Since translating is a skill which generally requires
considerable practice, more people assume that it can be taught, 11
and to an extent this is true. But this is also true that really 12
exceptional translators are born, not made. Potential translators
might have a high level of aptitude for the creative use of 13
language, or they are not likely to be outstanding in their
profession. Perhaps the great benefit from instruction in 14
translating is to become aware of one"s own limitations.
For many people the need for human translators seems
paradoxical in this age of computers. Since modem computers
can be loaded with dictionaries and grammars, why should not 15
let computers do the work Computers can perform certain very
simple interlingual tasks, providing there is sufficient pre-editing
and post-editing. But neither advertising brochures and lyric 16
poetry can ever be reduced to the kind of logic required for
computer programs. Computer printouts of translations can often
be understood, if the persons involved already know what text is 17
supposed to say. But the results of machine translating are
usually in an unnatural form of language or sometimes just plain 18
weird. Furthermore, real improvements will not come from
merely doctoring the program or adding rules. The human brain
is not only digital and analogic, but it also has a built-in system
of values which gives them componentially incalculable 19
advantage over machines. Human translators will always be
necessary for any text which is stylistically appealing and
semantically complex—which include most of what is worth 20
communicating in another language.