MACHINE TRANSLATION AND HUMAN EXPERTISE IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS: THE BUNA RIVER VELIOPJA CASE
Keywords:
machine translation, environmental terminology, bilingual glossary, cross-border cooperation, Buna River VeliopjaAbstract
This paper focuses on the translation and standardization of key terminology in the management plan for the Buna River Veliopja project, a significant initiative led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The translation was undertaken by the main author of this study, ensuring that both the technical and ecological aspects of the project were communicated effectively across linguistic barriers. Given the project's international scope and its emphasis on cross-border cooperation between Albania and Montenegro, the accurate translation of specialized terms related to river basin management, environmental protection, and sustainable development was critical.
The paper highlights the challenges encountered in translating the management plan, particularly in maintaining terminological consistency across documents dealing with environmental regulations, hydrological data, and community engagement strategies. It further discusses the development of a comprehensive bilingual glossary that facilitated clear communication between local and international stakeholders, while preserving cultural and contextual relevance.
A special focus is placed on the integration of machine translation tools and human expertise in the translation process. While machine translation was used to accelerate the initial phases of terminology identification, human expertise was crucial in refining and contextualizing the language to ensure the precision and clarity required for the project's technical and legal documents. This blend of technology and expert oversight demonstrates the evolving role of machine translation in large-scale environmental projects, highlighting the importance of human intervention to preserve nuanced meanings and prevent misinterpretations that could hinder international collaboration.
In addition, the study evaluates the role of collaboration between linguists, environmental scientists, and local authorities in achieving a cohesive translation that respects both technical accuracy and the project’s broader conservation goals. By reflecting on the translation process, this research underscores the importance of precise terminology in environmental management projects of this scale, and how translation can enhance international cooperation and the successful implementation of such initiatives.
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