Several people, myself included, wonder why if technology has advanced to the point it has, with computers that can win a chess game against the most capable and experienced player or make the most complex calculations, then why automatic translation basically doesn't cut it.
You can go ahead and try Google translator, or Babel Fish or any of the many automatic translation services and programs available on the Web, and you will see that the results are usually far from what you would expect.
Automatic Translations Basically Don't Work
The reason why computers are not good translators is basically because translation is not a logical process. Computers are great at adding numbers and performing any logical sequence or transaction. They are great at remembering stuff too, so as far as vocabulary goes, a computer is an unparalleled resource for any person wishing to know the meaning of a word or expression.
Unfortunately, languages were not born out of translating one tongue into another. Languages are living entities that grow and branch out every day. That is precisely the reason why languages such as Latin and Old English are called "Dead Languages" (others are extinct languages, precisely because they have stopped "living", they no longer have any native speakers and for that reason, have stopped growing, branching out, developing.
Many languages derive from another and for that reason they have a similar structure, sound, feeling and even vocabulary (for instance Spanish and Portuguese), however, if you speak Portuguese and you have never had any contact with Spanish, chances are you will understand basic things spoken very slowly but if you try to go on the street and listen to people talking among themselves you will probably end up without a clue of what they are talking about.
Because let's face it... even within speakers of the same language, many times we are left completely dumbfounded. Have you ever tried to listen into the conversations of teenagers, or scientists, or even people from different nationalities... come on... are they even speaking your language?
Then Why Do They Bother Developing Translation Software?
Computers today are thought to have reached the intelligence level of a mouse. Hum... I haven't seen that many mice dedicated to translation yet! However, scientists are expecting computers to get smarter and smarter every day. Even to the point that Sci-Fi movies and Isaac Asimov books might become a reality (if we don't greenhouse the world to death before that).
So, the only way for automatic translations to become better is to continue existing and to continue attracting users (and funds for development).
However, let's be honest about something. If you receive and email from a friend and you need help understanding its content, then a computerized translation is more than enough for you. It will certainly help you communicate and even have a little fun with the unexpected results.
Also, if you are browsing a website, usually choosing to translate it using Google or Babel Fish is enough to give you an idea of what you are looking at. And you have no idea how much help that is already! Can you imagine how many millions of people have access to information generated in different languages thanks to this free translation technology? These applications and services are truly building invisible bridges across cultures and languages... what else can you ask for?
And Why Would You Pay a Professional Translator?
Well, a professional translator is a person who (usually) speaks natively at least one of the languages you need to translate to or from. Also, this person is very fluent in the other language and not only understands the words, but also the meaning and cultural nuances of the text you need to translate.
If you have a business proposal for a customer... you want to use the services of a professional translator. If you are signing a contract in another country and do not speak the language, you really want to hire a professional translator, or why not... a professional translator who may be present during the negotiation to help both parties communicate fluently.
The author is an experienced translator and interpreter residing in Costa Rica http://www.spanish-english-translation-costa-rica.com/offshore-meeting-destination.html. She works independently with the help of other local professionals. She has been exposed to translation and interpretation projects for more than 12 years and has thoroughly been involved in every aspect of their organization and management. You can visit her information website at: http://www.spanish-english-translation-costa-rica.com/.
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.
