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AI Translation |
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AI or artificial intelligence translation refers to the process of using large language models (LLMs) and computer learning to perform translation. AI translation should not be confused with computer-assisted (CAT) or translation memory (TM) tools as these programs perform a very different function.
Should I use AI translation for my materials?
This question depends on your specific needs. AI translation is actually a generic term for several types of artificial language "substitution", and it comes in a variety of flavors and options. These different options also affect the cost, quality, speed, and privacy of a translation.
Some of the AI translation solutions you might consider are as follows:
Generic AI. This type of translation can be used for situations where rough translations are acceptable.
Pros:
Customized AI. A customized AI system can be utilized for your needs where below-average quality is acceptable, such as e-mails, technical support message boards, and otherwise. Zab provides customized AI solutions for its partners.
Pros:
Customized AI and human post editing. This process takes advantage of both the AI and human components by having humans review the output produced by the AI system. This option may be available for some or all of your translation needs, as Zab offers customized AI and post-editing solutions for its partners.
Pros:
Should I use AI translation for my materials?
This question depends on your specific needs. AI translation is actually a generic term for several types of artificial language "substitution", and it comes in a variety of flavors and options. These different options also affect the cost, quality, speed, and privacy of a translation.
Some of the AI translation solutions you might consider are as follows:
Generic AI. This type of translation can be used for situations where rough translations are acceptable.
Pros:
- Many generic AI systems are freely available, at least in a limited form on the Internet, such as ChatGPT, Google Bard, or Google Translate.
- These systems produce fast to extremely results.
- There is no cost or a low cost associated with the translation.
- The quality is usually poor (“gist” quality).
- There is minimal ability to customize, correct, or refine the translations.
- The information you provide to the system is frequently made available to the general public, meaning you need to be sensitive when working with confidential client materials.
Customized AI. A customized AI system can be utilized for your needs where below-average quality is acceptable, such as e-mails, technical support message boards, and otherwise. Zab provides customized AI solutions for its partners.
Pros:
- Customized AI systems can be tailored for a specific industry, client, or product line.
- The long-term costs are lower than human translation costs, and translations are delivered much faster.
- Your data can often be entered into a system that is siloed, private, or quasi-private.
- There are upfront and ongoing costs associated with creating and refining the AI decisions.
- The quality is normally better than generic AI, but not as good as human translation.
- A fair amount of parallel texts in the source and target languages are usually required to build an effective system.
Customized AI and human post editing. This process takes advantage of both the AI and human components by having humans review the output produced by the AI system. This option may be available for some or all of your translation needs, as Zab offers customized AI and post-editing solutions for its partners.
Pros:
- This method allows for a near publication quality translation.
- The long-term costs are typically less than human translation costs and productivity is generally increased.
- This option is not for everyone as it still requires upfront and ongoing costs to build and refine the AI system, which can sometimes off balance the human translator costs.
- Post editing requires a different skill set than translation, post edited material does contain mistakes (for a variety of reasons), and there are fewer post editors available than translators.
If you feel AI translation may be a good option for you, contact us ▶ to discuss this possibility further.