INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF MACHINE TRANSLATION
ON HUMAN TRANSLATORS
Abstract: Machine translation (MT) has completely changed the translation industry and presented both opportunities and difficulties for human translators. This study attempts to analyze the effects of machine translation on human translators, with a particular emphasis on how the job of human translators is evolving, the standard of texts produced by the technology, and the implications for translators’ careers. This study investigates the experiences and viewpoints of human translators in the era of machine translation using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including professional translator interviews and comparative analysis of translated texts. The study aims to pinpoint the advantages and drawbacks of machine translation, investigate how it affects the translation procedure, and assess how it alters the skill set needed by human translators.
Key words: Machine translation technology (MT), artificial intelligence (AI), neural machine translation(NMT), collaborate, post-editors, language skills, language innovation.
The rise of machine translation
Advances in artificial intelligence and neural network models are mostly to blame for the significant growth of machine translation in recent years. Deep learning approaches have shown to significantly increase the translation quality of neural machine translation (NMT) systems in particular. These computers can produce translations with astounding accuracy and fluency by learning from enormous amounts of multilingual data.
Improved efficiency and productivity
Improved productivity and efficiency are two of machine translation’s most obvious effects on human translators. Large volumes of text can be processed quickly by MT systems, which then provide preliminary translations that human translators can utilize as a base. Because of the time and effort savings, human translators can concentrate on more challenging and imaginative areas of their profession. Additionally, machine translation systems can be combined with translation memories and glossaries to create a hybrid method called computer-assisted translation (CAT). The advantages of machine translation are utilized by CAT technologies, but human translators are still used to revise and polish the results. This combination enhances uniformity between translations, increases productivity, and streamlines the translation process.
Enhanced language access
The ability to translate text between a variety of languages is another key benefit of machine translation. This has made it possible for human translators to work on a variety of projects and opened up new markets. Machine translation empowers translators to handle languages they might not be native speakers of, opening doors for them to work on projects that were previously out of reach.
Quality concerns and the Human touch
Despite improvements in machine translation, quality problems persist. Particularly in specialist fields or creative literature, machine translation systems frequently have trouble faithfully reproducing the nuances and intricacies of language. Human translators have the linguistic and cultural knowledge required to provide accurate translations that are suitable for their context, guaranteeing that the original text’s content and intent are not altered.
Additionally essential to the process of localizing content for certain target groups are human translators. Since they are familiar with the cultural quirks and nuances of the target language, they can ensure that translations are tailored to appeal to the target audience. Even if machine translation is getting better, it still falls short in this regard and could result in translations that lack cultural context or the right tone.
Professional evolution and adaptation
Human translators are figuring out methods to collaborate and adapt with machine translation systems rather than being displaced by them. As post-editors, many translators are now examining and improving translations produced by machines in order to improve quality. With this strategy, translators can take advantage of machine translation’s advantages while still using their language skills.
Additionally, translators are concentrating on specialized fields where their abilities are essential. Machine translation cannot replace the level of cultural background knowledge and language innovation required for services like transcreation, which entails modifying information for commercial and artistic objectives.
In order to produce high-quality translations, human translators are establishing themselves as authorities in these particular sectors. They collaborate with machine translation tools.
Conclusion
There is no denying that machine translation has an impact on human translators. Although AI has unquestionably resulted in considerable improvements in terms of productivity and linguistic accessibility, questions about quality and the requirement for human expertise continue. In order to guarantee accurate, culturally appropriate, and contextually suitable translations, human translators continue to be extremely important. Translators can offer high-quality translations that satisfy the changing requirements of a globalized world by embracing machine translation technologies and modifying their roles.
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Saidabonu Abdumalikova Khayrulla kizi was born on December 4,
2004, in Angren, Tashkent region. She earned a gold medal and
graduated from high school with honors. She was granted admission to Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature in 2022.
She is a holder of a TEFL certificate. She participates actively in the
“Juntos por las Letras” Working Group of International Writers, is an
international member of the “Creativity Forum for Culture, Arts and
Peace” in Egypt, and is an honorary member of the “Iqra Foundation”
in Pakistan. Currently she is a student of Angren University.