Strengths and Limitations of Machine Translation and Human Translation

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Author(s): Rui Fan (Guangdong University of Education, China)and Yue Zhang (The Education University of Hong Kong, China)
Copyright: 2025
Pages: 24
Source title: Role of AI in Translation and Interpretation
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Mohammed H. Al Aqad (University of Malaya, Malaysia)
DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3373-0060-3.ch004

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence / Computational Linguistics / Computer Science & IT / Engineering Science Reference

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Abstract

The development of machine translation (MT) has profoundly reshaped the translation industry, which reignites debates about its relationship with human translation (HT). This chapter provides an exploration of the strengths and limitations inherent in MT and HT and emphasizes their complementary rather than competitive nature. First, the progression of MT is explored. Comparative analysis from multiple perspectives. MT excels in rapidly producing consistent translations of standardized content, yet it persistently struggles with complex, culturally embedded language, implicit meanings, and high-stakes specialized contexts. Human translation remains indispensable in scenarios demanding deep cultural insight, interpretive creativity, domain-specific precision, and ethical discernment. All of these underscores the continuing necessity for human translators. Acknowledging these complementary roles, the chapter further examines the rise of hybrid translation models. Lastly, this chapter concludes with the future tendencies within a collaborative framework.

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Strengths and Limitations of Machine Translation and Human Translation

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