Fast and accurate medical translations are essential in today’s globalized world. Machine translation has proven to be a valuable tool for optimizing the translation process and increasing efficiency. At medical language service, we offer you machine translations that meet the highest standards that are specifically tailored to the requirements of the medical sector.
What is machine translation?
Machine translation is the automated process of translating texts using specialized software powered by computer algorithms and artificial intelligence. This technology enables large text volumes to be processed in a short time. Despite its advantages, machine translation in medical fields requires thorough post-editing to ensure it aligns with the medical context and the quality and accuracy of the information is achieved.
Advantages of machine translation
Machine translation offers a wide range of advantages. These include:
• Cost efficiency: Machine translation can considerably reduce the time and cost of translations.
• Speed: Large volumes of text can be translated in an extremely short time.
Disadvantages of machine translation
Despite its advantages, there are also challenges:
• Limited context management: Machine translation often fails to accurately capture nuances and the medical context.
• Variability in quality: The quality of machine translation very much depends on the suitability of the source text.
How can these challenges be overcome?
Post-editing plays a crucial role in the translation process, especially in the medical field, where accuracy is of utmost importance. Although machine translation technology has made significant progress, human expertise remains indispensable for meeting the specific requirements and capturing the nuances of medical texts. Our technical translators with their in-depth knowledge of various medical fields are also experts in reviewing and optimizing machine-translated texts. Their profound understanding and experience ensure that the translations are not only correct in their content but are also comprehensible for the intended target audience. Thanks to the combination of machine translation and qualified post-editing, we deliver solutions that meet the highest quality standards and fulfill our clients’ needs.
ISO 18587: A standard for quality
ISO 18587 is the standard for post-editing machine translations. It was developed to ensure that post-editing follows a clear and verifiable process with high-quality standards.
ISO 18587 translations from medical language service
We offer translations that comply with the ISO 18587 requirements. Our machine translation process adheres to all guidelines and ensures our clients receive the high-quality results they require in the medical sector.
The ISO 18587 translation process
1. Reviewing the suitability of the source text for machine translation: If necessary and in consultation with the client, the source text can first be revised to facilitate machine processing, improve the quality of the machine-generated translation (MT output), and thereby reduce the workload and cost of post-editing.
2. Pre-translation of the source text using the client’s translation memories and terminology databases: This approach not only ensures consistency in terminology but also reduces costs, as only new texts have to be machine pre-translated.
3. In consultation with the client, the desired quality level for post-editing (full or light) is determined, and post-editing is performed.
• Light post-editing: Minor amendments to the MT output by post-editors with the aim of producing an comprehensible text without the expectation of achieving a result comparable to human translation.
• Full post-editing: Comprehensive post-editing of the MT output with the aim of achieving a result comparable to human translation, which may require extensive rephrasing and restructuring.
4. Final verification, addressing the project specifications and the ISO 18587 post-editing requirements.
5. Delivery of the final machine translation (end product) in accordance with the client’s instructions.
By combining machine translation with thorough ISO 18587 post-editing, you can be confident about the quality and efficiency of your medical translations. Put your trust in our expertise and let’s work together to meet your translation needs. Get in touch. We look forward to your inquiry!
Your Anne Schalk, Dipl. Ing.
Managing Director – medical language service