Common Issues in Translation: Computer Generated Translation
As professional translators, we answer questions often, and many times, the questions have no simple answers. In this forum, I will post frequency asked questions each week, and open comments for translators to reflect based on their experience in the language, as a translator or as a student of the language and the trade of document translation and voice interpretation.
Southeast Spanish never uses or endorses the use of any form of automated translation.
Week 2: February 10, 2020: Computer Aided or Computer Translation
Computer-generated Translation or machine translation involves the source language to the target language that is translated from one to the other language. Sometimes if the need is there for a translator but is not available, machines would be used, although there is room for error on Translation. I would consider it acceptable if the need arises to consult the tools but otherwise would need a human translator. As I said, there is room for error, so there is not a full 100% accuracy. It can be used for official use, but it would be not acceptable since it’s still being perfected with the newer technology that’s yet being developed. Automated Translation is based on what we all know for the languages out there, and sometimes, there are multiple ways to say one thing, and may not always be used correctly from a machine. The usefulness of Computer translation is for the accessible way to find a word or a phrase to say in the target language. It can also be used for much more than looking at phrases or words, but to be used as an aid to learning a new language, it can be said aloud from the machines.
For automated translation that is edited lightly, it can be accepted if there aren’t any questionable translation errors and can be understood well enough by someone else. However, for the safety and legalities of immigration translation, it might not be accepted since it can be harmful if something is misinterpreted. Answered by KH
Computer generated translation is translation from one language to another using computer programming. It is usually not acceptable for legal translation. This is because computer generated translation can be very inaccurate, and it can be vital in legal cases to communicate the original message when translating into a new language. Part of the reason that computer generated translation is inaccurate is because computers cannot understand context. Computers usually translate word by word or phrase by phrase, and if a computer does not have a certain word or phrase in its programing, the translation can be ridiculous. In addition, computers don’t have knowledge of all the variations and dialects of a language. For regional translations, it is better to find someone who is familiar with the colloquialisms of an area which a computer would not be programed to recognize. Machine translation should not be used for official translation. However, computer translation can be very helpful in informal situations. Those who do not know a language can use computer translation, such as Google Translate, to communicate with others when traveling or in any informal circumstance where there is a language barrier. Automated translation that is lightly edited is better than standard computer generated translation, but it would probably be unacceptable for legal or immigration purposes because there is still room for inaccuracy. Answered by GW
Computer generated translation is pretty much what it sounds like. It is translated by a computer instead of a person. Machine translation is not accepted for legal documents and the reason for this is that most of the time it is not very accurate. Machine translation most of the time focuses on word for word translation instead of looking at a sentence or phrase and then translating. This makes it harder to understand when it is translated by a machine and can often confuse the reader. It can sometimes be helpful if you need a quick translation and are trying to communicate with someone they might understand what you are trying to say but that is only for very basic level translation and should not be used for official documents. It should definitely not be used for legal or immigration purposes even if lightly reviewed and the reason for this is you should get the best translation possible to minimize errors and help with legal or immigration processes, if there is a mistake it can hurt the process. Answered by JV
Computer generated translation is translation done by a computer site translator. For legal translation It could be done but it would not be a very professional way. Some of it is accurate but majority of the time it is not at all. Most of the time it could read something the wrong way and translate it completely wrong. It is useful in today’s world because for instance you are trying to communicate something short with a foreign person, it would help get that message across. I would say it is not helpful for legal or immigration files because those are very important documents that need to be checked over. Answered by RV
Automated translation uses software to translate text from one language to another. Machine translation is not accepted for legal translation, because most of the time is not accurate. Using software to translate a document often confuses the reader because the software does a literal translation, which often changes the meaning of the text. A computer-generated translation that has been lightly edited is also not accepted, because the person revising it can, and often do, miss important details that change the meaning of the document. Although computer-generated translation is not used officially, it can be a great tool to use. For example, it can be used to translate the meaning of a single word or a simple sentence. It can also be a great tool when trying to figure out how to say a word. Most of the time, the software has a function that allows individuals to listen to the pronunciation. Answered by EH
A computer-generated translation is when a computer’s program or software is used to translate from a language to another. Computer-generated translation can be helpful when it comes to translating simple sentences or words. It can also be helpful for travelers that don’t know the language of the country that they are going to. But when it comes to legal documents, computer-generated translation is not accepted for many different reasons. One of them is because of the software used in this type of translations, which often uses a literal translation that changes the meaning of the words in most of the cases. I think computer-generated is not accurate because the computer doesn’t understand the context of the word like a human does. Using computer-generated translation is not accepted in immigration or medical processes because one mistake could mislead the whole process. Answered by EMGF
A computer-generated translation is a translation of different languages done by a computer. Automated translation is helpful in some cases but is not always accurate. Therefore computer-generated translation is not normally accepted for legal documents. The computer-generated translation is not accurate because a lot of times in one language there are many ways to say the same thing, but depending on how it is said can deliver a different message. Many times in computer-generated translation the original meaning of the message is lost. Computer-generated translation can be helpful, but we have to know that it won’t always be accurate. The computer-generated translation is useful for beginners in a new language or to look up a certain word or phrase. A computer-generated translation that has been revised and edited by a translator can be accepted, but the preferable translation for legal or immigration (USCIS) purposes should be done by a translator. Answered by CP
A computer generated translation is basically translation created by a computer/online software . It is known to not be accurate, because of how it is literal translation of one word in a language to the other general language rather than the actual meaning the person is trying to use it for. Even though, there is one main language a word can be translated it to there is a variation on meaning depending on the country and region of where it is spoken. Therefore, it could be used in legal translation, but rarely accepted due to its inaccuracy in translation. However, it is still useful in general use especially when there is no automated translation available, because it at least gives a translation immediately. Later then it could be revised by a translator even in legal purposes. Answered by SM
Machine generated translation uses software to translate text from one language to another. Machine translation while practical and easy to do. It is not accepted for any legal work or legal translations, because it isn’t 100% accurate. Using software to translate a document often confuses the reader because the software does a literal translation, which often changes the meaning of the text. A computer-generated translation despite It have been edited by an individual is NOT accepted, this is given the fact that even individuals make mistakes which could COMPLETELY alter the meaning of a document. Despite its lack of legal validness, computer-generated translation is a very beneficial day-to-day tool. Most of its common uses are the translation of singular common words, learning how to pronounce a word, and or even using It to bridge gaps in normal conversations I with a small language barrier. Answered by JAFG
Computer-generated translation uses software to translate text from one language to another. Machine translation while practical and easy to do..it is not accepted for any legal work, because it isn’t 100% accurate. Using software to translate a document often confuses the reader because the software does a literal translation, which often changes the meaning of the text. A computer-generated translation despite It have been edited by an individual is NOT accepted, this is given the fact that even individuals make mistakes which could COMPLETELY alter the meaning of a document. Despite its lack of legal validness, computer-generated translation is a very beneficial day-to-day tool. Most of its common uses are the translation of singualr common words, learning how to pronounce a word, and or even using It to bridge gaps in normal conversations I with a small language barrier.
A computer generated translation is basically translation created by a computer/online software . It is known to not be accurate, because of how it is literal translation of one word in a language to the other general language rather than the actual meaning the person is trying to use it for. Even though, there is one main language a word can be translated it to there is a variation on meaning depending on the country and region of where it is spoken. Therefore, it could be used in legal translation, but rarely accepted due to its inaccuracy in translation. However, it is still useful in general use especially when there is no automated translation available, because it at least gives a translation immediately. Later then it could be revised by a translator even in legal purposes.
A computer-generated translation is a translation of different languages done by a computer. Computer translation is helpful in some cases but is not always accurate. Therefore computer-generated translation is not normally accepted for legal documents. The computer-generated translation is not accurate because a lot of times in one language there are many ways to say the same thing, but depending on how it is said can deliver a different message. Many times in computer-generated translation the original meaning of the message is lost. Computer-generated translation can be helpful, but we have to know that it won’t always be accurate. The computer-generated translation is useful for beginners in a new language or to look up a certain word or phrase. A computer-generated translation that has been revised and edited by a translator can be accepted, but the preferable translation for legal or immigration purposes should be done by a translator.
Computer generated translation is translation done by a computer site translator. For legal translation It could be done but it would not be a very professional way. Some of it is accurate but majority of the time it is not at all. Most of the time it could read something the wrong way and translate it completely wrong. It is useful in today’s world because for instance you are trying to communicate something short with a foreign person, it would help get that message across. I would say it is not helpful for legal or immigration files because those are very important documents that need to be checked over.
A computer-generated translation is when a computer’s program or software is used to translate from a language to another. Computer-generated translation can be helpful when it comes to translating simple sentences or words. It can also be helpful for travelers that don’t know the language of the country that they are going to. But when it comes to legal documents, computer-generated translation is not accepted for many different reasons. One of them is because of the software used in this type of translations, which often uses a literal translation that changes the meaning of the words in most of the cases. I think computer-generated is not accurate because the computer doesn’t understand the context of the word like a human does. Using computer-generated translation is not accepted in immigration or medical processes because one mistake could mislead the whole process.
Computer-generated translation uses software to translate text from one language to another. Machine translation is not accepted for legal translation, because most of the time is not accurate. Using software to translate a document often confuses the reader because the software does a literal translation, which often changes the meaning of the text. A computer-generated translation that has been lightly edited is also not accepted, because the person revising it can, and often do, miss important details that change the meaning of the document. Although computer-generated translation is not used officially, it can be a great tool to use. For example, it can be used to translate the meaning of a single word or a simple sentence. It can also be a great tool when trying to figure out how to say a word. Most of the time, the software has a function that allows individuals to listen to the pronunciation.
Computer generated translation is pretty much what it sounds like. It is translated by a computer instead of a person. Machine translation is not accepted for legal documents and the reason for this is that most of the time it is not very accurate. Machine translation most of the time focuses on word for word translation instead of looking at a sentence or phrase and then translating. This makes it harder to understand when it is translated by a machine and can often confuse the reader. It can sometimes be helpful if you need a quick translation and are trying to communicate with someone they might understand what you are trying to say but that is only for very basic level translation and should not be used for official documents. It should definitely not be used for legal or immigration purposes even if lightly reviewed and the reason for this is you should get the best translation possible to minimize errors and help with legal or immigration processes, if there is a mistake it can hurt the process.
Computer generated translations are those computed by a computer program or website based on an algorithm pulling from a set of grammatical rules or drawing from inputted texts. Computer generated translations vary in quality but are generally unacceptable for legal or medical matters without revision from a translator. These translations can be accurate for small sentences or for identification of unknown words, but usually fall on the more inaccurate side of translations. They are unable to decipher between appropriate word choice and often make mistakes in terms of difficult grammatical concepts. Another inaccuracy worth noting is the use of colloquial phrases. A phrase that may be correct in Spain, may take on a different meaning in other countries.
Computer translations can be still be useful in other situations. Travelers all across the globe rely on computer generated translations to get them around other countries. In these situations, the meaning of a phrase can usually be understood, even though the word choice and grammar is incorrect.
I don’t think any computer generated translations for be used for immigration, legal, or medical purposes, even if they’re lightly edited. The person editing these texts have a flaw similar to the computer, in that they have no context for a passage. The person editing may gloss over a mistake that isn’t grammatical incorrect, but also doesn’t convey the same meaning as the original document.
Computer generated translation is translation from one language to another using computer programming. It is usually not acceptable for legal translation. This is because computer generated translation can be very inaccurate, and it can be vital in legal cases to communicate the original message when translating into a new language. Part of the reason that computer generated translation is inaccurate is because computers cannot understand context. Computers usually translate word by word or phrase by phrase, and if a computer does not have a certain word or phrase in its programing, the translation can be ridiculous. In addition, computers don’t have knowledge of all the variations and dialects of a language. For regional translations, it is better to find someone who is familiar with the colloquialisms of an area which a computer would not be programed to recognize. Computer translation should not be used for official translation. However, computer translation can be very helpful in informal situations. Those who do not know a language can use computer translation, such as Google Translate, to communicate with others when traveling or in any informal circumstance where there is a language barrier. Automated translation that is lightly edited is better than standard computer generated translation, but it would probably be unacceptable for legal or immigration purposes because there is still room for inaccuracy.
Computer-generated Translation involves the source language to the target language that is translated from one to the other language. Sometimes if the need is there for a translator but is not available, machines would be used, although there is room for error on Translation. I would consider it acceptable if the need arises to consult the tools but otherwise would need a human translator. As I said, there is room for error, so there is not a full 100% accuracy. It can be used for official use, but it would be not acceptable since it’s still being perfected with the newer technology that’s yet being developed. The computer-generated Translation is based on what we all know for the languages out there, and sometimes, there are multiple ways to say one thing, and may not always be used correctly from a machine. The usefulness of Computer translation is for the accessible way to find a word or a phrase to say in the target language. It can also be used for much more than looking at phrases or words, but to be used as an aid to learning a new language, it can be said aloud from the machines.
For automated Translation that is edited lightly, it can be accepted if there aren’t any questionable translation errors and can be understood well enough by someone else. However, for the safety and legalities of immigration translation, it might not be accepted since it can be harmful if something is misinterpreted.