Archives for June 2024

8 reading tips for summer holidays

17.6.2024 by Delingua

“We are going on a summer holiday…” For some, the summer holidays have already started or are fast approaching. In this article, you will find a list of interesting things to read concerning the language service industry. Get comfortable, enjoy the sun and dive into the world of language services.

And don’t forget we are open all summer! We have arranged our holidays so that we can take care of your translation and interpreting assignments even during the summer while you take some well-earned time off.

1. LanguageWire Translate – AI-based machine translation service

Machine translation engines are used daily in both professional and private contexts – often without putting too much thought into how the translation itself is produced. Our AI-based machine translation service, LanguageWire Translate, is our vision of what kind of requirements a machine translation system for corporate use should meet. Read our article and learn more about the features of LanguageWire Translate.

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2. Five reasons why integration is a good idea

LanguageWire’s APIs and connectors are a time- and effort-saving solution, helping you avoid copying text unnecessarily from one place to another and allowing you to import any changes, no matter how big or small, to all language versions of your website in almost real time. A connector is a kind of system integration that allows the customer to order a translation of the content through an existing publishing system. We have listed five key reasons why integration is a good idea.

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3. Boost your efficiency with generative AI

Growing awareness of the potential of generative AI and the availability of newer and more powerful GPT models have given everyone a chance to benefit from new AI technology. But what exactly are these benefits? Read our article and learn more about how AI can help you work smarter and faster than before.

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4. Simultaneous interpreting – what is it?

What is simultaneous interpreting and why should it be offered? Simultaneous interpreting is an interpreting method in which the interpreter interprets into another language at the same time as the speaker is speaking. When participants have the opportunity to follow a meeting or a conference in their own language, they get the feeling that they and their language needs have been taken into account.

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5. Validation – high-quality translations are a joint effort

In the translation process, in addition to the translator, the best possible result requires the input of other employees of the translation agency as well as the customer. One of the most important tools for assessing the linguistic quality of translations is validation. Validation means a review by the customer after the translation has been completed, in which the terminology and style of the text are evaluated in particular. Read our article to learn more about validation and the related technology.

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6. Large language models – what are they?

Over the past year, it has been difficult not to come across content created by generative AI. Generative AI is developing at a tremendous pace and language technology is also benefiting from these breakthroughs. From the perspective of language technology, the most important role is played by Large Language Models (LLMs). Read our article to learn how large language models are revolutionizing the language services industry.

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7. What are the differences between a termbase and a translation memory?

What are the differences between a termbase and a translation memory, and how do they work together? And how can they benefit your company? If your company translates texts regularly into several languages, you have probably already heard about termbases and translation memories. Both are important tools for the translator, but they are used for different purposes.

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8. Tips for linguistic accessibility

Accessibility means that everyone has equal access to services. Although the Digital Services Act mainly applies to public online services, accessibility is also beneficial for other digital service providers. Read our tips on how you can create linguistically accessible content and how a translation agency can help you.

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Paris 2024: How translation technology is shaping the event

14.6.2024 by Delingua

With the 2024 Olympics on the horizon, the world is gearing up for a global sporting spectacle that transcends borders and languages. While the spotlight often falls on the athletes and the host city, there’s also another unsung hero working behind the scenes: translation technology.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how translation technology is quietly revolutionizing the Olympics, fostering inclusivity at Paris 2024, and breaking down linguistic barriers.

The unseen role of translation technology

Behind the grandeur of the Olympic Games lies a complex web of communications that often goes unnoticed. Traditionally, the games have heavily relied on the expertise of human interpreters and translators to bridge the gap between languages. These dedicated professionals have ensured that multilingual athletes, coaches, and officials can interact and understand one another. And of course, so that spectators from every corner of the globe can fully enjoy the event.

However, the landscape of communication at the Olympics is rapidly evolving, thanks to translation technology. In the past, the success of the games hinged solely on the formidable skill, speed and precision of human translators. While their skills remain indispensable, they now have a powerful ally in technology, which is quietly but fundamentally altering the way we experience the Olympics.

Real-time translation: bridging the gap

Picture this: an athlete from Japan competing in a high-pressure event, communicating effortlessly with their French official despite not speaking a word of French. This seamless communication is made possible through real-time translation devices. Whilst still in the early days of development and varying in quality, these compact gadgets aim at turning language barriers into mere speed bumps.

Real-time translation devices instantly convert spoken words into multiple languages, allowing athletes and their teams to communicate fluidly. It’s a game-changer that ensures language differences no longer stand in the way of achieving Olympic excellence.

AI and machine translation: handling the vast volume

Beyond the field of play, the Olympics generate an immense volume of text, from official documents and press releases to news updates. This is where AI and machine translation step in. These technologies excel in processing vast amounts of content swiftly and efficiently.

While the debate over machine translation’s accuracy versus human translation persists, there’s no denying the efficiency of AI-powered tools in the context of the Olympics where speed trumps accuracy in a high-pressured environment. They play a vital role in ensuring that information is disseminated rapidly and accurately, keeping everyone informed, regardless of their language.

Accessibility and inclusivity: making the Olympics for all

Olympic translations aim to make the event accessible to a global audience. Beyond the athletes and their teams, spectators from around the world converge at the games, all with different linguistic backgrounds and needs. Translation technology plays a pivotal role in achieving this inclusivity.

In addition to spoken and written translation, efforts are underway to cater to individuals with disabilities. Services such as sign language interpretation and captioning are becoming more accessible, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their language or hearing impairment, can immerse themselves in the Olympic experience.

Challenges and the road ahead

Of course, no technological advancement comes without its challenges. Machine translation, though efficient, can sometimes falter in capturing nuances that only a human translator can grasp. Striking the right balance between technology and human expertise remains an ongoing endeavour.

Nevertheless, the future of Olympic translations looks promising. Advancements in natural language processing and AI continue to push the boundaries of what’s achievable. As these technologies become more sophisticated, we can expect even smoother and more accurate translations at future Olympic Games.

Translation technology’s role in uniting the world at the Olympics

As we anticipate the Paris 2024 Olympics, it’s vital to recognize the role of translation technology in making the games a truly global and inclusive event.

While we celebrate the athletes’ achievements and the host city’s hospitality, let’s also applaud the unsung heroes: the translators working tirelessly behind the scenes and the technology that enables us to share in this international celebration. The true beauty of the Olympics lies not just in the competition, but in the unity, it fosters and the power of language to bridge our differences.

So, as you tune in to watch the games from the comfort of your home, remember the remarkable behind-the-scenes efforts that ensure you can understand and appreciate every moment, regardless of the language it’s spoken in. The language of inclusivity will speak volumes at Paris 2024, and hopefully it’s here to stay.

This article was originally published by LanguageWire Company (Verity Hartley).

AI translation or machine translation: what’s the difference?

11.6.2024 by Delingua

While AI translation represents a significant leap forward in the field of machine translation, it shares common ground with its predecessors. At its core, both AI translation and traditional machine translation methods aim to facilitate cross-linguistic communication by automatically converting text from one language to another.

However, what distinguishes AI translation is its utilization of advanced neural networks and deep learning algorithms, enabling it to surpass the limitations of earlier approaches. This article explores the evolution of machine translation, highlighting how AI translation builds upon and enhances the foundations laid by its predecessors to redefine the way we break down language barriers in the modern world.

AI translation vs machine translation

AI translation and machine translation are terms that are often used interchangeably in discussions about automated language translation technologies. However, there are nuanced differences between the two, primarily in terms of the technology and methodologies they employ. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for appreciating the advancements in the field of language translation and the capabilities of current technologies.

Machine translation (MT)

Machine Translation refers to the use of software to translate text or speech from one language to another without human intervention. Historically, MT has evolved through several stages, each marked by different approaches and technologies:

Rule-based machine translation (RBMT)

This approach relies on a comprehensive set of linguistic rules and bilingual dictionaries. It translates by analysing the source text based on these rules and then applying the corresponding rules in the target language. While RBMT can be highly accurate for languages with a limited scope and well-defined rules, it struggles with the complexity and variability of natural language.

Statistical machine translation (SMT)

SMT models translations based on the analysis of large amounts of bilingual text data. It uses statistical methods to predict the likelihood of certain words or phrases being a correct translation. SMT marked a significant improvement over RBMT, offering more flexibility and better handling of languages with less rigid structure. However, it still faced challenges with context, idioms, and linguistic nuances.

AI translation

AI Translation is an advanced translation technology. It incorporates artificial intelligence, especially deep learning, and neural networks, to model the entire process of translation in a way that mimics human brain functions.

Here are the key features that distinguish AI translation:

Contextual understanding

Unlike its predecessors, AI translation can consider the entire context of a sentence or paragraph, rather than translating piece by piece. This holistic approach allows for more accurate and natural translations, especially in complex or ambiguous situations.

Continuous learning capabilities

AI systems are designed to learn and improve over time. By analysing vast datasets and learning from corrections, AI translation models continually refine their understanding of languages, idioms, and cultural nuances. This self-improvement aspect is a hallmark of AI technology.

Adaptability

AI translation models can be adapted and specialized for different domains (e.g., legal, medical, technical) much more effectively than traditional MT systems. They can learn the specific vocabulary and stylistic preferences of a field, leading to higher quality translations in specialized areas.

AI translation is machine translation evolved

While machine translation laid the groundwork for automated language translation, AI translation has significantly advanced the field. The key differences lie in AI translation’s ability to understand and translate text in context, learn from interactions, and improve over time. These capabilities make AI translation a more dynamic, accurate, and effective tool for overcoming language barriers, especially in professional and specialized setting.

This article was originally published by LanguageWire Company (Verity Hartley).