Is Translation Really Art or Maths?

I am often asked this question in my travels and line of work. The answer appears obvious to the traditionalists, it’s art, but for others translation is a line of code and an algorithm on a screen and that’s pure maths, not art. So why should we even concern ourselves with this debate, why does it matter? Well, the answer to this question provides an insight into the industry that we work in. The purists may not be happy with the answer.

Fast Translation Services Are Expected and Not Asked For

The online translation services industry is constantly progressing. In the past, offering general translation and interpreting services was perfectly acceptable, but nowadays customers expect an expert service delivered at great speed. The latter has become an increasingly important factor for companies wanting to keep up with the competition and meet the demands of an increasingly globalized corporate customer base.