Post-editing is the process of revising and correcting texts first translated by an AI-based machine translation tool. While this approach can reduce costs and shorten turnaround times, professional revision by a native translator remains essential to ensure quality and avoid serious errors. AI has significant limitations: it cannot grasp cultural nuances (such as slang, colloquial expressions, sarcasm, or humour); it works without context and has no sector-specific expertise (in technical, legal, medical, or financial fields where absolute precision is critical); and unlike a professional human translator, it cannot reliably follow a style guide or use glossaries. AI systems also struggle with highly specialised or technical terminology.

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At LengPro, every post-editing job is followed by professional proofreading carried out by a native translator specialising in post-editing. In addition to checking for contradictions or serious errors, they refine grammar, syntax, sector-specific terminology, fluency, and fidelity to the original message. They also ensure the final text is natural, easy to understand, and tailored to the target audience, while always respecting the author’s intent.

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What is the difference between a conventional translation and post-editing?

Conventional translation is undertaken by a professional native translator specialising in the type of project, working to established guidelines, glossaries, and translation memories. Once the translation is complete, a second specialist native translator conducts an in-depth review. Post-editing, by contrast, begins with a machine translation produced by AI, which is then revised and refined by a professional native translator. Conventional translation will always offer higher quality, as it is crafted from scratch. Post-edited texts, however, may sound more literal or formulaic, reflecting the AI’s default style. That said, post-editing provides a suitable option for clients seeking to save on costs and time while still achieving a good level of quality, even if less stylistic precision is required.

At LengPro, our team of specialist linguists transforms machine-generated translations into accurate, fluent, and professional texts.

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