Adaptive machine translation for translators

FAQ

  • Understanding adaptive MT

  • Language Weaver account

What does adaptation mean?

Adapting a language pair means customizing an existing generic language pair with a bilingual corpus in the form of a TMX file that corresponds to a specific domain (e.g., legal, financial, automotive, life sciences, etc.) or a specific customer or project.

What is the benefit of adapting a language pair?

The main benefit is accuracy. When you process content from a specific domain using a language pair that was adapted for the same domain, the resulting machine translation output will be more accurate than when using a generic one. This in turn means less time required to correct the output in the post-editing process and trusting the translation more.

How do I adapt my language pair?

You can watch a video here on how to adapt your language pair or you can read our PDF guide here.

What is a domain?

A domain can be an industry type like legal, financial, automotive, life sciences or it can be a specific customer that you have or a specific project you are working on.

What language pairs can be adapted?

All generic Language Weaver MT models can be adapted. You can see the list by logging into your Language Weaver account (using your existing RWS login) and going to 'Language Pairs' on the left-hand menu. Under the 'Model' column, everything listed as 'Generic' can be adapted. You can also use this link to access the language pairs list.

Can I adapt one language pair with multiple domains?

Language pairs should be adapted for one specific domain only. Using content from different domains will not produce the expected increase in accuracy. Rather than adapting one language pair for multiple domains it is best practice to create one adapted language pair per domain.

How many language pairs can I adapt?

You can do 12 language pair adaptations a year; 3 can be stored; 1 can be deployed. Deploying a model means activating it. You need to deploy a model to use it from Language Weaver or Trados Studio. Undeployed models are kept in Language Weaver (stored) and can be deployed for use at any time.

Can I adapt multiple language pairs?

Yes, but you cannot have them running simultaneously. Only one adapted language pair can be deployed at the same time.

What translation resource is required to adapt a language pair?

You need one or more translation memory in TMX format. You can either merge all your TMX files in one single file or create a zip file with them. Please note that you need a minimum of 1,000 translation units to adapt a language pair. Also, a maximum of 30 million translation units can be imported.

Can I import a bilingual dictionary in TMX format as training material to adapt a model?

Yes, bilingual dictionaries in TMX format can also be added to the training material.

Is my data secure?

The data you upload to Language Weaver is fully secure. Only you have access to the adapted model or to the data used for the adaptation. We strictly adhere to industry-accepted standards, regulations, and certifications to keep your content safe. For more information you can visit our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy.

How many translation units do I need to adapt a language pair?

You need a minimum of 1,000 translation units to adapt a language pair.

How do I get support around adapting my engine?

If you have an active support contract:
 
Go to Settings > My Account in Language Weaver > Contact Us button > I have a support contract > Contact the RWS Support Team.
 
If you do not have an active support contract:
 
Go to Settings > My Account in Language Weaver > Contact Us button > I do not have a support contract > Report an issue with my subscription.

Whether you have a support contract or not you can also access the Language Weaver support page directly here.

The translation memory I used for my first adaptation has grown. Can I use it to adapt a language pair that was previously adapted?

No. Adapted language pairs are created using the generic ones as a basis. Rather than re-adapting an existing one, you will need to create a new adapted language pair using the TMX file containing the initial translation units and the new ones.

Isn’t adaptation the same as training?

Technically speaking, you are retraining the AI model with extra data and changing its behavior. We believe that adaptation is a better description of what’s happening under the hood and what the customer benefit is.

How do I get the adaptive MT package for translators?

The adaptive MT package for translators is available to users of Trados Studio 2021 and 2022. Trados Studio users already have access to the free Language Weaver MT package of 6 million characters per year, per account - so this subscription can be easily upgraded to be an adaptive MT subscription. Please follow the instructions here on how to upgrade your subscription.

If you are not a Trados Studio users then you can find information on Trados Studio here, should you wish to purchase it.

How do I adapt my language pair?

You can watch a video here on how to adapt your language pair or you can read our PDF guide here.

Is there a trial?

Yes, you can enjoy a 14 day free trial of adaptive MT. When you upgrade your subscription you will need to provide your payment card details, but you will not be charged until after the 14 day trial.

What happens at the end of the trial?

Once the 14 day trial is complete your adaptive MT subscription will automatically start and your payment card will be charged - you do not need to take any action. If you wish to cancel your upcoming subscription during the trial period you can do so by logging into your Language Weaver account, selecting Settings > My Account > Manage Subscription which takes you to the customer portal. You will then see the option to cancel your plan.

What are my payment options?

You have the flexibility to decide if you pay for your subscription monthly or yearly. If you decide to pay yearly the price is reduced by up to 17%.

Who do I contact to get help with my Language Weaver account?

If you have an active support contract:
 
Go to Settings > My Account in Language Weaver > Contact Us button > I have a support contract > Contact the RWS Support Team.
 
If you do not have an active support contract:
 
Go to Settings > My Account in Language Weaver > Contact Us button > I do not have a support contract > Report an issue with my subscription.

Whether you have a support contract or not you can also access the Language Weaver support page directly here.

How do I cancel my adaptive MT subscription?

To cancel your subscription login to your Language Weaver account, select Settings > My Account > Manage Subscription which takes you to the customer portal. You will then see the option to cancel your plan.

If you have any questions about adaptive machine translation for translators then please contact us. 

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