Machine translation with post-editing: combining speed and accuracy

Machine translation has become a standard tool for businesses that need multilingual content quickly and cost-effectively. However, while machines can produce a draft in seconds, the output often lacks the nuance, tone, and precision that professional communication demands. That’s where post-editing comes in. Panalingua offers a service that combines the efficiency of machine translation with the accuracy of expert human review, delivering polished, professional results.

What post-editing means at Panalingua

For us, the post-editing process looks like this:

• A machine or AI system produces the initial translation draft.
• Professional linguists step in to correct errors, adapt terminology, and refine tone.
• The final text reads naturally while staying faithful to the original message.

This blend of technology and human expertise ensures translations that are fast, affordable, and reliable.

Why Panalingua talks about “proofreading”

In the translation industry, the recognised term for the review process after a machine translation is called “post-editing”. But we often refer to it as “proofreading” in our communication with clients. Why? Because most people outside the industry are unfamiliar with post-editing.

• Proofreading is recognisable. Everyone understands the idea of proofreading a text to remove errors and improve accuracy and style.
• It builds trust. “Proofreading” suggests polish and care, whereas “post-editing” can sound technical or abstract.
• It aligns with expectations. Clients want to hear that their text will be checked and refined by a human expert, and proofreading conveys that more clearly.

The benefits of machine translation with post-editing

Working with Panalingua gives you the best of both worlds with numerous benefits, including:

• Faster turnaround. Machine translation creates a usable draft almost instantly.
• Cost-effective solutions. Post-editing is more affordable than full human translation, while still ensuring quality and expertise.
• Accurate, natural results. Human linguists refine tone, style, and cultural nuances that machines miss.
• Consistency. Industry-specific terminology and brand messaging stay aligned across all documents.

Setting the right expectations

It’s important to understand what post-editing involves:

• It’s not a full rewrite. Instead, it builds on the machine translation draft.
• The quality of the machine output influences the scope of editing required.
• Clear guidance, such as preferred terminology or tone of voice, helps translators deliver the most effective results.

We guarantee transparency about these factors, so you know exactly what level of service you’re getting.

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If you want to expand your business and reach new markets in different languages, our machine translation with post-editing service offers speed, savings, and quality in one.

Contact us today!