🌎 Markus Seebauer

How Big Is the Machine Translation Market in 2024? It’s a big question because it has so many far-reaching and long-lasting impacts: Just how big is the machine translation (MT) market in 2024?  The answer can influence professionals considering joining the industry; tech experts thinking up their next big invention; and investors doing their due diligence and looking into ROI.  Anecdotally, MT has only gained more ground in the first half of 2024, thanks in large part to the hype surrounding AI-enabled solutions that also offer translation, such as ChatGPT. The release of foundation models (i.e., those for more general use, versus specific disciplines or tasks) has piqued interest among observers in a variety of fields.  As laid out in the 2024 Slator Language Industry Market Report, Slator estimated that the size of the MT market increased by 31% in 2023 to USD 1.55bn. Read the full article here:

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What are some of the pros and cons of leveraging LLMs in localization? ✔️Pros: - Efficiency: LLMs provide immediate translation outputs, which can then be refined in significantly less time compared to translations starting from scratch. - Cultural Relevance: When appropriately fine-tuned, LLMs can capture cultural idioms and expressions that resonate with the target audience. - Continuous Learning: With the help of feedback loops and ongoing training, LLMs continuously improve, adjusting to linguistic changes and industry developments. ❗Cons: - Lack of Empathy: LLMs, devoid of human emotions, may struggle to grasp the emotional weight of certain texts fully. - Requirement for Oversight: The need for human intervention persists to ensure that outputs match the desired quality and precision. - Resource Intensity: Training LLMs requires substantial computational power and resource investment, making them less accessible to smaller enterprises without external help. Read more: Large Language Models for Localization: The Pioneers of Linguistic Intelligence https://hubs.la/Q02zP5NT0 #LocalizationRevolution #LinguisticIntelligence #TranslationInnovation

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Transform the World of Content: The Potential of Translation Management Systems (TMS) 🌍💪 Are you switching between languages? Your secret device is a TMS! Here’s how: 🗂️ Centralized Hub: Work with translators and manage projects from one location. ✅ Quality & Consistency: Reuse previous translations and keep your brand voice constant. 🚀 Speed & Efficiency: Automate tasks & get projects done faster. 💰 Cost Savings: Reduce costs with translation memory & budget tracking. ☁️ Cloud-Based: Real-time, remote access and cooperation. 🏢 On-Premise: Complete control, customizable. 🔓 Open-Source: Extremely flexible and free to use. Bonus Tip: For maximum consistency and quality, please update your translation memory regularly to match the most recent terminology and brand requirements. #TheWordPoint #Translation #Localization #GlobalMarketing #TMS

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The Most Important Things You Need To Know About MTPE 🤖🖋️ The world of translation is constantly evolving, and Machine Translation Post-Editing (MTPE) is a game-changer. Here's what you need to know about this powerful approach: 🔵 Combines machine speed with human precision for high-quality translations. 🔵 Faster turnaround times for larger content volumes. 🔵 Natural flow and correctness are guaranteed by human editors. 🔵 Expert translators manage subtle cultural differences in addition to language. 🔵 Suitable techniques meet the demands of a particular project. 🔵 MTPE systems continuously improve for better results. 🔵 Cost-effective solution for large-scale translations. Businesses can use this creative method to improve their translation workflows and more successfully connect with customers throughout the world by grasping the foundations of machine translation expertise (MTPE).🌍✨ #MTPE #TranslationTechnology #LanguageServices #TheWordPoint

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I've shared this Lionbridge article many times: ▶️ https://lnkd.in/dfzzZxk Tips for Writing: Short sentences Standard word order whenever possible Avoid long noun strings Be consistent Avoid jokes, jargon, idioms, metaphors Be clear when using dates and time Use relative pronouns Chose the active voice Reduce phrasal verbs Plan for text expansion in your web page layout I believe many of these tips also apply to writing in your primary language even if you don't have plans to translate. Plain language and simple sentence structures will help your readers. Always write the month using the 3-letter abbreviation. Language in itself is complex. Tip: In my AI prompts, I add instructions to use plain language and simple sentences.

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Yesterday, my colleague wrote an insightful post on localization approaches in CMS, which made me want to share this post. For those unfamiliar with CMS, it stands for Content Management System. Numerous systems are available in the market, but how do you decide which one to choose? Choosing the right multilingual CMS is vital for seamless content management and powerful translation. From global site architecture to translation workflows and API integration, guarantee your brand's message is consistently impactful across all languages. https://bit.ly/3SKV82Q #MultilingualCMS #GlobalBusiness #WebsiteLocalization

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The translation industry is evolving, with AI playing an ever-increasing role in workflows. But how do we maintain trust and quality in this hybrid landscape? Our latest article dives into: ✅ Expanding quality assurance practices beyond ISO 17100 ✅ Mitigating risks like cultural insensitivity and loss of context ✅ Real-world success stories from leading organizations ✅ Collaborative efforts to prepare for the future of AI-driven translation Whether you're a translation professional, an AI enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of multilingual communication, you'll find this of interest! Read the full article to explore how agencies can combine cutting-edge technology with human expertise to lead the way in this rapidly changing field: https://lnkd.in/eVJNBpCu #AIinTranslation #ISO17100 #QualityAssurance

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As AI and machine translation continue to evolve, the translation industry faces new challenges, and opportunities, in maintaining quality. TrueLanguage’s latest article takes a look at how ISO 17100 compliance can adapt to this high-tech landscape, ensuring that AI-enhanced workflows meet top-tier quality standards. 🔹 Learn about the need for AI-specific quality control 🔹 Explore the potential for certified MT post-editors 🔹 Discover how ethics and cultural sensitivity remain essential Ready to explore a quality-first approach in the age of AI? Read the full article https://lnkd.in/ec9mBgYa and contact TrueLanguage to see how we help clients navigate modern translation with confidence. #Translation #AI #ISO17100 #MachineTranslation #QualityAssurance

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Honesty is the best policy 🤝 I have extensive experience working on both sides of localization: as a client requesting localization services, and as a service provider meeting clients' localization needs. Both of these sides can face challenges such as on-time delivery. Localization is fast-paced and involves a daily routine of tasks, especially when working with clients who have a continuous flow of work. The core issue is that being deeply involved in routine tasks can lead to delays for various reasons: missed emails from clients, incorrect time estimates for translation, etc. And that's okay: we're humans, not robots. All these issues can be resolved with explicit and trusting communication between both parties. Just discuss this in advance, not right before the deadline. But what if someone tries to trick the other side by saying something like, "The task is in progress, no worries," when it wasn't even started? Unfortunately, I have faced these situations several times as a service requester working with localization companies and freelancers. Does this undermine trust? Definitely, yes. It's much easier to destroy a relationship than to restore it. So here's some unsolicited advice: Build trusting communication from the very first moment of interaction. Otherwise, it can easily lead to problems and escalate into significant challenges. And that definitely doesn't sound like a good plan for a fruitful collaboration! By the way, some time ago, I developed an easy-to-go solution for freelancers to track tasks in Notion. Is anyone interested if I share it? 🤔 #localization #translation #translator #freelancer #gamelocalization

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MTPE (Machine Translation Post-Editing) seems to bog this big pink elephant 🐘 in the room that nobody wants to talk about. I have two types of clients that use it: Client 1 – Uses it well and gets good quality content Client 2 – Doesn’t use it well and spends double the money Let’s see how they approach it differently and how it impacts the money they end up spending. Client 1 has a financial text to translate. They put it through MT (Machine Translation) and then they contact us and say: “Hi guys, 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭 can you please do your 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 with it?” ✅ The client was 𝐮𝐩𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭 about where the text comes from ✅ The client hires a team of human translators to - make structural and stylistic changes - adapt it to the company’s tone of voice Client 2 contacts us and says: “𝐖𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 this text could you please 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐭” ❌ Does not specify that “we” means me and the machine, so we understand it’s me and the team = humans. ❌ Client hires a team of human translators to provide a service that isn’t “enough” because proofreading is -     a lighter editing service to catch human errors -     a service that assumes the human translator will not make structural grammatical or gender errors/ inconsistencies.  - a service that assumes the team know their brand voice and therefore we don't need to review it. What usually happens to client 2? 👉 The "proofreading" doesn't cut it 👉 They need to hire us to translate the text from scratch or to do a full post-edit. So they end up paying for 2 or 3 services instead of one. So, WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO WHEN USꞮNG MTPE? 📍Be transparent about the use of MTPE 📍 Ask your linguist and make sure you hire the service that best meets your needs   ☀️ We are on your side so let us advise you, bad copy doesn't look good on you or us, so it's in everyone's best interest to do things properly. #mpte #machinetranslation #technicaltranslation #financialtranslation

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ISO 18587 - Machine Translation Post-Editing: A Path to Quality and Efficiency Machine Translation Post-Editing (MTPE) has become essential in the translation industry as businesses seek faster and cost-effective language solutions. However, machine translation (MT) often does not meet the quality standards required for professional use, particularly in fields like legal, medical, and technical translation. Here, ISO 18587:2017, the international standard for post-editing machine translation output, is crucial. What Is ISO 18587? ISO 18587 outlines the requirements for post-editing machine-translated text. It ensures that human post-editors refine machine output to deliver translations that are not only grammatically correct but also contextually appropriate. Given that MT tools often struggle with idioms, tone, and complex sentence structures, human intervention is vital for meeting professional standards. Key Requirements of ISO 18587 Qualified Post-Editors: Only trained professionals with experience in translation and post-editing should be involved. Bilingual Review: A thorough bilingual review is essential to ensure linguistic correctness and contextual accuracy. Post-Editing Levels: The standard recognizes varying levels of post-editing, from light corrections to full refinement. Quality Control Processes: Companies must establish rigorous quality control measures, including peer reviews and feedback loops. Client Requirements: Clear communication about quality expectations is necessary to tailor the post-editing approach effectively. Why ISO 18587 Matters for Businesses As MTPE services gain popularity for various content types—such as e-commerce descriptions and technical documentation—the importance of maintaining translation quality becomes evident. ISO 18587 provides a baseline assurance that translations meet accuracy standards, which is critical in sectors where errors can have significant legal or safety implications. Implementing ISO 18587 in Your Workflow To align with ISO 18587, companies should: Invest in Training: Equip translators with post-editing skills and knowledge of MT tool limitations. Use the Right Tools: Select MT software that supports efficient post-editing. Collaborate with Clients: Understand client needs regarding translation quality and turnaround times. Implement Quality Control: Create robust quality control processes to ensure consistency. ISO 18587 serves as a guideline for improving translation quality and increasing efficiency in a demanding industry. By adhering to this standard, businesses can enhance their translation services while remaining competitive and reliable.

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🚀 Did you know you can reduce turnaround, cut costs, and speed up time-to-market by mastering the art of writing source text ready for #translation and international readers? 🌍✍️ These strategies not only enhance global reach but also elevate your writing quality by ensuring your text is clean, grammatically pristine, and efficient. 📚✨ 🔟 Read on for ten #TranslationTips to craft impeccable source content that resonates worldwide! 🌐💡 #WritingExcellence #GlobalBusiness #Localization

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And if these tips still leave any questions unanswered, I'm also here to help :) Good translations can take you a step further in your industry, increasing client engagement, sales, and much more...

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Too many times unchecked translation errors risk damaging the brands of large enterprises when they should be caught by linguistic quality control (QC). Linguistic QC goes beyond simple translation checks—it’s a detailed review process that makes sure your localized content is accurate, culturally relevant, and user-friendly. Here’s what linguistic QC can cover: 🔶 Accuracy: Identifying and correcting grammatical errors, typos, and mistranslations that often slip through during initial translation phases. 🔶 Clarity: Making certain the language is clear, concise, and easy to understand for your target audience 🔶 Cultural Relevance: Checking that the content works for local audiences and avoids cultural missteps, which can occur when cultural nuances and references are overlooked. 🔶 Display and Formatting: Verifying that text, images, and UI elements look polished and professional in the final product, catching issues like untranslated text or awkward text breaks caused by language expansion. Linguistic QC is about delivering a smooth experience that builds trust with your global users. DM me for more details :-) #Localization #QualityControl #LinguisticTesting

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🚀 MTPE Tips for Faster, Higher-Quality Translations 🚀 Machine Translation Post-Editing (MTPE) has become a main driver for producing fast and accurate translations. To get high-quality results, here’s a breakdown of MTPE best practices, with examples to help optimize your workflow: 1. Set Clear Guidelines If you’re translating marketing content, specify if the tone should be more formal or casual. This can help editors adjust the machine translation to suit cultural nuances or brand voice, making the translation sound more natural. Tip: Define specific terminology or phrases that should be left untranslated (such as product names) and outline any legal or regulatory requirements for sensitive documents. 2. Use the Right Tools Tools like SDL Trados and Phrase offer specific MTPE features like real-time quality checks and termbase integrations. These streamline the workflow and allow post-editors to make quick adjustments without having to look up every term. Tip: Look for tools that integrate with your MT engine, provide automatic quality assessment scores, and offer collaborative features so multiple editors can work on the same project simultaneously. 3. Prioritize Terminology Consistency For medical or technical translations, consistency with terms like “cardiovascular disease” or “hyperlink” is essential. Creating a termbase ensures that these terms are consistently used across documents and aligned with industry standards. Tip: Build your glossary based on previous translations or client-provided terminology. Ensure the MT engine is “trained” to prefer these terms, so editors don’t have to adjust every instance manually. 4. Embrace Pre-Editing Remove idioms, complex syntax, or ambiguous terms from the source text to avoid literal, inaccurate translations. For example, replacing "hit the ground running" with "start immediately" reduces misinterpretations by the MT. Tip: Pre-editing is especially useful for languages that lack equivalent expressions. Simplify sentences and avoid passive voice where possible to get clearer MT output, which speeds up post-editing. 5. Conduct Regular Quality Checks Perform quality checks at different stages. Start with automatic quality assessments, followed by human quality reviews. This can include style, terminology, and readability checks. Tip: Set a checklist for post-editors to verify issues commonly missed by MT engines, like gender or plural/singular inconsistencies. For important documents, consider a final review by a senior linguist. 👉 Learn more about how TheWordPoint can assist you with your MTPE projects: https://lnkd.in/esYe28nB #MTPE #MachineTranslation #TranslationTips #TheWordPoint #Localization #LanguageServices

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Last week I announced I wanted to get to the bottom of what keeps localization managers awake at night, so it’s time to get my hands dirty. (link in first comment) 🔗 LSP’s often *think* they know what the challenges of their localization manager clients are, but with my nearly 15 years of experience in the industry I’ve noticed that the reality if often very different. That’s why I’m interviewing 30 localization program managers to identify what currently the *real* struggles of localization departments are. So we as service providers can be of better service. We won’t keep the results of this research to ourselves — we will share it with the entire industry so we can get better as a community. So are you a localization manager or a head of localization and you want to contribute to making localization better❓Then please let’s chat❗ I made a short presentation with more detailed info and a link in first comment to 🗓️ book an interview time slot. I am so excited to talk to you, really! #localization

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Are you aware of ISO 5060:2024 and its vital impacts on the translation industry and your translation projects? This new standard provides comprehensive guidelines for assessing the quality of delivered translations in a world that AI and MT is ever advancing. Statutory regulations are becoming increasingly stringent, particularly in technical fields such as the Machinery Directive and Medical Devices Regulation (MDR), ensuring accurate and precise translations are more crucial than ever. Our latest blog explores how this new accreditation is: 1) Revolutionising evaluation processes 2) Addressing challenges posed by machine translation and artificial intelligence 3) How this accreditation can effect you and future translation projects. Learn more below ⬇️ #TranslationLegislation #Translation #ISO5060

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