ACL4 Machine Translation Exam 1998

Andy Way and Lynne Bowker
Dublin City University

Q 2.
Why has Dependency Grammar been a popular choice of grammatical formalism for MT?

Q 3.
Most generation systems include the notions of (a) predetermined choices and (b) structure preservation. What are the pros and cons of this approach? Give examples.

Q 4.
There are many proponents of rule-based methods as opposed to the newer empirical attempts at MT. Discuss how elements from each methodology might be combined into a hybrid system capable of outperforming either.

Q 5.
Give possible structural transfer rules for the following, using a notation of your choice:

• I like the film <-> Le film plaît à moi/Der Film gefällt mir.
• I like swimming <-> Ich schwimme gerne/Ik zwem graag.
• I am called Fred <-> Je m'appelle Fred/Ich heiBe Fred.
• She drove into town <-> Elle entra dans la ville en voiture.

Q6.
a) What is a “translation memory” and how is it different from an EBMT system?

 b) How have translation memories (and associated tools such as terminology management systems) changed the conventional working practices of translators?

 c) What are the advantages/disadvantages associated with a translation memory and in what situation(s) would you recommend using one?
 

Q7.
a) Explain what is meant by the term “controlled language”.

 b) What are the advantages of using a controlled language in the context of machine translation?

 c) Consider the English source text below and its translation into either French or German. What modifications would you make to the source text in order to try to improve the quality of the target text?
 
 

Original English text Think how much tremendously more easily a computer could be used if it were responsive to your oral commands. Consider, too, the advantages of having many of the features of your car voice operated, such as using the telephone, being able to select a CD, firing up the heater and even getting the scoop about traffic conditions either around the corner or across town.

French translation (as produced by Alta Vista’s web translation service) Pensez combien énormément plus facilement un ordinateur pourrait être utilisé s' il étaient sensible à vos commandes orales. Considérez, aussi, les avantages d'avoir plusieurs des dispositifs de votre voix de voiture actionnée, comme utiliser le téléphone, en pouvant choisir un CD, mettre le feu vers le haut du réchauffeur et égaliser obtenir le godet au sujet du trafic conditionne autour du coin ou à travers la ville.

German translation (as produced by Alta Vista’s web translation service) Denken Sie, wieviel ungeheuer leicht ein Computer verwendet werden könnte, wenn er Ihren Mundbefehlen entgegenkommend war. Betrachten Sie auch die Vorteile des Habens viele der Eigenschaften Ihrer Autostimme, die, wie Verwenden des Telefons bearbeitet wird und in der lageSEIN, ein CD auszuwählen, bedingt das Abfeuern herauf die Heizung und das Erhalten der Schaufel über Verkehr zu glätten entweder um die Ecke oder über Stadt.

 
Q8.
Study one of the pairs of texts below (i.e., either the French text and its translation into English or the German text and its translation into English). Identify and describe three different types of translation errors that have occurred. Suggest how these errors might have been prevented in a better MT system.  

French text (http://www.mayo-ireland.ie/Mayo/Towns/Pontoon/PBHotel/HotelFrn.htm) L'hôtel Pontoon Bridge est situé sur une péninsule entre les lacs Conn et Cullen, au coeur d'une région réputé pour la pêche. C'est un hôtel moderne et confortable, idéal pour les pêcheurs.Géré en famille par les propiétaires, on y déguste bonne chère et bon vin, dans un environnement calme et reposant. Poisson frais, notamment saumon et truite, est toujours au menu et figure parmi les spécialités de la maison.Du restaurant, la vue est somptueuse, dominant les 2 lacs et le mont Nephin dans le lointain. 40 chambres grade A. Toutes avec TV couleur et téléphone direct, 2 bars avec animation le soir.Venez à Pontoon pour pêcher, jouer au golf ou développer vos talents artistiques. L'accueil le plus chaleureux vous y attend.

English translation of French text (done using Alta Vista’s web translation service) The hotel Pontoon Bridge is located on a peninsula between the lakes Conn and Cullen, in the heart of an area considered for fishing. It is a modern and comfortable hotel, ideal for the fishermen.Managed in family by the propiétaires, one tastes there good expensive and good wine, in an environment calm and resting. Fresh Poisson, in particular salmon and trout, is always with the menu and figure among the specialities of the house.Restaurant, the sight is sumptuous, dominating the 2 lakes and the Nephin mount in the distance. 40 rooms rank A. All with TV color and direct telephone, 2 bars with animation the evening.Come in Pontoon to fish, play golf or to develop your artistic talents. The most cordial greeting awaits you there.

 

German text (http://www.mayo-ireland.ie/Mayo/Towns/Pontoon/PBHotel/HotelGrm.htm) Das Pontoon Bridge Hotel liegt auf einer Halbinsel, die Seen Lough Conn und Lough Cullen trennt - ideales Gebiet für Angler. Das moderne, gut ausgestattete Haus bietet einmalige Angelmöglichkeiten.Das unter familiärer Leitung stehende Hotel verwöhnt Sie mit guter Küche und exzellenten Weinen in einer anheimelnden, erholsamen Atmosphäre. Frischer Fisch - besonder Lachs und Forelle - ist fester Bestandteil der täglichen Speisekarte. Vom Restaurant aus geniessen Sie einen grossartigen Blick auf die beiden Seen und die Nephin Mountains im Hintergrund. Die 40 Zimmer (Grade A) sind alle mit Farbfernseher und Selbstwahltelefon ausgestattet. Für Unterhaltung sorgen zwei Bars im Hause.Verbringen Sie Ihren Angel oder Golfurlaub in Pontoon, wo Sie auch Ihre künstlerischen Talente entfalten können. Ein herzliches Willkommen erwartet Sie!

English translation of German text (done using Alta Vista’s web translation service) The Pontoon Bridge hotel is situated on a peninsula, which lakes Lough Conn and Lough Cullen separate - ideal area for anglers. The modern, well equipped house offers unique fishing rod possibilities. The hotel which is under family line spoils you with good kitchen and exzellenten wines in a anheimelnden, recovery seed atmosphere. Fresh fish - besonder salmon and Forelle - is fixed constituent of the daily bill of fare. From the restaurant you enjoy a great view of the two lakes and the Nephin Mountains in the background. The 40 rooms (degrees of A) are equipped all with colour television set and telephone. For maintenance two Bars in the house provide. Spend your fishing rod or gulf vacation in Pontoon, where you can unfold also your artistic talents. A cordial welcome expects you!