Machine, hybrid, or human translation

Taking inspiration from recently published research on an automatic classifier capable of distinguishing these different types of output, today we want to shed light on the characteristics and peculiarities of these three forms of translation: machine, hybrid, and human.

The study aims to create a system for automatic detection of the translation mode of a given text. The classifier, trained on multilingual linguistic models and on textual inputs including the source text accompanied by its translation, showed very promising results.

For more information: Automatic Discrimination of Human and Neural Machine Translation in Multilingual Scenarios

But how is it possible to distinguish the translation process behind a text? And most importantly, how are they different from each other?

Machine, hybrid, or human translation: the differences

Many industry experts are aware of the information in the following paragraphs. Most professional translators, for example, will be able to detect the process behind a translation simply by reading the first few lines of the text.

Nevertheless, it can be an arduous task for non-experts, especially considering the achievements of new technologies.

Machine Translation

This expression indicates a type of linguistic conversion that is the exclusive prerogative of machine translation systems. The source text is entered into the machine translation tool, which returns a text in the language of interest.

Generally, this type of translation returns an output that is semantically consistent with the source text, often at the expense of the textual style, terminological consistency, and respect for the fields to which it belongs.

Often, but not always. There are, in fact, areas and textual typologies that lend themselves more to this process, although experts advise using it solely for comprehending the message and for private translation use by individuals with some, albeit limited, knowledge of the foreign language and/or context.

Related: The Singularity of Machine Translation

Hybrid translation

Otherwise called post-editing, it defines the synergy between human beings and machine translation systems.

Today, it sets the gold standard for translation services, capable of blending the superior quality ensured by human linguists with the control of timing and service costs.

In this working mode, the text is first processed by a machine translation system that has been carefully trained and instructed by the linguist. The output text is then checked and edited by the human translator, who can identify and correct any incorrect or inaccurate textual aspects.

Related: Light and Full Post-Editing: Let’s Clarify

Human translation

As is easily understood, this modality provides for the almost exclusive presence of a human linguist within the process.

It goes particularly well with creative texts, in which the use of machine translation could be disadvantageous, weighing down the work of the professional.

To date, the market tends to penalise this type of language conversion, as competition in terms of costs and timing means that adaptation to new workflows becomes almost essential.

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Don’t know which type is best suited to your needs? Do not hesitate to contact us, our experts will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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