Many people assume that AI apps can translate. They can. The issue becomes how ACCURATELY you want your translation done. Some subjects in some languages can be done excellently. Other subjects in other languages contain variations on gibberish. Is “good enough” good enough? Or do you need precision?
If you are using Google Translate, it will likely contain errors.
If you are using ChatGPT, the AI can work well IF:
- You know exactly what prompts to specify, which most users don’t; and
- You speak the target language well enough to verify the output.
If you can’t, how will you know what mistakes AI is making?
For most of our 35 years, Auerbach International has used a form of AI along with Master’s- level translators who speak your subject terminology. This hybrid method guarantees precision, which is critical in fields such as Law, Medicine/Healthcare, Science & Research, Government, Technology, Advertising & Marketing, Engineering, E-learning, E-commerce, Books of any subject, and others.
We asked ChatGPT itself to compare its translations vs. the Human kind. Please click here to see its answers, including a side-by-side comparison. You will be surprised to learn the advantages and disadvantages of each.
BLOOPERS
The major criterion for precision is to use professional linguists who are native speakers of your desired language. The makers of these signs clearly did not:
- In a Paris hotel elevator: “Please leave your values at the front desk.”
- At a Hong Kong dress shop: “Ladies have fits upstairs.”
- Unknown origin: “Please do not put heavy item on the copy machine. Thank you for your copulation.”
CONCLUSION
AI can be excellent or problematic. It does NOT translate accurately many idioms or slogans; does not provide full layout, especially of complex or large-volume files; does not acculturate well, if at all; does not maintain confidentiality; does not certify, validate or proofread; may not use the correct form of “you” in other languages; etc.
If “good enough” suffices, that’s fine. If you need guaranteed precision to maintain your professional image – especially with websites, videos, brochures, technical data, etc. (“If this company skimps on translation, how will I know they won’t skimp on my order?”) – please ask us for a free quote.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Philip Auerbach
Founder, President & CEO
Auerbach International
Headquarters - 415-592-0042
