Machine translation, machine-aided translation, and machine-impeded translation

The paper describes the general philosophy behind the range of translation aids developed by Automated Language Processing Systems, which include interactive machine translation. In the more than thirty years which have transpired since Warren Weaver circulated his now famous memo 'Translation', a great many computer systems have been proposed for dealing with the problem of translating between human languages. Many of these systems evidence a real understanding of the ways in which the computer can best be brought to bear in support of the translation process. They are an aid to translation. Other systems are insensitive to the abilities and shortcomings of both man and machine. In spite of the best intentions of their designers, they are often an impediment to translation. The aptness of a translation system is a relative thing relative to the text to be translated, the needs of the intended audience, and the requirements of the organisation providing the translation, among other considerations. It follows that a general translation system must incorporate a variety of translation aids to match the multiplicity of translation requirements.