27 Jun Where Google Translate fails
(Last Updated On: July 10, 2019)When you work in a highly detailed environment that involves language translations, then you need to educate yourself on the benefits of tools being available for translation. For instance, Google Translate can prove to be beneficial if only it is utilized in the right context. It is ideal when someone requires a quick translation of a phrase or a word. However, it is not ideal when you require an elaborate medical device translation such as something that has to clear scrutiny or inspection of officials. This is the case when machine translation entirely fails.
How does Google Translate work?
Two types of translations are possible with the aid of a machine translator.
- Word Translation: One word is matched with another by the computer during this kind of translation
- Semantic Translation: The machine works on creation of paragraphs and phrases that seem to flow naturally.
Semantic translation is quite difficult for machines as Google Translate works purely on algorithms. Machine translation fails in several cases which have been highlighted in the subsequent paragraphs.
The Google Translate app is ideal only for light usage. It cannot be used for serious projects as it cannot pick up local dialect and colloquial phrases. When accurate translation is required for medical or technical documents, then the translation software fades out of the picture. The results of machine translation seem more unnatural or stilted. Google focuses mainly on prominent languages and translation is less popular languages seem to be completely worthless. The translations generated by Google are not governed by any quality control. Although the tool is free to use, it can cost you a lot of money if you use it as a replacement for human translator in critical cases.
Google translate does make mistakes. The quality of the translations varies from one language pair to another. The tool can be used to learn the gist of any content. People who wish to use the tool for language pairs that are rare many find the tool completely useless. The translator app does not promises any form of control over quality. People cannot just simply trust the offerings from Google because of its massive dominance in the market. Although the results are guaranteed, the quality is not. Whenever you upload your text to Google Translate, you are not being backed by any kind of security over the content. You can read the terms of Google yourself before using the tool.
Google Translate is quite a useful tool but the usage is dependent on your needs. You cannot rely on machine translations entirely when it involves legal documents or any other vital document pertaining to your work. As the translations are not accurate, you cannot risk using the tool for official purposes. The tool can benefit a high school student who is looking to obtain gist from translations. This tool is unfit for professional use and make sure to weigh the pros and cons before using it.