MACHINE TRANSLATION VS HUMAN TRANSLATION

Abstract

The article deals with such issues as the history of translation and its definition. The concepts of machine (electronic) and written translation are presented and analyzed. The article examines possible classifications of machine translation, identifies the clearest typology and the advantages and disadvantages of each type of machine translation. It is hard to imagine intercultural communication without the use of translation, but acquiring the skills of a translator requires a lot of time and effort. Therefore, it is difficult to overestimate the importance of studying and solving problems related to machine translation and the importance of its practical application in overcoming the language barrier. The main issue raised in this article is whether a computer can completely replace a human being. In answering this question, we come to the conclusion that at the current stage of technology development, such a replacement is impossible. Machine translation is not yet capable of fully translating phraseology and slang. The computer does not take into account the peculiarities of the context, the specifics of sentence construction, irony and humour. Only a human can convey all the nuances of language, wordplay, and author's style. In some industries, even the most accurate and correct computer translation needs to be checked by a human multiple times. This applies to the translation of medical subjects, legal documents and texts where the cost of an error can be very high, even to the point of a person's life. The same sad situation is true for the translation of fiction, where, in addition to meaning, it is necessary to convey emotions, expression and imagery. In addition, the style of the work, culture, era, wordplay, and humour must be preserved. Not every professional translator is able to do this. The task of a translator working on a poetic form is even more difficult, as they need to preserve both the meaning and the rhythm, tact, and metaphor.