In the age of rapid technological advancements, machine translation tools have made significant strides, offering fast and accessible solutions for anyone in need of quick and cost-efficient translation services. However, the nuances, cultural subtleties, and the artistry inherent in language remain firmly within the domain of human expertise.
In this article, I will talk about four reasons why you should hire a professional translator, and why this should not just be a preference but is a strategic choice that outshines the allure of machine translation.
Cultural Understanding and Nuances
Professional translators are not just linguists; they are cultural ambassadors. Language is deeply intertwined with culture, and a mere word-for-word translation as it is often performed by machines fails to capture the cultural nuances embedded in a text. Humans understand the context, idioms, and colloquialisms unique to your target language, ensuring that the translated content resonates authentically with your target audience. Consider the following British idiom as an example:
“Bob’s your uncle” – which has been rendered by a machine as follows:
This idiom is used to convey that something will be successful or easy to achieve, often after a set of simple instructions or actions. The origin of this idiom is believed to be tied to nepotism in the political context, with the appointment of Arthur Balfour as Chief Secretary for Ireland by his uncle, Lord Salisbury, in the late 19th century. Understanding the historical and cultural context is paramount here, as the idiom adds a touch of British humor and informal optimism to the notion of guaranteed success.
When translating “Bob’s your uncle” into German, a literal translation would not work. An adapted version that captures the simplicity and success connotation could be “fertig ist die Laube” or “das ist ein Kinderspiel”. The latter literally translates to “This is child’s play!” – effectively conveying the idea that the task at hand is straightforward and will be successful.
This example underscores how professional translators, by delving into cultural nuances, can effectively convey not just the literal meaning but also the cultural connotations of idiomatic expressions, ensuring that your content authentically resonates with your target audience.
Context
Let’s look at the following question my British family often uses: “What’s for tea?”
In colloquial British English, the question “What’s for tea” does not mean, as one may think, “What tea are we having”. Instead, “tea” means “dinner” in this sentence – something translation machines would not translate correctly, as shown in the screenshot from a well-known machine translation engine:
This highlights that language is dynamic and that the meaning of words can change drastically depending on the context and/or the region language is spoken in.
Subject Matter Expertise
Effective translation goes beyond language proficiency; it requires a deep understanding of the subject matter. Professional translators often specialize in specific industries or fields, ensuring that they possess the necessary knowledge and expertise to accurately convey technical, legal, medical, or scientific content. Consider the following example I came across in one of my translations:
Correct solution: “Verfahren für die Messung von Kraftstoffblasen mittels Kraftstoffmessstäben“.
Confidentiality and Security
Did you ever wonder what happens with your texts when you copy them in translation machines?
Machine translation may pose significant risks to data protection due to its inherent nature and reliance on vast datasets. The danger lies in the potential exposure of sensitive information, particularly when utilizing cloud-based machine translation services. The process involves uploading content to external servers, creating a vulnerability that could lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, or unintentional exposure of confidential materials.
When you hire a professional translator, you can be assured that sensitive information will be handled with confidentiality, which minimises your risk of data exposure.
Conclusion
While machine translation tools undoubtedly offer convenience and speed, they cannot replace the expertise and calmness of mind that professional translators bring to the table. If you invest in a skilled human translator, even if more expense, you will be taking a judicious financial decision in the long run. Unlike machine translation, human translators bring a wealth of linguistic expertise, cultural understanding, and contextual insight to their work, ensuring a final product that not only accurately conveys your intended message but also reflects cultural nuances and industry-specific terminology. With this strategy, you will be able to better reach your target audience and boost sales and growth for your business.
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