Until late 2016, all machine translation products on the market were based on algorithms that employ statistical approaches to determine the best feasible translation for a given word. Machine translation works by converting one language (source language) to another using software (target language). Although it may appear simple, significant procedures are involved in even the most basic of translations.

What exactly is Machine Translation?

Machine Translation (MT) is the automated translation of text by a computer. It performs text translations using computer algorithms with no human intervention. Machine Translation translates source material into one or more destination languages rapidly and easily. Google Translate is perhaps the most well-known Machine Translation Engine.

It is important to distinguish between machine translation and computer-assisted translation (CAT). While machine translation engines are used in CAT, their purpose is usually to assist the human translator. Machine Translation, on the other hand, is the sole product of the machine, however human reviewers may be involved for quality assurance.

Today, various types of MT systems are in use:

• Rules-based machine translation

Uses grammar and language rules, developed by language experts, and dictionaries which can be customized to a specific topic or industry.

• Statistical machine translation

Does not rely on linguistic rules and words; it learns how to translate by analysing large amount of existing human translations.

• Neural machine translation

Teaches itself on how to translate by using a large neural network. This method is becoming more and more popular as it provides better results with language pairs.

What are the benefits of Machine Translation?

• Saves time

Machine language translation can save a lot of time because it can translate entire text pages in seconds. Please keep in mind, however, that human translators should always post-edit MT translations.

• Reduces costs

Because it requires less human intervention, machine translation can significantly reduce your costs.

• Memorizes terms

Another advantage of machine translation is its capacity to remember essential terms and reuse them wherever they may fit.

Machine translation has advanced substantially over the years and is now assisting businesses in localizing their content in order to reach a global audience. When used correctly, they can deliver high-level output with human intervention. Although they are far from self-contained, MTs are beneficial for enormous amounts of text.

We are here at K&J Translations to assist you in ensuring the highest quality translations and taking your company to the next level.