Neural machine translation systems, such as Google Translate or DeepL, generate increasingly accurate translations. However, the output of machine translations is still lacking in quality when compared with that of a human translator. In order to obtain the same quality as a professional human translation, a machine translation must be corrected and improved. This process is called full, human post-editing and the professional translator who performs this task is called a post-editor. ISO 18587 sets out the requirements for full, human post-editing of machine translation output, details the objectives of post-editing, and defines the competences and qualifications of post-editors.
When is full post-editing of machine translation needed?
Machine translation with full, human post-editing is usually required when there is a very short deadline, a tight budget, lots of repeated text, an extensive translation memory, or a terminology glossary approved by the client. It is also advisable to prepare the document(s) before the machine translation + post-editing process, especially if they are going to be translated into several languages. In any case, an ISO 18587-certified translation agency will study whether the source language content is suitable for machine translation and subsequent post-editing, considering various factors such as time constraints, effort needed to reach the same quality as a human translation, client budget, etc.
Who can post-edit machine translation output?
The ISO standard establishes the criteria that post-editors of machine translation output must meet for the final, translated document to be of comparable quality to that of a human translation. It defines the qualifications, competences and professionalism of post-editors. The qualifications and competences of post-editors, set out in ISO 18587, coincide with those of ISO 17100, the standard for certified translation services.
Post-editors must have a degree in translation, linguistics or language studies or an equivalent degree that includes significant translation training; a degree in any other field and at least two years of professional experience as a post-editor or translator; or more than 5 years of professional experience in translation or post-editing.
LinguaVox, an ISO 18587 certified language services provider
LinguaVox has been awarded ISO 18587 certification for its production headquarters in Europe (Spain) by the auditing firm SGS. It's another certification to add to the two that LinguaVox already has: ISO 9001 and ISO 17100 (translation services). The auditor has verified that LinguaVox meets all the requirements specified in the standard to guarantee a machine translation service with full post-editing so that the result is comparable to that of a human translation.
LinguaVox has more than 23 years of experience in the translation sector. Last year, it worked with 255 translators and was trusted by more than 1,000 clients worldwide, who ordered translations into 61 languages.
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