What is translation?

«Human or manual translation» is when a human translator, rather than a machine, translates a text manually. This task is performed by experienced linguists who often offer their services as freelancers in their possible language pairs.

 

Unlike «machine translations», human translators use their pure intelligence and creativity to convert one way of saying things to another. They are experts in the field to which the text belongs and its nuances providing a native and high-quality target text.

What's included in a human translation service?

When you apply for a human translation service, the professional may request some information in order to draw up a budget. Most common elements are described in the following bullets:

  • Sample of the text to be translated
  • Deadline
  • Source text in a specific format (Word, Excel…)
  • Layout of the target text (extra charge)

In addition, manual translation service always includes translator’s self-proofreading. Nevertheless, if a client requires another professional to do the proofreading in order to maximise the quality of the target text, they should contract an extra «proofreading service».

Manual translation vs. machine translation

An alternative to manual translation service has recently emerged. It is known «MT post-editing» and it aims to edit and revise texts translated by machine translation software. While it is true that some machine translators such as Google Translate or DeepL have evolved in terms of quality, they still have limitations. Machine translation can’t capture the original meaning nor convey that feeling or message essentially in a new body of work a human translator can.

Below are detailed the main advantages and disadvantages of human translation:

ADVANTAGES

  • High-quality target text
  • Language professional
  • Stylistic coherence
  • Cultural sensitivity

DISADVANTAGES

  • Higher rates
  • Slower delivery


Language pairs for this service:

🇪🇸 ↔ 🇬🇧

🇩🇪 → 🇪🇸