An IT company serving the Government of Canada recently inquired about French translation services.
Their questions focused on our experience, certifications, qualified personnel, information security, format compatibility, and above all, our use of technology in the translation process.
A common concern today is whether human translators remain central to the process, especially in a world where AI and machine translation are everywhere.
Machine Translation vs. Human Expertise
The rise of AI-powered translation engines (from Google Translate to enterprise-level systems like DeepL and customized MT) has created confusion. These tools rely on probability, algorithms, and machine learning models to generate translations.
While today’s large language models (LLMs) and neural machine translation systems are vastly more sophisticated than those of 2020, they still cannot match trained, experienced human translators when it comes to:
- Capturing nuance, tone, and cultural context
- Ensuring precision in legal, medical, or technical documentation
- Applying professional judgment, accountability, and confidentiality
AI-powered tools are excellent for draft outputs, quick comprehension, or multilingual customer support. But they cannot guarantee the accuracy, consistency, and contextual sensitivity required for government and corporate communication.
Our Approach: Human-Plus-Technology
At Fox Translations, we use a hybrid workflow that combines advanced automation tools with human expertise:
- Translation Memories (TMs): We input all historical and current documents into secure translation memory databases, ensuring that repeated segments are automatically recognized. This reduces costs, speeds up turnaround, and guarantees consistency.
- Terminology Management: Our systems track and maintain approved terms across all projects. Updates are instantly applied across your content, ensuring alignment with your standards and industry-specific vocabulary.
- Automation & Integration: We work with a wide range of formats and platforms, from Microsoft Office and Adobe InDesign to XML, and HTML. Our systems integrate seamlessly with CAT tools and content management systems, allowing smooth workflows even with complex documentation.
- AI-Assisted Translation (with Human-in-the-Loop): Where appropriate, we leverage secure, enterprise-level AI/MT solutions to generate drafts, which are then reviewed, corrected, and finalized by professional translators. This improves efficiency while keeping quality uncompromised.
- Quality Assurance: Every document is reviewed by at least two qualified linguists. Our ISO- and CGSB-certified processes ensure that translations are accurate, consistent, and publication-ready.
- Data Security & Compliance: All content is handled under strict confidentiality, compliant with Government of Canada standards, including secure hosting and controlled access protocols.
The Human Guarantee
In the end, your documents will always be translated and validated by human linguist, specialists in your field, backed by advanced tools that streamline, not replace, their expertise.
This means you receive:
- 100% consistency of terminology and style
- A growing database of reusable content
- Lower long-term costs through accumulated TMs
- Secure, accurate, and professional translations ready for official use
Final Word
Technology has transformed translation since 2020, but it has not replaced human professionals. At Fox Translations, we blend the best of both worlds: AI efficiency and human judgment, to deliver translations that are accurate, secure, and tailored to your needs.
