The next big thing you missed: Why eBay, not Google, could save automated translation
|
|---|
| | Oleg Semerikov 
Poland
Local time: 05:39
Member (2006)
English to Russian
+ ...
| Before you start following Ebay’s example | Apr 30, 2014 |
This is a new attempt to promote machine translators.
Before you start following Ebay’s example and using machine translation for your website or marketing documents read our article with hints on how to receive correct marketing translation, which will not ruin your reputation http://translatorsfamily.com/expertise/marketing-translation.html
Ple... See more This is a new attempt to promote machine translators.
Before you start following Ebay’s example and using machine translation for your website or marketing documents read our article with hints on how to receive correct marketing translation, which will not ruin your reputation http://translatorsfamily.com/expertise/marketing-translation.html
Please remember, human brains are much more complex and nuanced than computers. They can generate an accuracy of grammar, spelling, punctuation, style and tone of voice that computers cannot even dream of.
Here is a quick example of how machine translators do their job:
Russian airlines once launched an advertisement campaign with a 100% machine translation of their slogan, reading: “Introducing wide boiled aircraft for your comfort”.
Doctor’s surgery, Rome: Specialist in women and other diseases.
On a South African building: Mental health prevention centre.
Sign at a Mexican disco: Members and non-members only.
In a Tokyo bar: Special cocktails for the ladies with nuts.
And the funniest is the translation of a Chinese restaurant's name. Someone tried to translate the Chinese text into English with a machine translator. There was a software error, resulting in the message “Translation Server Error”. The person responsible did not speak English so the error message went onto the sign. ▲ Collapse
| | | | Phil Hand
China
Local time: 11:39
Chinese to English
MT yadda yadda. I like the idea, though. Sales is a good way of operationalising the quality of translation.
| | | | | No one can save Machine Transltion | Apr 30, 2014 |
It is non-savable, at least as a reliable translation technique because it is just based on some unrealistic concepts--totally Utopian.
| | | | James Greenfield
United Kingdom
Local time: 04:39
Member (2013)
French to English
+ ...
| Machine translation useless for the purposes of professional translation | Apr 30, 2014 |
Machine translation is completely useless for the purposes of professional translation. It's worrying how much faith some people have in it. What's especially galling is that a translation agency I work for include MT 75% matches in their fuzzy match discounts. There's nothing more depressing than receiving a translation and realising I'm getting 75% of my rate for some sections because they include the nonsensical rubbish google translate produces. Of course I don't have to accept this but they... See more Machine translation is completely useless for the purposes of professional translation. It's worrying how much faith some people have in it. What's especially galling is that a translation agency I work for include MT 75% matches in their fuzzy match discounts. There's nothing more depressing than receiving a translation and realising I'm getting 75% of my rate for some sections because they include the nonsensical rubbish google translate produces. Of course I don't have to accept this but they give me most of my work and I've already negotiated a slight rate increase which partially covers this discount. Rant over. ▲ Collapse
| | |
|
|
|
neilmac
Spain
Local time: 05:39
Spanish to English
+ ...
Who wants to "save" MT anyway?
I currently find MT a useful tool, if properly used. However, I don't allow discounts for using it. My rates are what they are and if any potential client comes along with the "fuzzy match" swingeing discount approach, I send them packing.
| | | | jorvaor
Spain
Local time: 05:39
English to Spanish
+ ...
| Useful in this context | May 1, 2014 |
I think that machine translation is very useful in this kind of sites. Ones that have a lot of user-generated text that changes quickly. Using professional translators wouldn't be practical or even possible. The advantage of MT is that it can translate all those texts automatically, quickly and cheaply. The quality will be crappy, of course, but sometimes it only needs to be just good enough to give the reader the gist of the text.
| | | | To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator: You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request » The next big thing you missed: Why eBay, not Google, could save automated translation | Protemos translation business management system | Create your account in minutes, and start working! 3-month trial for agencies, and free for freelancers!
The system lets you keep client/vendor database, with contacts and rates, manage projects and assign jobs to vendors, issue invoices, track payments, store and manage project files, generate business reports on turnover profit per client/manager etc.
More info » |
| | Trados Business Manager Lite | Create customer quotes and invoices from within Trados Studio
Trados Business Manager Lite helps to simplify and speed up some of the daily tasks, such as invoicing and reporting, associated with running your freelance translation business.
More info » |
|
| | | | X Sign in to your ProZ.com account... | | | | | |
Login to reply/comment 
Translation news
