Innovation is a part of the IT industry. With its far-reaching effects in almost every industry, technological enhancements had a profound effect on translation technology as well. It’s not surprising that the use of technology is also increasing in the translation industry. Over the years, due to these technological changes, translation change has evolved too.
Only a few centuries ago, the translation process was manual with the two most basic tools – quill pens and paper. Now like most language service providers, they use computers, online software, and subject matter experts to complete a successful translation.
The increasing use of technology in the field of translation is due to the many benefits it offers. For instance, translators can use translation software to translate huge volumes of text quickly and accurately. This will not just make the process more efficient but cost-effective as well. Moreover, machine translation software and artificial intelligence tools are paving the way for rapid turnaround times and enhanced accuracy at the same time.
Translators are able to make use of such advancements to work remotely and more collaboratively in real time. They can engage with their colleagues around the world, thus allowing businesses to easily expand their operations worldwide.
Interested to learn more about the great impact technology has on translation and how the translator’s behavior has changed? Continue reading!
How Does Technology Affect Translation Services?
● Collide with Translation and Automation
Machine translation is by far the most advanced language translation technology. Everyone is now familiar with Google Translation. Although it is ridiculed for funny and clumsy translations, an automated translation allows a helping hand for small businesses.
Live speech translation and automated text translation are just the two prime results of Google Translate. The technology may not be foolproof yet, but it is changing the standard typing tradition rapidly. A rough draft of translation can be created using machine translation but for now, human translators have to give their final input.
● Automated Learning
Self-learning technology is still far away but it doesn’t mean we are standing at the dead end. The use of AI tools and resources has enhanced the translator’s cultural skills. An AI tool may not translate the body language so that’s why a human translator’s input is required for now. They can read between the lines to figure out what a person wants to say.
So in the future,
Automated Learning Presents a Vast Scope and Opportunity
The focus of technology is said to shift soon to initiate better automation learning by machine translation.
● Digitization Environment
Content production in the translation process has become straightforward as compared to past years due to digitization.
The more translation is done by remote or in-house translators, the more customer demands are met on strict deadlines. If you take a look at website development 15 years ago, the coding skills are far different from now. So the translation quality difference also exists.
Now companies are focusing on SEO too to further enhance the translation for websites. Even keywords are translated into the local language. This helps to optimize the translated version of the website in the target language, too.
What does Technology do for Translation?
Over the years, translation has undergone a lot of changes, like in other industries. The change is significant in terms that the desktop version of the translation is now replaced with online software and cloud storage for the database.
Similarly, the transition from hard copies shifted to e-files. For instance, the use of dictionaries was common. Translators surfed through pages to find the correct term in the target language. Now, thanks to glossaries and translation memories, translators can convert a unique translation copy in a desirable amount of time.
No information is ever truly lost if it’s on online storage! So translators can benefit from future translation projects due to advanced technology. With a wide variety of these updates, translators have the opportunity to improve.
The ability to do in-depth research is now advanced to give ample chances to create a quality translation for websites, subtitles, interpretations, and whatnot for the specific audience. So it suffices to say the processes of localization, translation, interpretation, etc have significantly improved over the years.
Why are Translators in Favor of Translation Technology?
At one point, it was thought translators hate the technology’s impact on translation. But it is not true because technology has evolved the;
● Speeding Process
Technology these days plays a crucial role to speed up the translation process.
Updated laptops, and high-tech software with plenty of power to run smoothly without getting stuck is a deal-breaker. Remote translators now have updated and easy-to-operate setups with multiple screens that let them access the tools, and resource documents all at the same time! So their work is juggling free through the paper documents.
● Easier Communication Despite Language Barriers
CAT tools are a perfect aid for the translation team. It’s really handy when developers are working on speech recognition technology. Tech-savvy translators now can even dictate the translation with the headset directly into the tool.
So if you want to give rest your fingers, translators can speak up! This technology is becoming more common. Google Docs is a prime example.
Besides, free online translation has provided opportunities for small businesses to experiment with their content in terms of localization and interpretation as well. This has helped create connections with translators all over the world, too.
● Meet Customer Needs
Translation advancement has allowed taking a leap of faith in the latest technology. How customer’s needs and wants are easier to identify based on their native language, preferences, and buying behavior? Cloud-based storage has all the information that translators can utilize throughout the translation process.
The past projects help in understanding the desires and want of customers. The understanding helps the translators to work on specific points of view or add new terms in the glossaries that were previously missing.
● Exceeding the Expectations
Translators can get rid of tricky files or unreliable resource documents that create confusion when making a translation strategy.
Let’s say a customer is looking for InDesign document translation, the translator can meet their expectation using the updated CAT tool. These online tools support a variety of formats that makes file conversion easier. Hence, you get a happy customer who is easier to retain after project completion.
Importance of Technology in Translation
To handle the translation process, you need expert project managers, right? They will not be able to achieve the desired goals today without technological tools. These days, technology has a far greater impact on the following aspects;
1. Quality Improvement
Quality is the most important aspect of translation. Technology can be used to improve the quality of translated content – so that’s a good thing. The use of tools is fruitful when translating and then editing the document. Certain tools can even be used to assess the resource document quality before starting the translation process.
It’s a proven method now to improve content accuracy.
2. Productivity Levels
Translation management does not need to be cumbersome. So, to speed up the process, technology tools have enhanced productivity. It frees enough time for the translators to focus on their work quality as well as their ability to tap into more work.
A simple translation strategic tool allows the translation team to work online side by side with the developing team. In the long run, it saves time and energy on the technical side of the translation process.
3. Guaranteed Connectivity
Modern translation methods evolved slowly but drastically, leading to essential communication across various channels. It is important to consider that tools must communicate with one another.
Files, if compatible, are helpful throughout the translation process. So to have a system that interconnects with several tools at once makes the investment in translation software worth every penny.
The advanced translation tools also work in favor of customer service. As agents constantly speak to clients in different languages, this helps to reduce their work hours as well.
4. E-commerce Evolving
E-commerce is one of the fast-growing industries thanks to translation technology. According to the studies, 72% of total consumers spend their time browsing through websites in their native language.
So if your website offers multilingual content, chances of conversion are high with a lesser bounce rate.
54% of consumers believe that the way information is conveyed to them is far more important than the product itself. Thus, such is the power of a quality translation.
High-tech trends
Important trends in the translation industry rapidly changed due to technological advancement. This includes;
● Machine Translation
The use of AI helps to increase the translation speed and provide better accuracy in the long run. Deep learning algorithms are taking place and improving machine translation. It is beneficial for a repetitive translation project.
● CAT Tools
These are the free tools, for a premium version you can buy the respective package that offers a wide variety of translation features. CAT tools help to simplify the process and reduce the complexity of the translation project.
● Customized Data
A large amount of data is collected and stored over various projects. It creates the machine’s memory. It is also the backbone of translation glossaries. It allows ease and convenience for personalized translation services.
Conclusion:
Without a shadow of a doubt – technology if used the smart way can have a positive impact on the translation process. Think about all the changes you can make with time, effort, and technology invested into translation, and that’s why CCJK offers the best technology-assisted translation services at affordable rates. For more information, you can visit our language pages, blogs, and more.
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