Applications of machine translation in localization

There’s no denying that machine translation (MT) is on a roll. It has become an indispensable tool for both personal and business purposes. When it comes to localization, MT is a powerful tool that helps companies with a global customer base or those targeting specific international markets. But what can it do, specifically? Read on as we discuss the applications of machine translation in localization, and how you can leverage this technology for your business.

Software localization

MT plays a vital role in software localization, enabling businesses to provide user-friendly interfaces and error-free experiences for international users. MT can translate user interfaces (UIs), error messages, help documentation, and other essential software components into multiple languages. This is crucial for ensuring that software applications are accessible and usable by a global audience, regardless of their native language. MT can also assist with translating localized settings, menus, and prompts, ensuring that the software adapts seamlessly to the target culture and preferences.

Website localization

Similarly, MT can translate websites, web applications, and e-commerce platforms into multiple languages, ensuring that international visitors can easily access and understand the company’s content. MT can translate product descriptions, marketing materials, FAQs, customer support pages, and other essential website content, making it easier for visitors to navigate the website and find the information they need.

Document localization

MT provides businesses with a cost-effective and efficient way to translate technical or business-related documents into multiple languages. MT can translate manuals, reports, white papers, marketing brochures, and other documents, streamlining the translation process and reducing costs. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that produce large volumes of technical documentation or need to translate documents frequently. MT can be used to translate complex technical terms, legal jargon, and business-specific terminology, but we advise on performing machine translation post-editing to ensure that the translated documents retain their accuracy and meaning.

Subtitle translation

MT can translate subtitles for movies, TV shows, documentaries, and other video content, allowing viewers worldwide to understand and enjoy the content. MT can translate dialogue, narration, and other on-screen text, ensuring that the subtitles accurately reflect the original content and provide a seamless viewing experience. This is especially important for content creators who want to expand their reach.

Data transliteration

Another example of an application of machine translation is data transliteration, which is the process of converting text from one writing system to another, focusing on representing the sounds of the characters rather than their meaning. This is particularly useful for translating names, addresses, and other text that may use non-Latin characters. MT can transliterate text from Cyrillic script to Latin and Arabic script to Latin, for example. AI systems capable of data transliteration include DeepL API and Yandex Translate API.

Multilingual customer support

Many businesses employ MT in real-time chat interactions. This allows customer service representatives and clients to communicate seamlessly, even if they speak different languages. The technology translates messages instantly. Similarly, MT aids in automatically translating emails into the language understood by the support team, facilitating prompt and accurate responses. And in situations where phone support is crucial, businesses can leverage MT for voice-to-text or text-to-voice translation.

How to use machine translation with POEditor

Within POEditor, the Automatic Translation feature empowers you to leverage machine translation engines from Google, Azure, and DeepL for the conversion of text strings in your localization project. This functionality is applicable either through the user interface or by utilizing the API.

Upon completion of the translation process, it is possible to assess the translations generated by your chosen machine translation provider. To elevate the quality of translations, especially for important content, consider engaging human translators or reviewers in the process. POEditor simplifies the process of assigning proofreaders to your project, allowing for thorough validation.