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Why Expert-in-the-loop Translation is a Game-Changer

Exploring expert-in-the-loop translation, otherwise known as human-in-the-loop.

In the current era of globalisation, isn't it equally important for successful businesses to express, understand and connect effectively across language barriers?

After all, whether you're creating website content, YouTube videos, Shorts, Reels, or promo videos, you can never just expect people in your home country to watch the video. It's accessible to the world.

At least, it is if you set it up in a way that the world understands it.

Indeed, the realm of digital communication today asserts the need for quick and accurate translation more than ever.

And in the rise of technology over the last few years, many have turned to Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the solution, seeing the buzz around its ability to generate text in different languages.

In fact, we also offer numerous AI solutions, from AI translation to AI voiceovers. However, it is worth noting that we used advanced language technology.

Either way, while efficient, AI translations may struggle to comprehend nuances in language, cultural contexts, idioms and phrases. This is especially true for quick and easy online tools.

They indeed promise scale, but can they truly promise quality?

A meaningful message lost in translation could mean lost opportunities in a globally competitive market.

Enter the innovative approach of Expert-in-the-Loop translation –the game-changer your business needs not just to survive but thrive in the multilingual digital landscape.

This technique combines the efficiency of AI with the discerning, learned skills of language experts, offering an unprecedented level of translation quality while retaining scalable advantages.

Let's delve deeper into this and understand why your business should not merely rely on AI alone but embrace the revolution brought about by expert-in-the-loop translation, MTPE, and more.

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Credit to Glenn Cartsen Peters

An introduction to AI translation

AI, or Artificial Intelligence, is a ground breaking technology that enables machines to mimic human intelligence and perform tasks such as image recognition, speech recognition, problem-solving, and yes, translation.

AI's remarkable text generation capabilities have revolutionised the translation landscape, offering a seemingly perfect solution to a complex problem: language.

At the heart of AI translation is a complex algorithm that uses data and patterns to convert text from one language to another.

These algorithms can handle large volumes of translation tasks at incredible speed, a particularly enticing attribute for businesses aiming to scale.

For example, the European Parliament reportedly uses AI to translate 2 million pages per day - all without any human oversight.

However, while AI translations could revolutionise the speed and volume of translating content, it's not without its challenges.

Languages are not simply collections of words and grammar rules. They are deeply intertwined with the cultural context, colloquial usage, idiosyncratic expressions and historical references.

This is where AI, in its current form, can fall short. At Wolfestone for example, we recommend not using AI for life sciences, marketing, technical subjects or certified translations.

Standard AI translations cannot often grasp nuances, interpret cultural idioms, and accurately translate industry-specific jargon. These subtle yet crucial elements distinguish between a translation that merely conveys a message and one that resonates with your target audience.

Of course, there's a difference between the AI translation tools found online and those offered by language service providers like Wolfestone; however, there are still similar challenges.

It's here that the revolutionary concept of Expert-in-the-loop comes into play.

A solution that harmonises technology's efficiency with human expertise's discerning comprehension creates a balance that opens up unparalleled possibilities for your business internationally.

Expert-in-the-loop AI

So, the simple question is - how do we bridge the gap between the efficiency of AI and the subtle complexity of human languages?

As referenced, the answer is found in the innovative approach of expert-in-the-loop, or human-in-the-loop.

In this paradigm, AI kickstarts the process with machine-driven translation, swiftly converting vast volumes of text across diverse languages.

But here's where the real magic happens: it doesn't stop at AI.

The translated content is then passed to a language expert, a skilled human linguist who reviews and refines the translation.

An experienced and capable language and translation expert in the loop of the translation process who makes sure that everything reads and flows as it should.

They infuse their understanding of cultural nuances, idiomatic expressions, and industry-specific terminology to ensure the translated text is not just accurate but resonates with your target audience.

For instance, a simple English phrase like 'break a leg', if directly translated using AI, might confuse a non-native speaker.

But an expert linguist, aware of the English idiom, can translate this wish for good luck into the equivalent phrase in the target language, ensuring the intended message gets across.

Using a combination of AI and human experts is the superior way to translate moving forward.

There's no doubt about it.

You get to enjoy the speed, potential scale, and affordability of AI while the expert ensures quality, comprehension, and accuracy.

This all comes together to help multilingual, global companies to benefit from a marked improvement in stakeholder engagement and customer satisfaction in all areas of business.

Thus, Expert-in-the-loop AI doesn't simply translate languages, it captures the very essence of communication, empowering businesses to form genuine connections that traverse borders and dialects.

By whisking away the challenge of 'lost in translation', Expert-in-the-loop elevates businesses onto a truly global stage.

AI in harmony with human expertise

As we peel away the layers of expert-in-the-loop AI translation, an intriguing question surfaces - what does this ground breaking synergy between AI and human expertise bring to your business?

Can this balance of speed and subtlety be the feather on the scale, tilting the global business landscape in your favour?

According to a profound study by McKinsey & Company, by 2030, AI has the potential to infuse a staggering $13 trillion into the global economy. Imagine your business riding this tidal wave of growth, catapulting ahead of competitors with AI at the helm.

However, blindly trusting AI to pilot your global business vessel is not the recipe for success.

We're already seeing the internet flooded with AI content that simply doesn't hit the mark. It's poorly edited, doesn't flow, and overwhelms systems, not providing any value to anyone, let alone the businesses this content represents.

"Languages are not mere codes to be translated; they're rich tapestries woven with cultural, historical, and contextual threads."

It's these intricacies where solely AI-based translations are found wanting. Herein lies the beauty of the expert-in-the-loop system, intertwining the raw efficiency of AI with the refined human expertise to expertly navigate these linguistic subtleties.

At this juncture, you might be sceptical - won't integrating AI within my business be a labyrinthine, costly venture?

The answer, quite simply, is no.

Evolutions in technology have chiselled away the complexities and inflated costs usually associated with AI integration. Now, businesses of all scales and across industries harness the prowess of customised AI solutions.

Picture this: a system tailored for your business, capable of learning from your past business judgements, predicting future trends and providing actionable insights.

This could be your reality with the power of AI paired with human expertise at the helm.

The benefits of using an human-in-the-loop approach

Ultimately, businesses that adopt the expert-in-the-loop model, using the best of both the tech and expert worlds, will benefit the most in all areas - speed and accuracy, efficiency and understanding.

We'd even go as far as to say that this approach would benefit a company outside its translation and localisation needs.

Translation is where our knowledge lies though, so let's explore why this approach is not just beneficial but vital for your business moving forward.

✅ Enhanced quality: While AI offers speed and scalability, its inability to discern cultural nuances, understand colloquialisms, or decode idioms puts it at a disadvantage. With an expert linguist involved, these unique linguistic features are carefully considered and interpreted, ensuring the quality of translation is not at stake.

✅ Scalable efficiency: AI is unparalleled when it comes to swiftly processing large volumes of data. An expert-in-the-loop system maximises this advantage, ensuring your business can handle copious translations without compromising quality.

✅ Contextual understanding: Languages live and breathe in the nuances of context and culture. Idiomatic expressions, local slang and cultural references are often essential to the real meaning of a phrase or sentence. Professional linguists in the loop provide this vital contextual understanding.

Reduced misunderstandings: With an expert's scrutiny, potential inaccuracies in translation can be identified and rectified.

✅ Customer engagement: A well-translated message is more than just correct, it resonates with the audience. This level of engagement, this bond that bridges the gap between businesses and customers, is the winning difference that experts bring to the table.

✅ Cost-effectiveness: Given the potential cost of inaccurately translated content in lost opportunities and reputation, the expert-in-the-loop approach, while perhaps more expensive up front, can save considerable costs in the long run.

Ready to experience the power of expert-in-the-loop translation?

Contact Wolfestone today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your global communication goals.

We offer AI, human-in-the-loop, and 100% human language solutions.

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