However, it’s the bit that ISN’T perfect that is going to be the major obstacle and the reason why I think our foreseeable future is safe. For despite the 80% comprehensibility of the translated text, there is a 20% that I cannot see a computer dealing with in the near future, an aspect of communication that cannot be emulated by a computer. Apart from the nuances of culture, context, inflection etc. there is something more fundamental which computers lack: understanding.

I am firmly convinced that true translation is only possible when there is understanding - of the message, not just interpretation of the words, or even the sentences. True understanding, by definition, will only be achievable by an effectively sentient computer, and I don’t think we are anywhere near that just yet!

For superficial, quick-help understanding of a text, these tools are great, but for accurate, authentic communication in the target language humans will be needed for a long time to come…

Ning Social Bookmarking Group: Google Translation Center
(link)

I work for a large UK translations company.

There are a few points to make regarding automated translation systems such as those found online.

Software can be used for translation projects, but I would advise against it if what you’re translating is intended ultimately for publication.

There are often so many cultural nuances to take into consideration that cutting corners by using translation software can render your message practically impossible to understand for your target audience.

And beyond popular European languages like Spanish (that being 2nd only to English and 4th overall in the world), you run the risk of dramatic misinterpretation.

Often the only way to go is to utilise the services of a professional translator.

Anyway, great blog though; keep it up.

Good to have these things discussed so that people get the facts rather than being left to speculate and not get the results that they want.

Personally I think that there are different translation markets, the human translation will continue be a business, but Proz will have a serious competitor.

As these systems grow better at transforming from one language to another we will find Babel redux in the aether.

Exciting ;)

I think humans learn language by hearing the people around them talk, people who reward them for repeating the teacher (parent, babysitter, etc.) while smiles, sounds of encouragement,etc. The sounds are often associated with specific objects or actions, such as saying “bottle” while showing the learner a bottle.

Later on, one learns a language by studying vocabularly, grammar rules, and repetition of sounds which get approved or rejected.

Just checked onehourtranslation.com.

bought 1000 words for 36.1$ and got my text in Spanish in no time

It’s really working, cool

This is a web service for people who need to translate their documents, fast and low-cost.
It is based on thousands of freelance translators all around the globe, monitored and rated for high quality results.

A Social Translation Community with Translation Memory help and online Translation Service

I’m still waiting for the day that I will be able to chat with people that I dont speak my language and have the chat program make that fact transparent to me.