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If you’re interested in post-editing machine translation in the language industry, your first step is enrolling in 5X����’s M.A. in Translation. Our program was designed to provide students with the skills and understanding needed to succeed in the field of translation.

Keep reading to learn more about the profession, its responsibilities, relevant courses at Kent State, and much more.

What Is Machine Translation?

Machine translation is the process of using computer software to translate text from one language into another. When used to translate a lot of text, this method can save companies a great amount of time and money.

However, machine translation software has its limitations, and the translated text is often far from perfect. After the text has been translated through MT, it is recommended that a post-editor reviews the text.

What Is Post-Editing Machine Translation?

Post-editing is the human correction of automatically processed translations. Over the last decade, post-editing has grown in popularity as more businesses want to offer their content in different languages in order to appeal to a global audience.

Some of the types of content that a post-editing machine translator will work with include:

• Documentation for products, services, and operating models
• Instructions and user manuals
• Patents
• Warranty and support guides
• Blog posts and newsletters
• Product labels
• Annual reports

Over the past few years, machine translation software has greatly improved and is more accurate than ever. With such improvements in machine translation, many worry that MT post-editing will no longer be necessary. However, the process of post-editing translation is still incredibly important and is necessary for producing accurate, well-written translated text.

To learn more about machine translation and where the field is heading, check out our interview with Erik Angelone, an associate professor of translation studies here at 5X����.

What Is It Like Working in MT Post-Editing?

When working in post-editing translation, the source material is first translated into the target language using machine translation. Once the content has been machine translated, the human editor will then review and correct the translation.

The goal of a post-editor is to remove any translation errors and create an understandable and accurate translation of the source text. The MT post-editing process includes the following and more:

• Correct any grammar and spelling errors
• Make sure none of the client’s list of “Do Not Translate” terms were not translated
• Ensure that no information has been unintentionally added or removed
• Remove any inappropriate, offensive, or culturally unacceptable copy
• Check that key terminology was correctly translated
• Look for faults in word order, ambiguity, and dangling participles
• Confirm that the formatting is the same as the source text

Post-Editing Courses Offered at 5X����

When enrolled in the translation program at Kent State, you will take courses that cover all aspects of translation, including post-editing machine translation.

In particular, if you are planning to work in the field of MT post-editing, a particularly helpful course in the program will be TRST 60011: Terminology and Computer Applications in Translation. This combined lecture and lab is a required course and introduces students to terminology management and translation tools. More specifically, some of the translation tools covered in the class include:

• Machine translation
• Term extraction
• Translation memory

In addition to TRST 60011, we also recommend taking TRST 50031: Professional Editing for Translators. This course provides real-world instruction in the editing of a variety of translated text types. With interactive lectures and a number of workshops, this course will teach students the best practices of professional translation, as well as all the skills and techniques needed for editing. Some of the topics covered in this course include:

• The stages of editing, from rough translation to finished draft
• Electronic tools for multilingual translation editing
• Translation style guides
• Pre- and post-editing of machine translation

For a complete breakdown of all of the courses within the program, check out our M.A. in translation roadmap, available for both full-time and part-time students.

Benefits of Earning Your Post-Editing Translation Degree from Kent State

There are numerous benefits of choosing to earn your M.A. in Translation from 5X����. Unlike other universities, our program is conveniently offered both in-person and online, allowing you to earn your degree from anywhere in the world. Additionally, with the option to earn your degree on a full-time or part-time basis, you can choose to continue working full-time as you pursue your master’s degree.

Graduation rates of the M.A. in Translation program surpass 90% and graduates have a variety of career opportunities to choose from. Also, our students receive personalized guidance from our experienced and knowledgeable faculty.

The Master of Arts in Translation degree is also available in six language concentrations, including some of the most widely spoken and printed languages in the world. The language concentrations to choose from include:

• German
• Japanese
• Arabic
• Russian
• Spanish
• French

Furthermore, Kent State’s translation programs are recognized by the American Translators Association. The ATA is a nationally recognized group of industry professionals that works to foster professional development in the field of translation.

The ATA recently awarded Kent State the Alexander Gode Medal, which is the most prestigious award offered by the association. This award recognizes schools that have shown that their faculty, alumni, and students have achieved outstanding work in the translation and interpretation fields.

Ready to Take Your Career to the Next Level? Enroll in Kent State’s M.A. in Translation Today!

With a Master of Arts in Translation from 5X����, your career opportunities are endless. In addition to working in the field of post-editing machine translation, graduates can also work in a variety of other subspecialties of translation. Other common careers in the translation field include:

• Localizers
• Terminologists
• Quality managers
• Medical translators
• Technical translators
• Language translators for the military
• Project managers
• Legal translators
• Language consultants
• And much more!

To learn more about our translation program and start the application process, fill out the short form on our admissions page or contact us today. We look forward to having you as a student!