Getting the Most from Translation Software

by Allend Doxy

Published on this site: February 5th, 2004

Who doesn't want to shave a few hundred dollars here and there from overhead? But one place where it can be dangerous - very dangerous - to cut corners is with translation. And translation software has been a disasters for many a company.

To make sure your firm stays out of harm's way I've put together a few pros and cons of translation software:

Pros:

Fast: No doubt with translation software you need only place your document in a box and hit enter. Within seconds your document comes out in the language of your choice. That means no meetings with a translator, no time-consuming negotiations.

Affordable: You pay only one fee for your software and it doesn't change based on the complexity of the project. You can't really say that for translators.

Cons:

Mistake-prone: We know the nature of language is dynamic. Words can take on different meaning when placed in the wrong context. Though many of the software programs are extremely sophisticated, more times than not, subtle nuances are often missed, causing glaring mistakes in translated documents.

Potentially Costly: After one or two bad experiences with translation software, some firms must have translators check their documents before publishing them. That can add more cost to the project and many translators won't even take on these types of editing assignments because it's better just to start from the beginning than to fix fundamental errors in the software-translated document.

Here's how you can use translation software without the cons:

Based on those two cons you may be a bit down on using translation software, but it's actually a very viable option for firms that know how to use it properly. Here are a few options to choose from:

1. Consider purchasing language-specific software.
   
   Any software touting itself as your solution to translating your documents into every language imaginable just isn't credible. By narrowing their specialty to one language, the software is more likely to have a handle on the nuances of your chosen target language.
   
   
2. Choose a package that offers free updates.
   
   Some more reputable translation software vendors offer no-cost dictionary updates where alternate meanings of certain words are included in your document. It gives you the option of choosing which word best suits your meaning.
   
   
3. Don't expect too much.
   
   When using translation software, understand it has limitations and don't trust mission-critical projects with the software.
   
   
4. Remove complex phrases, slang and metaphors from your documents.
   
   Make the software's, and your, job easier by using the most basic language possible to communicate your ideas before using the software to translate them. That way, there will be less chance the software will use the wrong phrase. That's usually where most mistakes are made: The catchy phrase or cute analogy. Leave them behind and the software's accuracy rate will soar.
   
   
5. Continue to do your homework.
   
   To make up from the cons of using translation software, you'll need to do even more research into your target audience. Be sure to understand the culture you're dealing with and learn as much of the language as you can before trusting the software with your marketing communications.

Bottom line: There's no replacement for human translation. Language is too dynamic, complex and culturally specific. For cash-conscious firms use translation software judiciously and watch your firm grow.

(c)2004 Allendy Doxy

Allendy Doxy of LetSpeak.com helps multinational companies worldwide bridge the language gap by marketing to businesses and consumers in other languages. Learn from him by subscribing to Translation Alert at http://www.letspeak.com