Human translation
Description
Unlike automated or machine-only methods, human translation captures meaning as well as words. Translators interpret tone, idiom and intent so the result reads as if it were written in the target language. This makes it the gold standard for content where precision, emotion and brand integrity matter.
Human translation covers a wide range of formats – from legal and technical documents to marketing campaigns and creative copy. Translators often work within a CAT tools (Computer-assisted translation) environment, using tools like translation memories and terminology databases to maintain consistency and speed. Quality assurance steps, including peer review and linguistic testing, ensure every translation meets professional standards. As global communication expands, human translation remains essential. It’s the foundation of localization (L10n) – ensuring that meaning, style and emotion survive the journey between languages and cultures.
Example use cases
- Legal: Maintain precision in contracts, policies and compliance materials.
- Marketing: Capture brand voice and creative nuance across campaigns and channels.
- Technical: Ensure clarity and safety in instructions, user guides and patents.
- Corporate: Translate internal messaging, HR materials and investor reports consistently.
- Healthcare: Deliver accurate, compliant translations for medical content and research.
Key benefits
RWS perspective
At RWS, human translation is more than language conversion – it’s the art of communication. Our global network of in-market linguists delivers translations that are contextually accurate, culturally authentic and stylistically consistent.
We pair human expertise with intelligent technology to increase speed and maintain quality at scale. Translators use Trados, our industry-leading translation management platform, to streamline workflows and ensure precision across every project. When integrated with Language Weaver, our neural machine translation engine, human linguists review and refine AI output in a process known as Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) translation. This Human + Technology approach balances efficiency with empathy – ensuring no meaning or nuance is ever lost.