Definition of post-editing
Post-editing and revision are related but distinct processes, especially in the context of written or translated content. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between the two:
Post-editing refers to the process of reviewing and improving content that has been produced through machine translation (MT) or other automated systems. The goal is to make the output more fluent, accurate, and stylistically appropriate.
In the case of machine translation, post-editing is about refining the MT output, fixing any errors, and ensuring the content sounds natural in the target language. This might include grammar corrections, lexical adjustments, and improving coherence.
The scope is typically narrow, focusing on correcting or improving a machine-generated text rather than on reworking the entire piece.
Types of Post-editing
Light Post-editing corrects only major errors and leaves minor ones (acceptable for certain contexts, like quick translations or informal settings).
Full Post-editing involves a thorough revision to make the MT output indistinguishable from human translation, with a focus on quality and fluency.
Post-editing is most commonly associated with machine translation output. However, the principles of post-editing (like improving clarity, accuracy, and fluency) can sometimes be applied to other forms of automated content generation, such as AI-generated text, though this is less common.
Definition of Revision
Revision is a broader term that refers to the process of revisiting and modifying a piece of writing to improve its overall quality. This can be done at any stage of content creation, whether it’s a draft of a human-written text or a translated piece.
Revision focused on addressing a variety of aspects like structure, tone, style, clarity, coherence, and content organization. It’s a more comprehensive process compared to post-editing and usually involves deeper changes to the text.
The scope of revision is much wider than post-editing. It may involve reworking large sections of text, adjusting the message, or even restructuring the content to fit a particular purpose or audience. Revision can be done on both human-generated and machine-generated content.
Key Differences between revision and post editing
Post-editing specifically applies to machine-generated content (e.g., from MT systems, AI content generation), and focuses on fixing errors, refining fluency, and making MT output more readable.
Revision can apply to both human-generated and machine-generated content. Revision focuses on improving the overall structure, tone, content, and clarity, sometimes requiring substantial changes.
Post-editing tends to be a lighter, more targeted edit.
Revision can involve a more thorough, broader reworking of the text.
In conclusion, post-editing is often limited to machine translation contexts, focusing on making automated outputs more natural and accurate, while revision is a broader, deeper process aimed at improving overall content quality, whether from human or machine sources.
The role of the translator in post-editing
The translator time is spent quality checking, making sure terms are consistent, and machine intelligence enables us to do more.
The process involves reformulating text to make it more understandable, updating outdated content or correcting typos and grammar errors.
Post-editing can have a significant impact on the quality of website content. This improves readability for readers while also making information easier to understand. Furthermore, corrections made through post-editing help ensure that published content accurately conveys the intended message.
In MTPE (Machine Translation Post-Editing), a translator or post-editor refines and improves the output generated by a machine translation (MT) system. Their role involves a blend of linguistic and technical skills to ensure the translated text meets the desired quality standards. Here’s what a translator typically does in MTPE:
Analyse the Machine-Translated Text
- Identify errors: Spot inaccuracies, mistranslations, and omissions.
- Assess quality: Determine if the MT output is usable and if it aligns with the project’s quality expectations.
Post-Edit for Accuracy and Meaning
- Ensure the translation correctly conveys the original text’s meaning.
- Fix grammar, syntax, and terminology errors.
- Address cultural and contextual nuances to maintain relevance and readability.
Apply Consistency
- Align the text with established glossaries, style guides, and terminology databases.
- Standardize phrasing, especially in technical, legal, or medical texts.
Adapt for Style and Tone
- Tailor the text to match the intended audience and purpose.
- Adjust tone and formality if required.
Perform Quality Control
- Check for typos, formatting issues, and other minor errors after editing.
- Ensure the final text reads naturally and is free from awkward phrasing.
In summary, the translator in MTPE plays a critical role in transforming raw MT output into a professional, human-like translation while leveraging their linguistic expertise and adhering to client-specific requirements.