Glossary

Custom machine translation (Custom MT)

Custom machine translation (Custom MT) is a trained translation engine that adapts to an organization’s specific language, domain and style requirements. It uses organization-specific data to improve accuracy, consistency and terminology control beyond what general-purpose MT systems can provide.

Description

Unlike generic MT engines that rely solely on large public datasets, Custom MT systems are trained or fine-tuned using an organization’s own translation memories, glossaries and in-domain content. This process teaches the engine to replicate the client’s preferred phrasing, formatting and tone.

Custom MT blends statistical and neural-network learning to create models that reflect real-world usage. For example, a legal firm’s engine might learn precise contractual terminology, while a manufacturer’s model focuses on technical specifications and safety language. The customization process typically includes data preparation, model training, validation and ongoing evaluation to ensure the model continues to improve with use.

Example use cases

  • Enterprise localization: Deliver consistent, brand-aligned translations across departments.
  • Customer support: Translate chat, email and knowledge-base content accurately in real time.
  • Technical documentation: Maintain specialized vocabulary across multilingual manuals.
  • E-commerce: Adapt messaging for tone and cultural nuance.
  • AI training: Build domain-specific models for evaluation and annotation workflows.

Key benefits

Accuracy
Uses in-domain data to improve relevance and reduce errors.
Consistency
Preserves terminology and phrasing across all channels.
Control
Enables organizations to manage their own MT assets securely.
Scalability
Handles high-volume translation with predictable quality.
Scalability
Reduces post-editing effort and turnaround time.

RWS perspective

At RWS, Custom MT is where language intelligence meets enterprise control. Our Language Weaver platform enables clients to build, deploy and refine custom translation models trained on their own secure datasets.

Using a Human + Technology approach, we combine human linguistic expertise with AI-driven customization to achieve measurable gains in quality and efficiency. Language Weaver supports multiple model types – including neural MT, adaptive learning and domain-specific tuning – giving organizations full flexibility to meet regulatory, technical and brand standards. Our enterprise customers rely on Language Weaver for tailored MT solutions that are fully secure, continuously improved and backed by decades of RWS linguistic excellence. From legal documentation to eLearning, marketing and beyond, Custom MT ensures automation speaks your language – accurately, safely and at scale.