As artificial intelligence technology grows, machine translation increasingly becomes more pronounced than human translation. Machine translation involves the exclusive use of software in translation while human translation involves manual translation of written content from one language to another and requires extensive knowledge of multiple languages.
While either translation model is useful in different circumstances of localization and translation services, here is a comprehensive comparison between machine and human translation.
Advantages of machine translation
One of the most significant benefits of using machine translation is cost. It means that organizations with loads of content can carry out translation services for less. A business will only be required to install software and pay a minimal cost.
Another benefit of machine translation is speed. Translating documents or different forms of content with software is fast and efficient enabling users to save money and time. Further, thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence, software can translate lots of content quickly.
Moreover, machine translation can translate content into multiple languages at the same time, saving the cost of hiring a multilingual translator, or several translation employees.
Disadvantages of machine translation
A significant disadvantage of machine translation is accuracy. While artificial intelligence development has improved software translation correctness, it still requires human involvement to ensure perfection.
Let’s delve into human translation pros and cons.
Benefits of human translation
A significant benefit of human translation is accuracy. When translating different types of content, there are certain aspects of the information that machines may not be well versed in, resulting in errors. However, when the translation job is handled by a person fluent in both languages, they will translate correctly, removing any ambiguities and biases that a machine may not spot.
Further, human translation is much better than machine translation as it provides better quality content. A human translator considers the words used in the content they are translating, their experience, and the context of the information to provide a superior end product.
For brands, using a human translator helps to connect with the target audience better than using machine translation. Often, audiences will easily spot machine translations for how words are used and the intended message may be ineffectively passed.
Disadvantages of human translation
One of the biggest drawbacks of human translation against machine translation is speed. Compared, machines will translate the same amount of content quickly than humans. Human translators need time to understand the context of the content and find the correct words in the final language.
Furthermore, human translation is more expensive. Translating software is much more affordable than hiring an in-house translator, agency, or freelancer to finish the job.
Also, human translation requires maximum concentration for consistency. Inexperience and laxity may result in wrong translations and the passing of wrong information, with the meaning of words lost in ineffective translation.
How about working together?
While each of these translation methods has its pros and cons, it is possible to combine them for effectiveness. Human led translation can involve machine translation for speed, accuracy and effectiveness.
The ROI of Translation for E-commerce
When considering machine translation versus human translation for your e-commerce business, it’s crucial to evaluate the return on investment (ROI). While machine translation offers cost savings upfront, human translation can lead to higher conversion rates and customer loyalty in the long run. Analyze your target markets, product complexity, and customer expectations to determine which approach will yield the best ROI. For high-value products or markets with significant growth potential, investing in human translation may pay off through increased sales and brand reputation.
Localization Beyond Language
Effective e-commerce translation goes beyond mere word-for-word conversion. It requires a deep understanding of cultural nuances, local buying habits, and regional preferences. This is where human translators truly shine. They can adapt product descriptions, marketing copy, and user interfaces to resonate with local audiences. Consider how colors, images, and even payment methods may need to change across different markets. A holistic localization strategy, combining machine efficiency with human insight, can significantly boost your global e-commerce success.
SEO Implications of Translation Choice
The method you choose for translating your e-commerce site can have a substantial impact on your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. Machine translation, while fast, may not always capture the nuances of keywords and phrases that drive organic traffic in different languages. Human translators, especially those with SEO expertise, can optimize your content for local search engines, ensuring your products appear in relevant searches. Balancing speed and SEO effectiveness is key to maximizing your visibility in new markets.
User Experience and Customer Support
The quality of translation directly affects user experience on your e-commerce platform. Poor translations can lead to confusion, abandoned carts, and negative reviews. While machine translation has improved, it may struggle with context-dependent content like product features or return policies. Consider using machine translation for initial content creation, followed by human review for critical pages and customer support materials. This hybrid approach can enhance user experience while managing costs, ultimately leading to higher customer satisfaction and retention rates.
Scalability and Maintenance of Multilingual Content
As your e-commerce business grows, so does the volume of content requiring translation. Machine translation offers scalability advantages, allowing you to quickly translate large amounts of product descriptions and blog posts. However, maintaining consistency and quality across all languages becomes challenging. Implement a content management system that supports both machine and human translation workflows. This allows you to leverage machine translation for rapid expansion while incorporating human expertise for quality assurance and updates. Regular content audits and feedback loops will help refine your translation strategy over time, ensuring your global e-commerce presence remains competitive and culturally relevant.
