Language Translation: Building Bridges

Automated translation, more commonly referred to as machine translation uses computer software to statistically analyze and translate text presented in one language to another language. The software transfers the structure of a source language (the original language of the text translated) into the target language (the language to which it is being translated). Machine translation can be divided into two categories, one done by a computer alone, and the other that requires human involvement.

Language translation is a fast growing field for the use of computers in translation with the demand for supporting documentation to be available in multiple languages. Online language translation is another area that presents formidable translation challenges with abbreviations, misspellings, absent punctuation, idioms, colloquialisms, fabricated words and sentence fragments in the source language.

The complexity of individual languages can be traced to their sentence structure and word meanings, and involves a lot of ambiguity. Besides, human translation, as opposed to machine translated work can be expensive and time-consuming, thereby forcing companies to invest heavily in time and money. So, while the demand for translation grows, it gets increasingly difficult for organizations to compete with low prices and short delivery terms.

Language translation software applies algorithms to perform statistical machine translation and translates in a shorter span of time. Translation software can do a full translation of previously unseen text and can also be customized to suit any subject area or style. Over a period of time, such customization lets the software “learn” to accurately translate highly technical material.

Translation technology continues to evolve and develop intelligent systems that increase the probability of delivering customized and accurate translations every time.