[Task 2] Machine translation. Is this writing a band 7?
Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2014 6:55 pm
Machine translation (MT) is slower and less accurate than human translation and there is no immediate or predictable likelihood of machines taking over this role from humans.
Do you agree or disagree?
Nowadays, translation of documents and transcripts is a necessity in almost every field of culture and knowledge. Some argue that machine translation (MT) is the best way to translate, but I disagree with this statement because of several reasons.
Firstly, it is necessary to admit that machine translation is faster than human translation. However, this is only an apparent advantage. Whilst MT is a rapid method to translate, its results require a systematic process of reviewing. Because of this constraint, automatic translating can take as long times as that of manual translations. Therefore, the main argument advocating MT, optimization of translating duration, should not be taken into account because of its not error free nature. In contrast, this timing aspects are very convenient to routine tasks such as vocabulary acquisition or simple phrases proofreading.
Secondly, many documents require special translating considerations. For example, Harry Potter books are written in a simple manner, with a very characteristic vocabulary. Thus, these books must be carefully translated in order to maintain the J.K. Rowling writing style. In consequence, since this constraint is applicable in a wide range of documents, machine translation can not be seen as a viable translating tool. In considering this factor, it is clear that human translation is the very first option when faced against machine translation.
In conclusion, machine translation should not be considered as a real option when translating books and important documents. However, MT is a quite recommendable tool for those trying to extend their vocabulary and grammar skills in a new foreign language, because of its easy and fast utilization.
Do you agree or disagree?
Nowadays, translation of documents and transcripts is a necessity in almost every field of culture and knowledge. Some argue that machine translation (MT) is the best way to translate, but I disagree with this statement because of several reasons.
Firstly, it is necessary to admit that machine translation is faster than human translation. However, this is only an apparent advantage. Whilst MT is a rapid method to translate, its results require a systematic process of reviewing. Because of this constraint, automatic translating can take as long times as that of manual translations. Therefore, the main argument advocating MT, optimization of translating duration, should not be taken into account because of its not error free nature. In contrast, this timing aspects are very convenient to routine tasks such as vocabulary acquisition or simple phrases proofreading.
Secondly, many documents require special translating considerations. For example, Harry Potter books are written in a simple manner, with a very characteristic vocabulary. Thus, these books must be carefully translated in order to maintain the J.K. Rowling writing style. In consequence, since this constraint is applicable in a wide range of documents, machine translation can not be seen as a viable translating tool. In considering this factor, it is clear that human translation is the very first option when faced against machine translation.
In conclusion, machine translation should not be considered as a real option when translating books and important documents. However, MT is a quite recommendable tool for those trying to extend their vocabulary and grammar skills in a new foreign language, because of its easy and fast utilization.