Post-editing of machine translation output in the training of legal translators. Comparing translation processes and products before and after a period of post-editing tasks

Abstract

Translators are increasingly required to post-edit machine-translated texts instead of translating from scratch. After a discussion of the relevant translation skills, legal translation (LT) challenges, the dissertation discusses LT training, which is demanding, considering the high requirements set for legal translators. This study seeks to understand how post-editing exercises in LT training change the processes and products of translation of legal documents (contracts) in different groups of students. A mix of research methods is used: evaluation of translations of items representing typical LT challenges in two translation tasks; within-participant comparisons of process data (screen recordings, keystroke logs) or participant-generated data (interviews, notes) in both tasks; and a survey about trainees’ attitudes to post-editing. The evaluation results suggest progress in translations made by post-diploma LT students and deterioration in MA translation students, however, not on item categories which are central to legal texts. Any professional experience of translation is statistically significantly likely lead to improvement in task 2. No such association is confirmed for law background. Changes in translation processes, despite considerable individual variation, point to overall reduction in total time on task and more intensive information mining in task 2 compared to task 1. Yet, process changes do not always improve the quality of translated texts. Survey answers demonstrate trainees’ critical attitude towards machine-translated contracts and a fairly positive opinion about learning LT through post-editing. The study concludes that trainees with professional translation experience benefit from post-editing, but such exercises may hinder LT skills development in persons without such experience.