The Importance of Context in AI Translation

In the age of artificial intelligence, machine translations are being used more and more frequently. But despite the impressive advances that have been made in this area, context remains a crucial factor that significantly influences the accuracy and relevance of translations.

Example of a Translation Problem

A common problem with automated translation is the correct transfer of technical terms or specific expressions. An illustrative example of this is the translation of the term “permanent” as a job type. When using Azure AI Translate, this term is often incorrectly translated as “Permanent sind”. The correct translation should be “Permanent position” (or “Full-time employment”).

This error illustrates how important it is to consider the context to ensure a precise translation. The term “permanent” can have different meanings in different contexts, and without considering the specific application area, mistranslations can easily occur.

For the affected customer, we successfully adapted the Staffbase widget with job listings so that the advantages of automatic translation can continue to be used – without fear that the meaning will be completely distorted.

The Solution: Fine-tuning the Data

To solve such problems, it is necessary to refine and adapt the data used for translation. If the context is also transmitted, the hit rate for the desired result increases immensely.

By fine-tuning the data, specific requirements and subtleties can be better considered, leading to more accurate and reliable translations. This is particularly important in areas where technical terms or industry-specific expressions frequently occur.

Conclusion

At first glance, translation with AI may seem simple. But as is often the case, the challenges lie in the details. Context is an essential aspect that must be considered in translation to avoid misunderstandings and ensure the quality of translations. With careful fine-tuning and continuous adaptation of the data, the effectiveness of AI-supported translations can be significantly improved.

This is exactly what we at JASP are equipped for. Our many years of in-depth experience – especially in the areas of Microsoft 365, interfaces, web development & SharePoint – are the foundation for working responsibly and effectively with new technologies. Our goal is always to find the best solution for our customers – true to our motto: “Run smarter Projects”.