III.
In order to bridge the gap between various languages and cultures, translation is
essential. For precise and nuanced translations, human translators have long been the
preferred option. On the other hand, artificial intelligence (AI) translation, a burgeoning area
within natural language processing (NLP), suggests that it can facilitate cross-linguistic
communication. This new world of automatic language translation begs the question of which
is preferable: human or AI translation services? To help answer this, let’s dig deep into these
two modes of translation by looking into the benefits and challenges you may encounter while
using each kind.
Human Translation
Human translation involves the process of translating text from one language to another
through the expertise of trained professionals.
• Advantages
Skilled translators possess an in-depth understanding of both the source and the target
languages, including their cultural nuances and contextual subtleties, which helps the
translator ensure that the literal, emotional and cultural contexts of the message are conveyed
to the target audience. For instance, imagine a business owner wanting to expand into a
foreign market with a marketing slogan that relies on wordplay. A skilled human translator
would have the cultural knowledge necessary to adapt the slogan, preserving its intended
impact and resonating with the local audience. A famous example is Coca-Cola’s “Taste the
Feeling” campaign, which required careful localization to maintain its impact across various
markets.
Human translators can also employ contextual judgment to handle complex texts, such as
legal documents or technical manuals. They can interpret ambiguous or idiomatic phrases by
considering the wider context, resulting in a more accurate and faithful translation. This is
particularly important for businesses that deal with complex contracts, patent filings or
regulatory documents where precision is paramount.
• Challenges
Translators, like all humans, can make mistakes, especially when dealing with tight
deadlines or large volumes of work. Even highly skilled professionals can occasionally
overlook or misinterpret certain phrases, resulting in inaccuracies. To avoid these mistakes,
it’s important to include a proofreading phase in the translation process. A proofreader
reviews written materials for errors, clarity, consistency and overall quality to ensure
consistency in language usage, formatting and style throughout the document.
Another potential limitation is cost. Human translation services typically cost more than
AI translator tools, so small businesses with a limited budget can sometimes find it
challenging to contract a professional translator service.
AI Translation
AI translation, also known as machine translation, relies on algorithms and
computational models to automatically translate text from one language to another.
• Advantages
With the ability to process massive amounts of data in seconds, AI translation platforms
can deliver near-instantaneous translations, enabling real-time communication across
languages. In scenarios where speed and scalability are paramount, such as translating
user-generated content on social media platforms, AI-powered solutions can efficiently
process vast amounts of text with minimal human intervention.
Also, once the initial development and training costs are incurred, the ongoing use of AI
translation tools is typically more affordable. This accessibility can empower individuals,
small businesses and organizations with limited budgets to bridge language barriers without
breaking the bank.
• Challenges
AI tools can have difficulty capturing context and producing translations that convey the
full meaning of the original text. Language is complex, and culturally specific expressions
such as idioms and metaphors, as well as ambiguous or ungrammatical sentences and other
context-dependent word choices, can be challenging for AI algorithms. In some cases, such as
contracts or legal documents, relying solely on AI translation could introduce errors and legal
complications.
Cultural sensitivity is another area where AI translation can fall short. Translations
involve not only the literal meaning of words but also the cultural implications and social
connotations attached to them. AI often lacks the ability to recognize cultural subtleties, which
raises the risk of creating insensitive or controversial interpretations.
Ultimately, the choice between human translation and AI translation comes down to the
specific needs of the business and the importance of linguistic accuracy and cultural
sensitivity in the given context. Using a hybrid strategy that combines the efficiency of AI
translation with the strengths of human translation is one way businesses might find a happy
medium. By employing AI to handle routine, high-volume translations and by relying on
human translators for complex or culturally sensitive content, you can potentially achieve
accurate and culturally relevant translations while also optimizing time and cost. 【題組】48. Which translation mode is more suitable for translating intricate contracts and legal
documents?
(A) Machine Translation
(B) Human Translation
(C) Hybrid Translation
(D) AI Translation
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