In the context of language translation, these terms are a little fuzzy and there is some overlap between them, but generally speaking generative AI is a generic term referring to operations performed by large language models (LLMs) such as GPT-4, Mistral, Claude and Llama. These foundational models (FMs) can be used for language translation by themselves, but they are prone to inaccuracies (hallucinations) depending on the context in which they are used as well as the quality of their training. Accuracy can be further improved through techniques such as fine-tuning and retrieval augmented generation (RAG).

We use the term linguistic AI to describe the latter, i.e. generative AI that has been enhanced through fine-tuning, RAG or some other training technique to support the model’s use in specific domains for language translation, in production and at scale.

Machine translation has traditionally referred to neural-based MT (NMT), which was developed long before generative AI and is the technology powering systems such as Google Translate. There is further confusion because both generative AI and NMT share certain underlying technologies.

At LAI, we use the term machine translation to refer to a dedicated neural-based translation system, not an LLM that is also used for language translation, whether or not it has been fine-tuned or enhanced in some way to improve its translation performance.

Confused? No worries! We’ve got you covered. At LAI we have a deep understanding of these technologies and the benefits and tradeoffs of each.

Our goal is to find the best-fit solution for you — we believe most customers are simply looking for solutions to address their translation needs and don’t really care about what’s under the hood.

Once we understand your requirements and your target domain, we can assemble the necessary technologies and resources to provide you with the best solution that meets or exceeds your requirements.

Feel free to reach out to us if you’d like to explore these options further, or if you’d like us to put together a tailored proposal that addresses your translation needs.

We assess your content’s complexity and importance. Critical content like marketing campaigns receives more human input, while high-volume lightly-technical documents lean on AI.

Yes, it’s perfect for dynamic content like product updates, ensuring consistency and fast turnarounds.

Our machine translation and linguistic AI systems are fully compliant with GDPR and ISO 27001, offering the highest level of data protection and security.