Computers Cannot Translate Languages as Well as Humans Can
As soon as the earliest computer was created, developers have labored hard to produce top quality language translation software programs. The aim was to get rid of the normal communications hurdle that language presents, and make it no longer essential to utilize interpreters. Regrettably, the outcome of these endeavors even now leave a lot to be desired, and lots of people today question why that is.
Languages
Languages by their very character have got elaborate constructions. Any individual who may have attempted to understand a foreign language is perfectly conscious that it is not only a question of understanding the words that comprise the language. Words need to be put together into phrases and sentences. Numerous words can't be directly converted into a different language, and the same thing is applicable to sentences. Understanding the meanings of particular words is tough enough, and the issue is compounded through the requirement to construct the words into a proper sentence.
Context
The same word can have many different meanings, and the meaning is dependent on the whole sentence and the context in which it is used. This is a particularly difficult thing for computer programmers to cope with. The problem is especially acute with languages, like English, that are rich in colloquial syntax and in slang terms. The result is that programs often generate translations that are confusing and even meaningless. The problem is made worse when you take into account that words in a language may have a different meaning when used in a different country that speaks the same language. As an example, the word "billion" refers to a different number in the U.S., where it is a 1 followed by nine zeros, than it does in the U.K., where it is a 1 followed by 12 zeros. Imagine the difficulties a business could face if it used that word, and the reader took the wrong meaning from it.
Reason for Translating
Even though computer produced translations have several weaknesses, you will find situations when they may be satisfactory for what individuals want. It is all down to the reason that the translation is needed.
Personal/Casual
Use A web-based translation application could be acceptable should you be translating an internet page or perhaps a file simply to have some notion of what the material is stating. You may use free websites such as Google's Translator. The translated wording is not likely to be wonderful, but it will frequently be sufficiently good to let you grasp the meaning.
Business
When the translation is required for business purposes, merely getting an idea of what is being said is not enough. A business corresponding with customers, distributors or suppliers who speak a different language will require a level of translation accuracy that automated systems cannot deliver.
Testing Software Translation
You can obtain a very clear understanding of the weak points of web based translators by performing some basic assessment. Open up an online translation application and key in a fairly basic phrase that includes no strange words. Key in something similar to "why don't we get back to basics" and convert it from English to French. Then, copy the translation the online translation software produced and convert it back into its original language. The odds are that you won't end up getting the original phrase. One particular translation tool translates it back into the English as "why do not we go back to basics." While this is not a completely different meaning to the original phrase, it is grammatically incorrect.
Conclusion
Even though online translation programs are getting more accurate everyday, they are nevertheless not able to convert text from any language to a different one with total accuracy. It is possible that in the future software programs will have the capability to do that. At this time, the truth is that human interpreters are much better than computerized translators. Whenever precise translations are necessary, it is always essential to hire humans to carry out those translations. Only humans possess the skills and the expertise to translate wording to ensure the meaning and also the context remain clear.
As soon as the earliest computer was created, developers have labored hard to produce top quality language translation software programs. The aim was to get rid of the normal communications hurdle that language presents, and make it no longer essential to utilize interpreters. Regrettably, the outcome of these endeavors even now leave a lot to be desired, and lots of people today question why that is.
Languages
Languages by their very character have got elaborate constructions. Any individual who may have attempted to understand a foreign language is perfectly conscious that it is not only a question of understanding the words that comprise the language. Words need to be put together into phrases and sentences. Numerous words can't be directly converted into a different language, and the same thing is applicable to sentences. Understanding the meanings of particular words is tough enough, and the issue is compounded through the requirement to construct the words into a proper sentence.
Context
The same word can have many different meanings, and the meaning is dependent on the whole sentence and the context in which it is used. This is a particularly difficult thing for computer programmers to cope with. The problem is especially acute with languages, like English, that are rich in colloquial syntax and in slang terms. The result is that programs often generate translations that are confusing and even meaningless. The problem is made worse when you take into account that words in a language may have a different meaning when used in a different country that speaks the same language. As an example, the word "billion" refers to a different number in the U.S., where it is a 1 followed by nine zeros, than it does in the U.K., where it is a 1 followed by 12 zeros. Imagine the difficulties a business could face if it used that word, and the reader took the wrong meaning from it.
Reason for Translating
Even though computer produced translations have several weaknesses, you will find situations when they may be satisfactory for what individuals want. It is all down to the reason that the translation is needed.
Personal/Casual
Use A web-based translation application could be acceptable should you be translating an internet page or perhaps a file simply to have some notion of what the material is stating. You may use free websites such as Google's Translator. The translated wording is not likely to be wonderful, but it will frequently be sufficiently good to let you grasp the meaning.
Business
When the translation is required for business purposes, merely getting an idea of what is being said is not enough. A business corresponding with customers, distributors or suppliers who speak a different language will require a level of translation accuracy that automated systems cannot deliver.
Testing Software Translation
You can obtain a very clear understanding of the weak points of web based translators by performing some basic assessment. Open up an online translation application and key in a fairly basic phrase that includes no strange words. Key in something similar to "why don't we get back to basics" and convert it from English to French. Then, copy the translation the online translation software produced and convert it back into its original language. The odds are that you won't end up getting the original phrase. One particular translation tool translates it back into the English as "why do not we go back to basics." While this is not a completely different meaning to the original phrase, it is grammatically incorrect.
Conclusion
Even though online translation programs are getting more accurate everyday, they are nevertheless not able to convert text from any language to a different one with total accuracy. It is possible that in the future software programs will have the capability to do that. At this time, the truth is that human interpreters are much better than computerized translators. Whenever precise translations are necessary, it is always essential to hire humans to carry out those translations. Only humans possess the skills and the expertise to translate wording to ensure the meaning and also the context remain clear.
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