What is post-editing in the context of machine translation?

Post-editing in the context of machine translation refers specifically to the process of revising machine-translated text to improve its quality. After a machine translation has been generated, it may contain errors or awkward phrasing that requires human intervention to ensure it meets the desired standards of accuracy and fluency. This involves reviewing the translation, making necessary corrections, and sometimes adapting the content to better fit the context and audience.

The reason this option is the most accurate is that it highlights the crucial role of human editors in refining the output generated by machine translation systems. Post-editing can vary in intensity; it can involve light editing, where only minor changes are made, or full editing, where significant changes are required to make the text usable. This process is fundamental to enhancing the quality of translations produced by machines and ensuring they align with the expectations of end-users.