The Problem with Machine Translation

Recent studies and reports have shown that Machine Translation (MT) is about to by-pass the translation profession. In this article we will argue that this development is due to the translation profession's inability to resolve the tension between its traditional professional values and reference system, and the new objectives of translation technology. We hold that a change in the translator's professional mind-set has become necessary if translators do not want to exclude themselves from some of the most interesting and lucrative areas of translation activity, and suggest that this can be achieved through: the integration of translation technology at all levels of translation studies courses; the establishment of Translation Technology Centres; and the provision of better financial and political support for joint industrial and academic research projects at national and European level.