Our Journal

The Truth About AI Translation and Why You Need Human Translation

Translation services are indispensable for any business that aims to enter the global market. However, obtaining high-quality and timely translations can be difficult. Some people suggest that artificial intelligence (AI) can offer a solution by delivering rapid and precise translations. AI ṣhas advanced significantly in various fields, including translation. One of the latest breakthroughs in AI translation is ChatGPT, a software that employs neural networks to produce coherent texts in different languages. This is a disputed matter in the translation industry, with several arguments pro and con both strategies. In this article, we will examine the merits and drawbacks of AI and human translation, and evaluate how ChatGPT can assist specific sectors in the global market.

What is AI translation and why do we still need human translators?

AI translation is not the same as standard machine translation. Standard machine translation engines just translate words one by one, without paying attention to the context or structure of the sentences. AI translation tools use advanced machine learning to understand languages. They can pick up on the nuances of language, such as complex sentence patterns and tone of voice. Some AI translation tools can even deal with specific colloquialisms and humour. AI translation makes translations that are much more accurate and natural than standard machine translation.

But AI translation is not flawless. Even the best AI tools cannot catch the subtleties of human communication, such as cultural context, emotional tone, and creative expression. Only human translators can do that. They can get the meaning and intention behind the words, and say them in a way that connects with the target audience. They can also ensure accuracy and quality, as they can review and edit their work, while AI tools may have errors or variations. That’s why human translation is still vital and relevant in the age of AI, especially for texts that need a high level of precision and nuance.

The Benefits of Human Translation in the Era of AI and ML

Human translation is still the best option for many types of texts and contexts, even in the era of AI and ML. This is because human translators can capture the subtleties and nuances of language and culture that machines often fail to do. For instance, human translators can understand and use slang, sarcasm, irony, metaphors, and figurative expressions that are common in human communication. These elements can express tone, emotion, attitude, and intention that are essential for effective communication. Moreover, human translators can adapt to different situations and audiences, using appropriate style, register, and terminology. They can also check for accuracy, consistency, and coherence in their translations, which machines may not be able to do.

Additionally, human translators can deal with ambiguity, uncertainty, and context-dependence that are natural in human language. They can use their background knowledge, common sense, and inference skills to resolve these issues. Furthermore, human translators can handle rare languages, untranslatable words, homophones, and cultural references that may challenge machines. Therefore, human translation has many benefits over machine translation because it can preserve the meaning and quality of the original text and avoid misunderstandings or errors that may result from machine translation.

The Good and the Bad of AI Translation

AI translation is a program that uses AI and natural language processing to translate text from one language to another. It has become better with ChatGPT, an AI language model that can make human-like text. But AI translation also has some issues. Here are some good and bad things about AI translation.

Good things:

• Speed and efficiency: AI translation can translate text quickly and help businesses save time and money.
• Accessibility and implementation: AI translation can work on different platforms and mediums. It can make translation easier and more convenient.
• Cost-effectiveness: AI translation is cheaper than paying a professional linguist. It can offer translation services for those who have a low budget.
• Versatility: AI translation can learn and improve all the time. It can translate content for different industries and domains.

Bad things:

• Lack of cultural context: AI translation does not know the culture of the languages it translates. It may make errors and cause confusion.
• Perpetuating biases: AI translation may use biassed data from the Internet. It may make translations that are based on stereotypes or prejudices.
• Poor linguistic context: AI translation may not know idioms and humour. It may not show the tone, emotion, attitude, and intention of the text.
• Data security: AI translation may risk sensitive information to data breaches and cybersecurity threats. ChatGPT may be used to hack and steal files. ChatGPT’s program may also be hacked or changed.
• Lacking specialised skill: AI translation does not have the human judgement and expertise that some skills need. Some fields and professions need human translators who have experience and knowledge.

The Good and the Bad of Human Translation

Human translation is the process of translating text from one language to another by humans. It has been around for a long time and has many advantages over machine translation. However, human translation also has some limitations and challenges. Here are some good and bad things about human translation. 

Good things:

• Cultural sensitivity: translations are appropriate and respectful for the target audience and culture
• Linguistic nuances: tone, style, and humour of the text are conveyed in the target language; idiomatic expressions and slang are understood
• Accuracy and quality: translations are reliable, checked, and revised; communication with clients or professionals to clarify doubts or questions
• Personal touch: flair and creativity in the translation of novels and poems; translation as an art form Bad things:
• Expensive: cost depends on the languages
• Less accessible: availability may not be 24/7
• Low volume output: limited amount of text handled in a given time; large-volume projects require multiple individuals and additional revision costs
• Delays: deadlines may not be met
• Human error: details and specific data may be overlooked

Bad things:

• Expensive: Human translators can charge a lot depending on the languages they specialise in.
• Less accessible: Humans may not be available 24/7 like AI-based systems.
• Low volume output: Humans can only handle so much in a given amount of time, which makes large-volume projects difficult to handle. Multiple individuals may need to work on them, which requires additional revision costs for consistency and accuracy.
• Delays: Humans may not always meet tight deadlines.
• Human error: Humans can sometimes miss details and specific data, which leads to inaccuracies.

Conclusion

AI translation vs human translation. We’ve learned a lot about AI translation and human translation in this article. We’ve seen how they both have good and bad sides, and how they work for different types of texts and purposes. AI translation is great for speed, convenience, affordability, and flexibility. But it can also mess up with accuracy, bias, personality, and security. Human translation is awesome for reliability, nuance, creativity, and respect. But it can also be a pain with cost, availability, volume, and delay. So what’s the best way to translate our texts? Well, it depends on what we’re trying to do and who we’re talking to. ChatGPT is a cool AI tool that can help us with some translation stuff, but it’s not flawless. It can’t take over human translators completely. Human translators are still key and needed in the age of AI and ML. 

Wordstag offers high-quality translations by native translators who can work fast. You will have a dedicated project manager for each project who will take care of your needs and be available for communication.