The Truth About Document Translation In 3 Minutes

Consumers of document translation services are increasingly aware that some translation services use automated technologies such as machine translation. Other translation service providers (including our company) adhere strictly to the more traditional tried-and-true method of assigning native speaking human linguists.

Given a choice between the two, would any informed person prefer machine translation over human document translation if not for the cost (and perhaps speed) difference? It’s unlikely they would.

So in what instances would customers especially prefer human translation services? A few are listed below:

• When their brand depends on the quality of translation
• Legal documents and texts with legal significance
• Documents with complex formatting (e.g., InDesign or elearning applications)
• Documents with text that are not suitable for machine translation (image-based documents)
• High profile and especially sensitive documents

Human translation services benefit by built in quality assurance procedures such as post-translation editing/proofreading by a second linguist. Human translators are also typically native speakers in the selected target language.

To consumers of translation services we say be informed and make your language services buying decisions wisely.