Why human review matters for AI translation accuracy
Many people assume that AI translation systems work fine. They do. Except when they don’t. AI translations do work well for general understanding, for internal use and for preliminary research.
But AI can miss terminology, tone, cultural references and critical details that matter in fields such as Healthcare, Law, Technology, Government, Advertising, Marketing and Moviemaking. What sounds fluent may not be accurate.
Will an AI method make critical word and cultural distinctions?
- Does “gear” by itself relate to a car, or a part, or to equipment for camping or skiing?
- In US English, “smart” means brainy or knowledgeable. In UK English, “smart” means well dressed (“You look very smart in that outfit”).
- In US English, “to table” a proposal or motion means to postpone it for later discussion. In UK English, “to table” means to consider the matter now.
- In the US and the West, jealousy is a negative character flaw. But jealousy in much of Latin America is positive and derives from deep love, caring and devotion.
- In Western societies, “independence” and “individualism” are highly valued qualities. But in much of Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Africa, these are negative qualities because those societies value group cohesion and conformity.
Without the right context or cultural awareness, an AI translation can reverse the intended meaning.
With websites, brochures and advertising, colors, numbers and images must be localized:
- White symbolizes purity in the West but death and mourning in East Asia. Red is considered good luck in China but can mean stop or prohibited in the US.
- In the US, “fifty thousand” is written 50,000 with a comma. In other languages, the digits are written 50.000 or 50 000 (with a period or a space).
- In American symbology, babies are delivered by storks. In Japan, babies are delivered on giant peaches. Proctor & Gamble learned that the hard way when they introduced Pampers diapers in Japan using its US stork image … which did not resonate.
AI alone may not warn about these essential details.
BLOOPERS
Would AI-only translation methods detect these nuances?
- “My kids say they want a cat for Christmas. Normally I do a ham, but if a cat will make them happy….”
- Roadside sign: “Buy bed Free. 1 night stand.”
- IKEA sign: “Come check out our stool samples.”
CONCLUSION
With 35 years’ experience, Auerbach International combines AI tools with professional linguistic review to check for meaning, terminology and cultural fit before your translation reaches your audience. When accuracy matters, “close enough” can lead to costly mistakes.
Please contact us for a free quote or to discuss your global expansion goals.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Philip Auerbach
Founder, President & CEO
Auerbach International
Headquarters - 415-592-0042
http://auerbach-intl.com
translations@auerbach-intl.com
