Why professional translators are irreplaceable

Automated translations are readily available nowadays, but when it is a matter of translating specialist subjects, precision, subject expertise and cultural sensitivity are essential. In this article, you will learn why personalised specialist translations with the right kind of technical support remain indispensable in international business.

In a globalised business world, professional translations are indispensable – whether for technical documentation, operating instructions, contracts or training courses. When it is a question of choosing the right translation approach, however, companies are increasingly faced with a key question: Is machine translation sufficient, or are professional translators still needed? We will show you the limitations of digital tools, how professional translators work and why the human factor is crucial, especially when it comes to specialist content.

Machine translation: fast, cheap, but not without risk

Modern tools such as DeepL, Google Translate and other AI-based systems can translate entire text documents in a matter of seconds. This saves time and, at first glance, also seems cost-effective. For simple, general content, machine translation can work very well and be quite adequate.

With specialist texts, on the other hand, we have to consider the following hidden risks:

• Specialist texts use specialist vocabulary
  The machine often fails to grasp the context correctly. A technical term in automation technology may have a different meaning in medicine.
   
• Cultural nuances
• 
  Tone of voice, local customs and legal subtleties are difficult for machine translation to capture reliably.
   
• Lack of quality assurance
   Machines do not check for logic, coherency or industry-specific expectations.

In many areas of business, this is simply unacceptable, as a translation error in an operating manual could, in the worst case, have safety or security implications.

Personalised professional translation: reliable, skilled and secure

Professional translators, like those employed by Teconia, combine linguistic skills with in-depth industry knowledge. Whether it's a question of mechanical engineering, medical technology or IT, they are acquainted with the technical terminology, speak the language of the relevant country and target group, and translate not just the words, but the contextual implications. What is more, even in personal translation modern technologies have a part to play.

The advantages of personal translation:

• CAT (Computer Aided Translation) tools
  As well as being able to rely on his or her native language, the translator also has the benefit of CAT tools. These offer support in the form of translation memories, terminology databases and consistency checks.
   
• Quality management
  Every translation undergoes a multi-stage review process, including proofreading by experts who are native speakers.
   
• Consistent terminology
  Businesses benefit from consistent and uniform terminology across all projects. This is an important factor for Corporate Identity and brand recognition.

To sum up: Efficiency meets quality

Machine translation can be useful in certain contexts, to provide an initial rough translation or for internal purposes. However, when precision, comprehensibility, technical expertise, cultural sensitivity and, above all, legal certainty are required, personalised professional translation is irreplaceable. Teconia’s specialists speak over 40 languages and have in-depth legal and technical expertise. They are also familiar with the peculiarities of their native language and the customs of their home country. This results in texts that are flawlessly correct and easy to understand –   naturally, in compliance with the ISO 17100 and ISO 9001 quality standards.