Translation technology and translation quality: The use of machine translation and computer-assisted translation and its implications for translation quality control

Abstract

Computer-based technology designed specifically for translation purposes, in the form of machine translation (MT) and computer-assisted translation (CAT), has made the function or purpose of translation the most important criterion for measuring translation quality. Translation technology cannot yet create knowledge in the form of high quality translation, nor can it significantly improve the quality of human translation. However, MT may outperform human translators in producing translation of a usable quality at high speed and low cost. CAT may propagate human-created quality, whether good or bad, by facilitating the collection, retrieval and exchange of translation-related resources. Due to the leverage of translation technology, it is more important than ever before to give decision-making power to those with a good understanding of quality control issues.