Are MT post-editors “lessened” translators?
No, MT post-editors are not “lessened” translators.
In fact, they are highly skilled professionals who possess a unique blend of translation expertise and technical abilities. While some may perceive post-editing as a simplified or downgraded form of translation, the reality is that MT post-editing requires a specific set of competencies that go beyond traditional translation.
Key Points to Understand
1. Specialized Skill Set
– Linguistic Expertise: Like traditional translators, post-editors need a deep understanding of both source and target languages. They must identify and correct errors in grammar, syntax, and meaning that machine translation (MT) systems often produce.
– Technical Proficiency: Post-editors must be familiar with the strengths and limitations of various MT systems. They need to know how to work with computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools and other software that integrates with MT engines.
– Efficiency: Post-editors are trained to work quickly and efficiently, balancing speed with quality. They need to decide when a machine-generated translation is “good enough” with minimal edits and when it requires more substantial revisions.
2. Analytical and Decision-Making Abilities
– Error Analysis: Post-editors must evaluate MT output critically, identifying both obvious errors and more subtle issues that could affect the meaning or fluency of the text.
– Judgment: They often need to make quick decisions about which parts of the text need detailed revision and which can remain as is. This requires a sharp eye and an ability to prioritize edits based on client expectations and the nature of the text.
3. Cultural and Contextual Awareness
– Post-editors must ensure that the translation is contextually appropriate and culturally sensitive. MT systems can struggle with nuances, idioms, or culturally specific references, and it’s the post-editor’s job to correct and adapt these aspects.
4. Versatility in Post-Editing Levels
– Light Post-Editing: In some projects, the goal is to make the text understandable and free of major errors without aiming for perfect fluency. This requires a different approach than full post-editing, where the post-editor may need to polish the text to a high standard.
– Full Post-Editing: This involves producing a final product indistinguishable from human translation, requiring in-depth revision, restructuring, and stylistic adjustments.
5. Adaptability
– Post-editors need to adapt to varying levels of MT quality and different types of content. They must be flexible and able to work on a wide range of texts, from technical manuals to marketing materials.
6. Continuous Learning
– The field of machine translation is evolving rapidly, and post-editors need to stay updated on the latest developments in MT technology, tools, and best practices. This requires ongoing learning and professional development.
Debunking the “Lessened Translator” Myth
1. Not a Downgrade: MT post-editing is not a downgrade from traditional translation. Instead, it represents a different approach that leverages technology while requiring human expertise. Post-editors are not simply “cleaning up” machine translations but critically assessing and improving them to meet quality standards.
2. High Demand for Skills: The rise of MT has created a demand for post-editors who can bridge the gap between machine-generated output and high-quality human translation. This role is increasingly recognized as essential in the translation industry, especially for large-scale projects where MT is used to speed up the process.
3. Value-Adding Role: Post-editors add significant value to MT projects. They ensure that the final product is accurate, fluent, and suitable for the target audience, something that MT alone cannot achieve. Their work often requires a deep understanding of the subject matter, terminology, and the specific needs of the client.
In conclusion
MT post-editors are not “lessened” translators but specialized professionals who combine translation skills with technical expertise and critical thinking. Their role is vital in ensuring that machine-translated content meets the necessary quality standards. Far from being a downgrade, post-editing represents an evolution of the translation profession, where human expertise and technology work hand in hand.