Why AI Translators May Not Always Be the Best Option
Quick artificial intelligence (AI) translators can be really helpful on the spot making communication across languages possible where it was nearly impossible before. But when you want to do professional, careful document translations, these translators do not measure up to a trained translator who is fluent in both languages.
One of the fundamental challenges with machine-generated translations lies in the difference between interpreting meaning and translating words. Translation involves converting text from one language to another, but interpretation requires a deeper understanding of context, tone, and intent. Though AI translators are a popular tool for quick and convenient translations across a wide range of languages, they often fail when it comes to translating nuanced, context-sensitive, or culturally rich content. Despite its continual improvements, it tends to produce literal translations that can be far from the intended meaning of the original text, which is why understanding its limitations is crucial for achieving accurate and effective translations.
Understanding the Importance of Cultural Nuances and Sensitivity
Language is deeply intertwined with culture, and expressions or phrases can carry completely different meanings from one culture to another. While an AI translator can be a good option in some circumstances, one of the significant limitations is its inability to accurately interpret and translate idioms, colloquialisms, and phrases. Each language possesses endless high-context phrases that AI cannot translate correctly and, unlike human translators, machine translation cannot infer meaning based on the cultural and situational context. For example, Google Translate is based on Neural Machine Translation (NMT), which uses neural networks to translate whole sentences simultaneously. While NMT considers the context of the sentence, it generates translations by predicting the most likely sequence of words in the target language.
For instance, if you use Google Translate for the English idiom “call it a day,” which describes one's decision to stop working or doing an activity, its translation may result in a completely nonsensical phrase that has lost its original meaning. Similarly, colloquial expressions carry specific cultural connotations and Google Translate often mishandles them. In Spanish, the expression “estar en las nubes” translates to “to be in the clouds,” but the actual meaning is “to be distracted” or “to be daydreaming.” Since Google Translate does not consider proper contextual understanding, it will miss the nuance of the expression in its translation.
Privacy and Data Security Concerns
When using any type of artificial intelligence, one of the main concerns is how the platform handles data, especially when using it for business and confidential information. AI companies process vast amounts of text every day, and while its data claims to be anonymized and used to “improve service,” there is no certainty that the information is being protected. Translations processed through any company’s servers may be stored or retained for longer periods—depending on the context—and this could lead to unintended exposure of confidential information. This is particularly relevant for businesses and their employees, as the risk of relying on an online platform might include the possibility of data breaches, unauthorized access, or misuse of the translated information.
Human Translation in Business
In business, the stakes of accuracy are incredibly high. A minor mistranslation can lead to significant misunderstandings, contractual breaches, or even legal repercussions, especially when dealing with sensitive documents and confidential information. While AI translators offer quick solutions at no cost, they cannot match a human translator’s precision and contextual understanding. Hiring a professional translator is far more cost-effective than the potential financial and reputational damage from mistranslation.
For instance, at Scriptorium, we’ve encountered multiple machine-generated translation errors in our Spanish/English translation projects. One example is the word seal, referring to a sealant or adhesive, incorrectly translated to foca (the animal). Similarly, the word washer, referring to a finishing washer, translated to lavadora, meaning a washing machine. These are examples of how a word can have multiple meanings and lead to translation mistakes if the word or phrase is not interpreted according to the context.
When using machine-generated translations it is vital to ensure translations are correct and aligned with the corresponding context, as it could affect a business’s reputation for accuracy and reliability. A human translator ensures the translation is accurate and tailored to the business’s needs, capturing nuances and industry-specific jargon that automated tools might miss. This level of professionalism is essential in maintaining the integrity of companies, safeguarding relationships, and ensuring that all parties are on the same page.
When AI Translators Are Useful
Machine translators can serve as valuable tools for human translators, offering fast-generated translations that assist them in their work. By providing a quick initial translation, these tools can help human translators save time on routine tasks, such as translating large amounts of text. The role of the human translator remains crucial, though, by refining these machine-generated outputs through a process of editing and proofreading. Human translators ensure the translation is accurate and contextually and culturally appropriate by making necessary adjustments that a machine might overlook.
The combination of human expertise and machine translation can lead to more effective and reliable translations. This way, human translators can focus their expertise on the finer details of the text, delivering high-quality translations tailored to the specific needs of the client.
On the other hand, AI translators shine in specific scenarios where speed and accessibility make them a convenient tool for users. It is particularly useful for translating simple phrases or words, such as menus or signs, where the stakes of accuracy are relatively low. They are also effective for bridging language gaps during a casual conversation in foreign countries or asking for instructions when travelling. In these situations, AI translators can provide immediate and functional translations that allow users to navigate everyday tasks in a foreign language without needing to be fluent.
Despite its functionality in specific scenarios, the implications of AI translator’s errors are significant, particularly in professional or sensitive environments where accurate translations are crucial. While it offers a quick and accessible solution for simple tasks, the risk of literal translations and the lack of contextual understanding can lead to serious misunderstandings. This form of translation underscores the importance of human translators who can discern and accurately convey the intended meaning, ensuring that the translation is not just correct in language but also in context. Human translators bring cultural awareness, industry-specific knowledge, and the ability to interpret nuances that machine-generated translations often miss. Investing in human translation services is not just advisable but essential to achieving effective and reliable communication.
Interested in English-to-Spanish or Spanish-to-English translations? Scriptorium offers specialized professional writing translation services to meet your company's needs. Contact us for more information.
Sources
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Ducar, C., & Schocket, D. H. (2018). Machine translation and the L2 classroom: Pedagogical solutions for making peace with Google translate. Foreign Language Annals, 51(4), 779–795. https://doi.org/10.1111/flan.12366
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