Is Google Translate Accurate?

When it comes to Google Translate, it is undeniable that this program offers an ease of access and convenience that a traditional translation agency can’t. That being said, at Access 2 Interpreters, our Columbus interpretation company offers an accuracy that Google Translate could only dream of achieving. As it stands, Google estimates that their translation tool is around 85 percent accurate, but this number varies depending on the context of the conversation. While 85 percent fidelity may be acceptable in certain situations, it isn’t anywhere close to being accurate enough in a professional or business conversation. 

Precision is a key component when it comes to a professional work environment. Every word matters, not 85 percent of them. If you are trying to translate a document, you’ll want to ensure that the piece of work is 100 percent accurate. Access 2 Interpreters creates the most rigorous screening and training program for translators to provide clients with the highest quality translation company in Columbus. The translators are also well versed in many areas, from healthcare and medicine to law and litigation.

If you are looking for a translation that is 100 percent accurate every time then you should seek professional translation services from Access 2 Interpreters’ Columbus translation agency. 

All things considered, Google Translate is still a very effective tool to use in casual conversations between friends or strangers you meet on the street, but it isn’t the best choice for professional settings.

If two friends who speak different languages were trying to communicate, Google Translate would be a viable option. However, if you are trying to provide a client with a working document or other professional form, you want to be sure that you achieve 100 percent accuracy by choosing to go with a professional translation company.

At Access 2 Interpreters, our Columbus translation company can help. We offer translation services in over 50 languages, and can provide you with expert translation in a variety of industries, from social services to manufacturing. A2I believes that teamwork is the best approach for each translation project in order to ensure consistency, accuracy, and exactness. A teamwork approach also allows our Columbus translation agency to handle small and large projects. Access’ translation teams are comprised of translators and proofreaders who are native speakers of the target language and have superior knowledge of the source language.

Google translate is a great tool to use in casual social settings, but when it comes to professional settings, professional translation services are the only way to go. Fill out a Translation Request Form today to receive a free quote or contact us today to learn more. You’ll hear back promptly from an Access 2 Interpreters representative.


Main Difference Between Translation and Interpreting

A2I Blog 12.23.13

Interpretation and translation are two closely related, though extremely different, linguistic disciplines. While both are critically important in modern life, they’re distinctly different tasks and require different skill sets. At Access 2 Interpreters, our language experts are here to help. We are exclusively dedicated to filling your interpreting and translation needs. We want to break down the main differences between translation and interpretation so our readers have a better understanding of the two.

What does a translator do?

The key skills of the translator are the ability to understand the source language and the culture of the country where the text originated. Using a good library of dictionaries and reference materials to render material clearly and accurately into the target language will provide the translator with the best materials to complete any project. In other words, while linguistic and cultural skills are still critical, the most important mark of a good translator is the ability to write well in the target language.

Access 2 Interpreters is proud to offer the following translation services:

  • Document Translation
    • We translate medical and legal documents, brochures, manuals and many more.
  • Transcription
    • We provide transcription of audio or video materials 
  • Voiceover Translation
    • We provide voiceover translations for documentaries, training videos and more.

What does an interpreter do?

An interpreter, on the other hand, must be able to translate in both directions on the spot, without using dictionaries or other supplemental reference materials. Interpreters must have extraordinary listening abilities, especially for simultaneous interpreting.

Access 2 Interpreters is proud to offer the following interpretation services:

  • Face-to-Face Interpretation
    • We offer both scheduled and emergency face-to-face interpretation sessions 24/7/365 
  • Scheduled Telephone Interpretation
    • We offer scheduled telephone interpretation services 24/7/365
  • Instantaneous Telephone Interpretation
    • We offer instant interpretation services over the phone that available nationwide in over 180 languages

Do I need a translator or an interpreter?

Though the services are extremely similar, the needs for an interpreter or a translator are very different. Fortunately, there are a few major distinctions to consider when determining which language service you need.

  • Composition
    • The format of your language request is the first distinction to consider. If the language is being spoken in real-time, you need an interpreter. If it’s written or text-based, you’ll need a translator. 
  • Presentation
    • How the language request is presented is the next consideration. Interpretation takes place in real-time, whether that’s over the phone or in person. Translation, however, can happen at any point once the original document is created, from foreign language films to ancient manuscripts. 
  • Accuracy
    • While all language professionals aim for total accuracy, the ebb and flow of conversation can make that challenging when interpreting in real-time. Translation tends to be more accurate simply because there’s more time to edit and review text. 
  • Exchange
    • One of the biggest differences between interpretation and translation is the direction of the exchanged linguistics. Translation involves one direction: changing existing text into a different language. Interpretation, on the other hand, must be able to translate in two directions, back and forth between two languages.

In conclusion, a translator must have a great writing background and credible reference materials to provide the most accurate work for documents, transcription or voiceovers. An interpreter must be fast on his or her feet so they can provide precise interpretation on the spot. Luckily, at Access 2 Interpreters, we offer both services to fulfill your interpretation and translation needs. Contact us today to learn more!