Last Updated on September 4, 2024
Google translate and human translations are techniques that can be used to convert content from one language to another. But, they both have their advantages and their disadvantages depending on the situation.
Google translate promises speed and accessibility, while human translation offers you accuracy and contextual meanings. In this post are more details on what they offer and what they are best for.
What is Google Translate?
Google translate is a software that can be used in converting documents from one language to another. So, when you need to convert documents from one language to another, the use of Google translate makes it fast, easy, and as straightforward as possible.
All that is required for the process to be successful is to input the document into the platform.
When is Google Translate better?
Google translate comes in handy when all you need is just a general meaning or a straightforward translation of the content. As long as the translation would not lead to vital decisions being made or represent the business on the outside, it is right.
Here are some of the advantages of using Google translate:
- It is easy to use.
- Every user can easily access the platform.
- Google translate has both mobile and web versions.
- The platform is free to use.
- There are vast numbers of languages on the platform.
When not to use Google translate?
Google translate is a machine, and it doesn’t offer depth just like it has been set to do. Google translate, even with its speed, still has its limitation, and this is responsible for some errors that it may produce. This is because when translating, it doesn’t cater to contextual meaning in sentences. With this, there is no regard for grammar and other vital elements of the language.
Here are the disadvantages of using google translate:
- Doesn’t cover the 6,000 languages in the world.
- It may not be accurate sometimes.
- It cannot be used for professional cases.
Understanding all of this helps you know the kind of jobs that Google translate works best for and optimizing the platform.
What is Human Translation?
Human Translation involves the use of real-life professionals in translating content. Human translations aim to create a more thorough representation of the initial idea. With actual individuals in translating documents for various purposes like digital web contents, brochures, and other official documents.
When is Human Translation Better?
Unlike Google translate, the human translator offers a more contextual translation than just a verbatim translation. There are more concerns for the grammatical components and details of the original idea of the content. For professional human translators, they aim to provide more depth and capture all the thoughts of the originating author. This alone made it a desirable choice of translation.
However, here are the advantages of the human translator:
- Offers more accuracy during the translation.
- Human translators are available for almost all languages.
- It can be used in professional settings.
- A human translator gives more in terms of understanding.
When not to use human translation?
Even though the human translation method offers a significant level of accuracy, it still has its downside. If you are low on time and need the translator soon enough, then the human translator is not the best choice. It takes time to accurately and diligently translate any content that runs into pages and chapters of length.
Another thing that makes the human translator hard to work with is that there is a limit to the language an individual can know. This will need you to get more than one professional if you are translating several contents at a time.
So, here are the other downsides of human translation:
- Human translation doesn’t come free.
- Human translation doesn’t serve as a quick fix.
- They require more than one professional for vast languages.
- It takes more time than may be available.
Google Translate Vs. Human Translation
Google translate is better used when you need to translate between languages in a rush. However, human translation is a meaningful way to translate more extensive content for professional use. Human translators work on books, really lengthy documents that cannot be quickly filled into the software.
Human translators, however, have their limits, and it is rare to find individuals that can translate up to a dozen languages. This then brings the cost of having more than one or hiring a translation agency. But with Google, you can access the translation right from your phone or your web browser.
Using human translation is not ready to go, but it seems to be a better choice than google translate. After a professional turns in the finished job, it can be presented without errors, but a Google translate job needs more editing before it can pass professionally.
Finally, human translations are more thorough, while Google translate is a fast-paced method. When choosing work works for you, then you would need to consider the priority of your translation.
Other Modes of Translation
Apart from Google translate and human translation, there are other ways that you can translate your documents. With global brands like Torjoman, there are over 120 languages available for business translation. Popular languages like French, Spanish, Arabic, German, Japanese and more.
Translating between languages can be easy when you correctly understand the situation and the type of content that needs to be translated. Google translate is easily accessible, while the human translators offer a high level of correctness.
