In language, translations, and localization, leveraging artificial intelligence tools can be beneficial for several reasons. However, it’s essential to understand their strengths and weaknesses.
The accuracy of AI translators depends on the data they’re trained on. This raises concerns about privacy and security. However, companies like Lokalise take data security seriously and only use the translated content for purposes outlined in this policy.
Accuracy
The main goal of any translation project is to replicate the meaning and tone of a text. This is where AI translators need to catch up, as they cannot capture the nuances and subtleties of the original language. Human translators are better equipped to do this, as they can understand the author’s intent behind each word and phrase. They can recreate this in the target language, which is more accurate than a generic translation tool.
As a result, AI translation can often come across as robotic and stilted. This can be particularly problematic when dealing with sensitive or controversial topics, leading to misunderstandings and mistranslations. AI translators are also less effective when translating content from highly technical or specialized languages.
Despite their limitations, AI translators can still provide an invaluable service. They are accommodating regarding quick and straightforward translations, as they can translate entire web pages and documents in seconds. They can also generate translations for complex or technical terms that would be difficult for a human translator to understand.
However, it is essential to remember that a translation tool is only as accurate as the data it processes. If the source data contains inherent biases, such as racial or gender stereotypes, these can inadvertently be replicated in the translations produced by the AI system. This can have ethical implications in global communication, as inaccurate or biased translations may perpetuate harmful stereotypes and misinformation.
Time
While AI translation software is improving quickly, it isn’t yet at par with human translators. Unless you’re working with a professional translator who can deliver pitch-perfect accuracy, you may experience delays in your project timelines. This can hurt your bottom line and negatively impact customer satisfaction.
However, if your business needs to translate content for multiple languages and you have limited budgets, AI language translator software can save time by providing near-instant results. This can help you meet your deadlines and expand into new markets without increasing costs.
Unlike humans, AI translation software can provide more consistent results and reduce the need for post-editing. It can also work with different formats and file types, so it’s easier to use than manual formatting tools.
Another advantage of AI translation is that it can be customized with unique vocabularies to match the specific content of your organization. This can ensure that your content is translated in a relevant way to your target audience and can be understood easily.
Finally, generative AI systems are only as neutral as the data they’re fed, so there is a risk that the models might perpetuate biases and stereotypes in their translations. This issue could be particularly problematic in the case of language translation, where cultural nuances are important. However, it’s worth mentioning that translation and localization professionals can still perform post-editing tasks to remove any errors or cultural inaccuracies.
Cost
AI translation software can be a cost-effective solution for businesses needing to translate large content volumes quickly. It can also save time by automating repetitive tasks and streamlining workflows. It can also help companies manage translations and maintain a high-quality standard. However, it is essential to remember that automated translation is not always accurate and may be inappropriate for certain types of content.
Moreover, it is essential to understand that the accuracy of an AI language translator depends on the quality of its training data and how well it is maintained. Therefore, it is necessary to set up rigorous quality control measures to ensure the translations are accurate and consistent. In addition, AI translation can be expensive if it is not used effectively.
The benefits of using an AI language translator are clear, but there are a few caveats to consider. The technology is still in its early stages, and many obstacles must be overcome before it can be used regularly. The main challenge is the lack of regulatory oversight, which could threaten privacy and data security.
Nevertheless, a translation AI can be a valuable tool for any business that needs to communicate with global audiences. It can improve the quality of translations and reduce costs by allowing translators to focus on more critical errors. Additionally, it can improve consistency and scalability by providing instant, real-time results. For example, Greatcontent uses Smartling, an advanced neural MT engine, to offer fast and affordable translations in 30 languages. You only pay for the translations you use and can even get started for free.
Efficiency
AI translation tools can often work much faster than human translators, making them an attractive option for companies and organizations that need to meet tight deadlines. Furthermore, they can produce more consistent translations than those produced by human translators, which can help reduce editing and proofreading time.
Another benefit of using an AI language translator is that it can translate many languages, making it easier for businesses to connect with global audiences. This can be particularly beneficial for healthcare services, which can benefit from the ability to provide services in a wide range of languages to patients who may not speak English.
The accuracy of an AI translation tool largely depends on the quality of its training data and user input. An AI translation tool should be trained on domain-specific content and incorporated into your existing translation memory and glossary to ensure your brand voice is reflected in the output.
Additionally, an AI language translator can improve efficiency by automatically routing content to the proper steps in a workflow based on conditions you set. This can make the translation process more manageable and help to eliminate human error and rework.