Advanced Machine Translation (AMT)

Advanced Machine Translation (AMT)

Machine translation (MT) or automatic translation is a raw translation produced entirely by a computer program. A human translator will only step in to correct errors during an additional post-editing phase, which takes place after the machine has completed the translation. This is different to computer-assisted translation, which is where a translator actively interacts with the machine.

Advanced machine translation (AMT) can provide instant translations, giving you a quick understanding of large texts in multiple language pairs. Since the turn of the century, online MT has come a long way thanks to natural language processing. By having computers and humans interact using natural language, machines can experience deep learning.

This is commonly known as neural machine translation (NMT), and has been inspired by the way the human brain works. Using artificial neural networks together with sophisticated technology, it has made considerable progress in recent years thanks to artificial intelligence. It is now so advanced that it can serve as a basis for many professional translations.

Over the last 20 years, NMT has continued to evolve into the cutting-edge technology we use today. A well-known example of this evolution is Google Translate, which switched from the statistical model to the neural model with impressive results. Using the latest innovations in artificial intelligence, NMT can produce quality texts almost instantly, setting itself on a whole new level to other technical solutions.

The algorithms used in NMT are able to learn linguistic rules, helping it to ‘understand’ statements, ideas, and intentions contained in the original text. This in turn allows it to choose the most relevant translation, taking the whole context into account for greater precision.

When handling documents from specialist areas like legal, technical or financial, NMT can also be trained to use specific terminology. This delivers consistent translations with a higher level of accuracy.

Despite these advances in technology, using native translators who understand the subtleties of the language is the only way to guarantee high-quality translations. For best results, a machine translation should be checked and edited by a human, known as a post-editor. They will proofread the MT output and correct any grammar or spelling mistakes, as well as any misinterpretations or ambiguity. Depending on the level of post-editing, they can also modify any stylistic elements and ensure the correct terminology has been used throughout.

By having humans and technology work together in this way, we can continue to train and evolve our NMT software. The more our human translators work with the software while using natural language, the closer we get to instant translations of outstanding quality.

However, at present, NMT still has some way to go before it can truly match the quality of a human translation. Even so, it is still an essential tool that helps us deliver the best results to our clients. Using NMT increases productivity while reducing both time and costs. Depending on your needs, it can be used to produce a draft-quality automatic translation, or post-edited by a human for the best results.

At Intertranslations, we use in-house custom-made MT engines that we have trained with millions of segments produced by our human translators over the last 25 years.

We build and train engines according to language pairs and areas of specialist terminology. These engines are then used exclusively by each individual client, delivering custom results every time.

Our systems and processes are fully GDPR compliant, while our security measures follow ISO 27001 standards and Cyber Essentials procedures for information security.

With high-volume projects in particular, it is often difficult to deliver high-quality translations that meet strict deadlines. However, advances in technology are making this much easier. Giving you an instant translation ready for post-editing and reviewing, MT can increase productivity by up to 70% depending on the quality.

There are now several online MT solutions ready to help you achieve human-quality translations faster. A popular example is goTranslation, which uses the power of AI to deliver instant translations in as many languages as you need.

Handling a variety of file formats including PDF, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, simply upload your documents for instant delivery. This online service also delivers your translation in the same format and layout as the original, keeping all your graphics and technical drawings in place.