaches, at USD 1.07 million, according to an IBM report published this year.

An automated translation process involves fewer contact points and a shorter transit time, so fewer people are likely to gain access to private data. As a result, machine translation provides organizations with greater control on data governance.

In addition, some machine translation tools, such as anonymization, allow sensitive or confidential content to be translated in a way that preserves personal data and protects the company's privacy and reputation.

Flexibility and customization

Deep analysis tools can use drafts that provide machine translators with previously used phrases and concepts, taking advantage of a “translation memory” that can be customized for each specific user.

Depending on the exact content or its priority, machine translation can perform different quality controls, such as glossary compliance or numerical consistency checks.

These options are just examples of the flexibility and customization that machine translation provides for each individual organization.

Read more: Languages that defy machine translation

Form a cutting-edge partnership for your translations 

Pangeanic's machine translation engines are pioneers in the language industry. So much so that several government agencies in the United States and the European Union, as well as international organizations, have chosen them for their high-volume translation needs.

Pangeanic's approach combines the highest levels of flexibility, control, customization and user service with state-of-the-art technology to provide accurate, near-human machine translation. Want to try our technology? Talk to us or, better yet, request a demo.