As the machine translation market continues to grow and evolve, it is expected to be worth $1.5 billion USD by 2024, as more companies reach out to the global marketplace. To be successful in other countries requires localization of all content -- not just translation. To aid this transition, post-edited machine translation (PEMT) is becoming increasingly popular. We take a look at how machine translation companies are offering a more comprehensive service in this changing market.
Why use PEMT?
Machine translation (MT) is beneficial, especially when there is a high volume of content to be translated. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) develops at a rapid pace, it is being used more frequently in machine translations, making them more accurate and faster. This makes converting large volumes of content for your ecommerce or services website much easier and less expensive. It also helps to speed up the process, helping to meet tight deadlines and getting your product onto a new market quickly.
However, despite improvements, MT is still not 100% accurate and can lose some of the meaning or quality. Therefore, post-editing is necessary to catch any mistakes and check that the true meaning of the message you wish to get across is clear and understandable. This is where PEMT comes into play. Having a human to check how accurate and precise the translation is creates a more polished finish for your product.
It is expected that MT will continue to develop and carve out a more pivotal role in the global economy but as this demand increases, so too will the need for human input of translators to provide PEMT.
Language Service Providers and translators
In this era of change, Language Service Providers (LSPs) and Translators may be worried that they will no longer be required. This is not the case as, like with the technology itself, their role will evolve and change over time. We are still a long way off from the situation where AI will be able to fully understand the nuances of languages, especially in the cases where there may be many different dialects.
AI does not have the ability (yet!) to bring the levels of personality and accuracy needed to make online and marketing content to deliver the fully intended message of companies wishing to localize their products. Linguists, LSPs and translators are still required to ensure that the content carries the correct message and does not cause any offence or lose potency.
Afterall, MT uses algorithms and mathematics to translate the content when it truly needs the touch of human language to make sure the meanings are accurate. This means that an editing role for translators is more likely to be their primary contribution to the translations, ensuring the personality and creativity of the content comes across.
These changes mean that the translation services provided by humans rather than machines will involve more writing, creating, analysis and moderation than translation.
The future of translation
At first, there may be some resistance from companies and translators to embrace the new technology. Some may view MT suspiciously, thinking that it can not accurately translate. They are right to a certain extent of course, but by adopting the technology and allowing their content to be converted to other languages through MT, they are in fact helping to develop the translation industry.
If more machine translation companies enter the market, the competition will raise the standards and improve the technology. In tandem, providers supplying PEMT services will increase. The U.S. Bureau of Labor predicts that the translator and interpreter field will expand by 17% by 2026.
Choosing the right MT product for your translation is vital. It is also advised that you review your choices every six to 12 months to ensure that they are still relevant to your product or service and to allow you to use the most up-to-date technology.
As the world becomes smaller through technological advances, global markets become a more realistic reality for even small companies and industries. To fully capitalize on this, businesses must ensure that their front window -- their website -- is easily understood by their growing number of international customers. To achieve this, the translation of content is essential.
When it comes to PEMT, Andovar has highly qualified and experienced translators and linguists to provide you with a more accurate translation. We work with your content to make it fit for your new target market, taking into account dialects, cultural references and of course, the true meaning of your message. Get in touch with us today to start your translation journey and open up a whole world of markets.
