Machine Translation Post Editing Is Over

Machine translation post-editing (MTPE) has long been a staple in the translation industry. However, Gabriel Fairman, CEO of Bureau Works, boldly claims:

‍“Machine translation post-editing is dead, and Bureau Works killed it.”

In this article, we’ll explore why this process is no longer effective, the frustrations it brings to translators, and how context sensitivity is revolutionizing the industry.

What Is Machine Translation Post-Editing?

MTPE involves running content through a machine translation engine, such as Google, Amazon, or DeepL. Translators then refine this pre-translated content instead of starting from scratch. While this might sound efficient, it often creates more problems than it solves.

According to Gabriel Fairman:

‍“When you process a document through a machine translation engine, as good as the engine may be, it’s not calibrated to how individual translators work.”

This mismatch creates an experience where translators feel detached from the content, leading to inefficiencies and frustrations.

The Flaws in Traditional Post-Editing

Fairman highlights several key issues with MTPE:

Enter Context Sensitivity

So, what’s the alternative? Bureau Works introduces a context-sensitive approach to machine translation, which transforms the process into a dynamic, collaborative experience.

Fairman explains:

‍“Context sensitivity makes it dialogical. Now, as a translator, I’m interacting with an engine that’s learning from me and becoming more like me.”

This approach allows translators to shape the output in real-time, resulting in more accurate and intuitive translations.

Why Context Sensitivity Matters

Key benefits of context-sensitive translation include:

The Future of Translation

While traditional post-editing isn’t entirely obsolete, it’s clear that context sensitivity represents the future. It not only addresses the inefficiencies of MTPE but also empowers translators to work smarter and more creatively.

Fairman sums it up:

‍“Whatever people used to call machine translation post-editing is dead. There’s something much better already available.”

The era of static, repetitive translation workflows is over. With context sensitivity, the industry is moving towards a more interactive and intuitive approach, setting a new standard for quality and efficiency.