Overcoming the Faults of AI Translation (Machine Translation) to Use It More Efficiently!

Table of Contents

• 1. AI Translation (Machine Translation)
• 1-1. What is AI Translation (Machine Translation)?
• 1-2. AI Translation (Machine Translation) Mechanisms
• 1-3. Main Benefits of AI Translation (Machine Translation)
• 2. Disadvantages of AI Translation (Machine Translation)
• 2-1. Inaccuracy
• 2-2. Inexpressiveness
• 2-3. Lack of Cultural Background
• 2-4. Need for Human Verification
• 2-5. Security Risk Concerns
• 3. How to Overcome the Faults of AI Translation (Machine Translation)
• 3-1. Using the Most Accurate Translation Engine
• 3-2. Outsourcing to a Translation Company with a Professional Review System
• 3-3. Using Translation Tools and Companies with High Security
• 4. Summary

1-1. What is AI Translation (Machine Translation)?

AI translation (machine translation) refers to the technology that utilizes artificial intelligence to translate between languages. This type of AI primarily utilizes advanced technologies known as "neural networks" and "deep learning." Neural networks mimic the structure of neural circuits in the human brain, enabling more effective processing of vocabulary and grammar. Deep learning, for its part, is a learning method that has evolved those channels into a multi-layered structure, enabling the recognition of more complex patterns and producing more natural translation results. Thanks to these breakthroughs, AI translation is achieving increasingly accurate translation results.

1-2. AI Translation (Machine Translation) Mechanisms

AI translation operates through various mechanisms. First is the rule-based approach, where translation rules for grammar and terminology are set by humans, and translations are performed based on these rules. In contrast, the statistical approach involves analyzing a large amount of bidirectional translation data to statistically predict the most appropriate translation. But recently, the neural network approach has seen rapid growth. This mechanism uses machine learning algorithms to learn diverse language patterns from vast amounts of data, and the result has been more natural and high-quality translations. By utilizing these technologies, AI translation is exponentially improving its accuracy and becoming an important tool for everyday communication.

1-3. Main Benefits of AI Translation (Machine Translation)

AI translation (machine translation) provides several benefits. First, it enables fast translation while maintaining quality. Traditional human translation requires time and labor, but AI makes it possible to translate in practically no time at all. Not to mention, the cost reduction is significant. It provides savings in terms of both time and labor costs, which can accumulate to make a substantial financial impact, especially when translating large documents. In light of these benefits, AI translation has become widely used in various fields.

There are several disadvantages to AI translation (machine translation). The more significant points are explained below.

2-1. Inaccuracy

AI translations can lack accuracy, especially in sentences that contain complex grammar structures or special jargon. Misinterpretations can occur when the context is misunderstood or when the ambiguity of words cannot be addressed. Additionally, when long sentences or paragraphs are translated, portions of the source text may be missing from the translated text.

2-2. Inexpressiveness

AI translations can come across as overly literal or otherwise unnatural. This is because simply replacing the meaning of the original text with the words of another language does not always capture the context and nuance implied by the source. For example, automatic translations from English to Japanese may yield results that are grammatically correct, but direct translations cannot account for Japan's preferred speech structures and formalities. And so, the results feel unnatural.

2-3. Lack of Cultural Background

AI translation can have some trouble fully understanding and translating text with heavy cultural background and nuance. For example, translating idioms, proverbs, humor, and sarcasm can be difficult and often results in unnatural translations. In such cases, a human translator is needed to appropriately rephrase the automated results.

2-4. Need for Human Verification

Because the results of AI translation are not always perfect, human verification is necessary. For important documents and official communications in particular, asking a professional translator to check the results is absolutely essential.

2-5. Security Risk Concerns

When using AI translation services, you must consider the data security risks. This is especially true when translating documents that contain confidential information. Some AI translation services use the input data to train a common AI model that is shared by all users, creating a risk of that data being displayed to third parties. Therefore, careful information handling is required. For more details on the security of DeepL, one of the leading AI translation services, check the blog post below.

Confidentiality with DeepL Translations. Is It Secure?

3-1. Using the Most Accurate Translation Engine

It is important to use a translation engine with the highest accuracy possible. By this point, various AI translation services are available, each using a different translation engine, and the accuracy and quality of translations will vary by service. For example, one translation engine may excel in translating technical documents in the IT field, while another engine prevails in medical translations. There are even engines that specialize in translating patent documents.

Choosing the right engine to fit the purpose of the document makes a big impact. You should probably use a different translation engine for technical documents, which requires accuracy, than for marketing blurbs, which must be expressive and evocative.

With AI translation services, it is possible to use multiple translation engines selectively or simultaneously. By translating the same text with multiple translation engines and comparing the results, you can adopt the most appropriate translation. Additionally, it becomes easier to identify mistranslations and omissions, improving the overall accuracy of the translation.

3-2. Outsourcing to a Translation Company with a Professional Review System

It is recommended to request a translation company with a professional review system to ensure the quality of translations. Translation is not merely a replacement of languages; it should be done with an understanding of culture, context, and expertise. Therefore, the involvement of professional translators is essential. Professional translators are familiar with the nuances of the language and specialized terminology, and they can provide accurate and natural translations.

Furthermore, in translation companies with a professional review system, another expert reviews the translation after the translator has completed their work. This process ensures that there are no mistranslations or unnatural expressions, guaranteeing the final quality.

3-3. Using Translation Tools and Companies with High Security

Translation tools and companies with high security implement various security measures such as data encryption, access control, and audit log management. This prevents data from leaking to third parties during translation and maintains the confidentiality of information. Additionally, by choosing companies or tools that have obtained security certifications, you can utilize reliable services. For example, companies that comply with international security standards such as ISO 27001 meet strict criteria for information security management, allowing for safe use.

AI translation (machine translation) is a technology that utilizes advanced techniques such as neural networks and deep learning to translate languages, providing high-quality translations in a short period. However, it faces challenges in the accuracy of complex sentences and specialized terminology, as well as reflecting cultural backgrounds. To address these drawbacks, it is recommended to use high-precision translation engines, have a review system by professional translators, and utilize translation tools or companies with high security.

At Human Science, we offer the automatic translation software MTrans for Office, which can utilize translation engines from DeepL, Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI. The latter can not only be used as a translation engine, but it can also summarize, rewrite, and proofread text, depending on the prompts. Try out MTrans for Office with our 14-day free trial offer. Please contact us for more information.

Features of MTrans for Office

① Unlimited number of file translations and glossary integration for a fixed fee
② One-click translation from Office products!
③ Secure API connection
・For customers who want further security enhancement, we also offer SSO, IP restrictions, and so on.
④ Japanese language support by a Japanese company
・Response to security check sheets
・Payment by bank transfer available

MTrans for Office is an easy-to-use translation software for Office.