Question

A translation invariably reflects the writing style of the translator. Sometimes when a long document needs to be translated quickly, several translators are put to work on the job, each assigned to translate part of the document. In these cases, the result is usually a translation marked by different and often incompatible writing styles. Certain computer programs for language translation that work without the intervention of human translators can finish the job faster than human translators and produce a stylistically uniform translation with an 80 percent accuracy rate. Therefore, when a long document needs to be translated quickly, it is better to use a computer translation program than human translators. Which one of the following issues would be LEAST important to resolve in evaluating the argument? (A) whether the problem of stylistic variety in human translation could be solved by giving stylistic guidelines to human translators (B) whether numerical comparisons of the accuracy of translations can reasonably be made (C) whether computer translation programs, like human translators, each have their own distinct writing style (D) whether the computer translation contains errors of grammar and usage that drastically alter the meaning of the text (E) how the accuracy rate of computer translation programs compares with that of human translators in relation to the users' needs

Short answer

C is least important to resolve.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Argument

The argument suggests using computer translation programs instead of human translators when a long document needs to be translated quickly. It claims that computer programs provide a uniform style and operate faster, with an 80% accuracy rate, avoiding the inconsistency in style when multiple human translators are involved.

Determine Evaluation Criteria

To evaluate the argument, we need to consider factors like accuracy comparison between computer programs and human translators, stylistic consistency, the impact of translation errors on meaning, and how guidelines could potentially solve the issue of stylistic variety in human translations.

Analyze Each Option

Go through each given option to assess its importance in evaluating the argument presented. Identify which aspect is least vital to understanding the rationale behind preferring computer translations over human ones.

Evaluate Option (A)

Option (A) discusses the possibility of reducing stylistic variety by providing guidelines to human translators. This is important because solving the stylistic issue might invalidate the primary advantage of using computer programs.

Evaluate Option (B)

Option (B) concerns the feasibility of numerically comparing translation accuracies. This is crucial since the argument hinges on the 80% accuracy rate of computer translations.

Evaluate Option (C)

Option (C) questions whether computer programs possess distinct writing styles like human translators. This is relevant because if computers have distinct styles, they could potentially conflict, similar to humans.

Evaluate Option (D)

Option (D) considers whether translation errors by computers significantly affect text meaning. This is vital as such errors could undermine the utility of computer translations.

Evaluate Option (E)

Option (E) compares the accuracy of computer programs with human translators in relation to user needs. This is important since user needs determine the acceptability of certain levels of accuracy.

Identify the Least Important Issue

After evaluating all options, (C) emerges as the least important issue because there's no inherent assumption that computer programs vary in style as humans do, thus making any stylistic analysis less crucial.

Key concepts

Translation Accuracy

Translation accuracy refers to how closely a translated text retains the meaning of its original message. Ensuring high accuracy is crucial as it impacts how well the audience understands the translated document. Achieving a perfect translation that conveys every nuance and tone of the original text can be challenging.

Several factors can influence accuracy:

• Language Complexity: Complex or nuanced languages can be harder to translate accurately.
• Subject Matter: Technical topics might require a deep understanding to interpret correctly.
• Context Sensitivity: Understanding the context is key to correct translation.

When translating large texts, accuracy can suffer from stylistic differences among human translators or potential errors in automated translations. Therefore, understanding how each method affects translation accuracy is essential.

Computer Translation

Computer translation refers to the use of software to automatically convert text from one language to another. These programs are designed to quickly produce translations, often with an element of consistency in style that human translators may struggle to achieve over large documents.

Benefits of computer translation:

• Speed: Computer translations are generally faster than human counterparts.
• Consistency: Since a computer program's style is uniform, translated text does not suffer from stylistic inconsistency.
• Cost-Effective: It can reduce costs, especially for large-scale translation needs.

Despite these advantages, computer translations may not satisfy all user needs due to an 80% accuracy rate. This makes understanding their limitations crucial for decision-making.

Human Translators

Human translators bring a level of nuance and understanding that machines may not achieve. Their ability to understand contextual subtleties and culturally relevant nuances allows them to deliver translations that often better capture the original meaning.

Key aspects of human translation include:

• Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding cultural context helps in capturing the right nuances.
• Adaptability: Human translators can adjust their work style to better fit the intricacies of the content.
• Problem Solving: They can tackle complex or ambiguous phrases with deeper understanding and interpretation.

However, using multiple translators in a single document can lead to inconsistent style and interpretations, which is a key argument for using computers where stylistic consistency is prioritized.

Stylistic Consistency

Stylistic consistency ensures a uniform writing style throughout a translated document. It is especially important when the document is split among multiple translators or if there are strict guidelines for maintaining a particular tone or voice.

Why stylistic consistency matters:

• Brand Identity: Consistent style maintains the brand's voice across translations.
• Readability: A consistent style helps readers understand and follow the text more easily.
• Professionalism: Uniformity in style reflects a polished and professional output.

In translation processes, computer programs may provide a more consistent style, whereas human teams often create stylistic variance unless guidelines are strictly enforced. Addressing these differences helps in better choosing between the translation methods.