Deadly Results of Online Translation
Nowadays everything is possible online. If what you are reading is written in a foreign language, all you have to do is have it translated online. It’s as easy as it seems. Right? Well, it could be. Is it reliable? Does it make sense?
Let’s put it to a test.
“Juan miraba vidrieras en Sídney, cuando de repente divisó una librería llena de libros viejos”.
- Google Translate
Juan looked windows in Sydney, when suddenly he saw a library full of old books.
- Bing Translator
Juan looked windows in Sydney, when suddenly he saw a library full of old books.
- SDL Free Translation
John looked at stained glass windows in Sydney, when suddenly he spotted a library full of books old
- Online-translator.com
Juan was looking at shop windows in Sídney, when suddenly it discerned a bookstore full of old books
But a good option could have been: “Juan was window shopping in Sydney when suddenly spotted a bookstore full of old books.”
If you just want to understand what you are reading, then maybe these online translations will do as it gives you the general thought. But if you are writing something and use either one of these translations as reference, then you are getting yourself in trouble as you will create confusion among your readers.
What do you think? Have you used machine translations before?