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Human Translation Has No Substitute for Top Accuracy

Michael Gallagher
Michael Gallagher
Posted in Zoom Jul 9 · 10 Jul, 2021
Human Translation Has No Substitute for Top Accuracy

The Importance of Translation in a Connected World

Translation is one of the oldest industries, dating back thousands of years. As people from different cultures connect, translation remains crucial for communication, trade, and diplomacy.

  • Even as the world becomes more global, people still prefer to use their mother tongue.
  • Language helps preserve cultures and creates a sense of identity.

Why Multilingual Solutions Matter

Businesses, schools, healthcare providers, and content creators need to think about language diversity. To reach more people, they must offer content in multiple languages.

  • Companies can expand into new markets with the help of accurate translation.
  • Public services use translation to serve people with different language needs.
  • Creators of blogs, podcasts, and videos make their work accessible to broader audiences by translating their content.

Kinds of Content and Their Translation Needs

Different types of content need different translation solutions. Choosing the wrong approach can harm your message or brand.

When to Use Human Translation

  • Human translation is best for sensitive or creative content.
  • It excels in:
    • Marketing materials
    • Creative writing
    • Product information
    • Legal, medical, or technical documents
  • Humans understand the context, local slang, and cultural details.
  • They spot subtleties and produce clear, natural text in the new language.
  • Research shows that professional human translators achieve accuracy rates above 95% for complex texts (ATA, 2022).

If you need accuracy—especially for legal documents, healthcare, or technical fields—human experts are a must. For these areas, GoTranscript offers text translation services performed by specialists.

When Automated or Machine Translation Works

  • Automated translation is fast and can handle large amounts of text quickly.
  • It is useful for:
    • Getting the general idea of a document
    • Translating informal messages
    • Scanning content for keywords or topics
  • However, machine translation struggles with:
    • Complex sentence structures
    • Contextual meanings
    • Slang or idioms
  • According to a study, machine translation improved in accuracy by 20% from 2018 to 2022 but still averages around 80% for general text (Common Sense Advisory, 2022).

Finding the right balance between speed and accuracy is key. For fast results, GoTranscript provides automated transcription solutions.

Common Translation Scenarios

  • Creative tasks: Novels, marketing copy, and films need expert human translation to capture tone and emotion.
  • Technical content: Manuals, legal contracts, and medical forms require subject matter experts for accurate translation.
  • Everyday communication: Automatic tools work for chat messages, social posts, and drafts, but final versions should be checked by a human.
  • Multimedia: Videos and audio require both translation and transcription. Use specialized audio translation services and subtitling services.

Risks of Poor Translation

  • Loss of trust: Errors can make your business look unprofessional.
  • Legal trouble: Incorrect translations in contracts or instructions may cause lawsuits or safety risks.
  • Missed opportunities: Bad translations can confuse or alienate potential clients or viewers.

For critical content, always use services that guarantee accuracy, such as transcription proofreading and certified translation experts.

How to Choose the Right Translation Solution

  • Assess your needs: Decide if you need speed, accuracy, or both.
  • Consider your audience: Who will read or listen to the final product?
  • Think about the purpose: Is this content for information only, or is it official?

If mistakes could cost you time, money, or reputation, opt for human translation. For less critical tasks, automated tools or AI-powered solutions can save you time and money. For ongoing needs, an AI transcription subscription might be ideal for your business.

Understanding Costs

Conclusion: Reliable Translation Makes All the Difference

Translation opens doors to new markets, communities, and ideas. While tools and AI are getting better, human expertise remains essential for sensitive, creative, and technical content.

  • Choose your translation approach based on your specific needs.
  • Protect your reputation and ensure clarity with high-quality translation services.

GoTranscript provides a full range of solutions—from precise transcription services to professional human translation, subtitle creation, closed captioning, and quality proofreading.

Ready to expand your reach? Order transcription or order captions from GoTranscript today for fast, accurate, and affordable results.