Methodology
Translation memory tools versus machine translation
Ensure high quality while cutting client costs
Some large translation agencies overuse machine translation (MT) techniques, ramming documents through databases and letting editors clean up the output. Despite the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, MT can be an imperfect science, oftentimes delivering a frustratingly mediocre product. Though sometimes useful, in other cases it’s the wrong choice. While the price may be cheaper, sub-par English translations in the wrong setting can be painfully detracting to you and your business. And in a worst case scenario, you can end up paying an infinitely higher price in nonconformance costs and claims arising from ambiguities or mistranslations in critical numerical, technical, or contractual passages.
Ensure consistency while shortening delivery times
Instead of messy bulk production, I use two translation memory tools – SDL TRADOS Studio, and memoQ – to ensure consistent terminology across broad scopes of documentation for the same client. These aids accelerate processing times and cut your translation costs when identical or similar material re-appears in multiple documents. It’s the best of both worlds – finely tuned technology helping humans achieve craftsman quality under even the tightest of deadlines.
Ensure compliance while enabling creativity
Machine translation may work for simple, unambiguously worded and punctuated source texts, or for restricted distribution of rough translations for merely information purposes. The complex documentation and subtle communication in today’s business world, however, demand careful crafting and a watchful eye. Still, you need your documents translated quickly, accelerated by translation memory tools. That way, you’ll always say the right thing, in the right way, at the right time - and rule out embarrassing mistakes that can come back to haunt you. You only get one chance to make a first impression – solidly, confidently, yet creatively.
