How to Tell if a Translation Was Done by AI or a Human Translator?
When the time to get a document translated comes up, it is important to make sure you know what you are getting. Nowadays, artificial intelligence (AI) has gotten advanced enough to be employed in the translation of texts, but it still has some limitations.
While AI can be handy to a certain extent, it falls short when accurately capturing the nuances and riches of a language. Natural language, with its idiomatic expressions, colloquialisms, and contextual cues, can be a challenge to the stiff algorithms that AI relies on. As a result, while a translation provided by AI may be correct from a technical standpoint, it may seem stilted or unnatural to a native reader.
In this article, we’ll share some tips to help you distinguish whether a document was translated by a human or through machine translation.
1. Look for an Eloquent Style
One of the main things to look for in a document is the writing style. If the translation feels unnatural and overly literal, there is a good chance an AI program did it. Human translators can produce creative, flowing translations that sound effortless. This is because they use their trained language skills to create a translation matching the tone and style of the original document.
2. Examine the Mistakes
AI programs can be quite accurate when it comes to grammar and spelling. However, they may not discern context, cultural references or idiomatic expressions. A document translated exclusively by AI may contain errors that are only a matter of simple common sense for a human.
3. Evaluate the Delivery Time
AI tools can translate large volumes of text in an alarmingly short time. In contrast, human translators usually take the time to consider the cultural aspects of language, ensuring that the translation is faithful to the original document and its intended readers. In this sense, AI translation programs may sacrifice quality for speed to the detriment of the final product. If the work is delivered suspiciously quickly, you may raise an eyebrow.
It is crucial to keep in mind that accuracy, context and common sense are essential when translating any piece of writing. Simply translating words in a virtually mathematical way is not enough. This is why it is important to consider if solely relying on machines without the involvement of a human professional is best for your project. By making the right choice, you will ensure that not only your translation meets your requirements, but that it also resonates with your audience.
Selecting the proper translation method will guarantee that your message is conveyed and fully understood.