Find out why Ljubljanske Mlekarne looked to GORR for language support, helping them to create a more inclusive workplace.
Ljubljanske mlekarne, a leading dairy company in Slovenia, reached out to our team for support with their internal training resources focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). These modules are part of the company’s broader initiative to create a more inclusive workplace culture and ensure all employees are familiar with important DEI concepts and practices.
The training content had been initially translated from English (EN) to Slovenian (SL) using machine translation (MT), but the client recognized the need for enhanced quality and consistency to maximize the modules’ impact. This led to their request for machine translation post-editing (MTPE) services, a task our team was well-equipped to handle.
Our task was clear: improve the machine-translated DEI content to better reflect the organization’s tone, style, and commitment to inclusivity. While the original machine-translated text offered a foundation, it fell short in several areas:
Inconsistent Terminology – Machine translation often struggles to apply industry-specific terminology consistently. In the context of DEI, which uses precise language to convey nuanced ideas, consistency was vital.
Awkward Style – The MT output was overly formal and at times clunky, detracting from readability and potentially causing confusion among employees engaging with these sensitive topics.
Readability and Flow – The initial translation lacked a smooth, engaging narrative flow, which is essential for online training modules designed to educate and inspire.
While machine translation has made significant strides, it often faces limitations when translating specialized content like DEI training. Diversity, equity, and inclusion require a careful use of terms and a respectful tone to address complex social topics. Machine translation tools, while adept at handling more straightforward language pairs, can sometimes misinterpret nuanced ideas and cultural references, leading to translations that feel “machine-like” and clumsy.
In this case, these challenges were evident. Key DEI terms were used inconsistently, disrupting the flow and impact of the training content. For instance, terminology around “equity” and “inclusion,” which carry specific meanings in DEI work, was translated inconsistently, creating potential misunderstandings for the employees using these modules. Similarly, the tone in some sections was too rigid, while others were overly casual. These shifts in tone could unintentionally undermine the significance of DEI principles by making the material harder to engage with.
To meet these challenges, we implemented a comprehensive MTPE process tailored to the client’s needs. MTPE is a translation service designed to refine machine-translated content, balancing the efficiency of machine translation with the quality and precision of human revision.
For Ljubljanske Mlekarne, we applied the following approach:
One of our primary tasks was to ensure terminology consistency. This began with compiling a glossary of essential DEI terms. The result was a more coherent and professional output that aligned with industry standards and allowed readers to engage with the material without confusion.
Machine translation often struggles to produce content with a natural, conversational style, especially in materials intended for employee engagement. Therefore, a significant part of our MTPE effort focused on improving readability.
This involved rephrasing awkward sentences, smoothing transitions between ideas, and making adjustments to ensure the tone was respectful and engaging. This stylistic work was particularly important in a DEI context, where tone can significantly impact how messages are received. Our goal was to make the modules not only more accessible but also inspiring and motivational.
After our initial MTPE efforts, the content went through rigorous internal quality assurance (QA) to catch any remaining inconsistencies and errors. Our QA process included a thorough review by a senior linguist who ensured that each part of the translated text met our quality standards. We examined readability, adherence to client-specific terminology, and overall flow, making final adjustments as needed. This step is crucial in any machine translation post-editing project, as it ensures that the final product is free of errors and ready for publication.
Communication with Ljubljanske Mlekarne was an ongoing aspect of the project. We engaged with their team to confirm specific terminology and phrasing preferences, ensuring that the final translation aligned with their internal language style. This feedback loop allowed us to tailor the final product closely to their expectations, adding an extra layer of personalization to our work.
The final product was a polished, professional DEI training module that met Ljubljanske Mlekarne’s needs in both content quality and stylistic appeal. Through our MTPE service, we transformed a machine-like and clunky translation into a refined, engaging resource.
Key improvements included:
Improved Terminology Consistency: We standardized all essential DEI terms, enhancing clarity and ensuring employees would engage with the material without distraction or confusion.
Enhanced Readability and Engagement: By refining the style and flow, we transformed the modules into an engaging learning tool that resonates with readers, allowing them to focus on the message rather than the mechanics of the text.
Alignment with DEI Goals: Our revisions ensured that the modules upheld the values of inclusivity and respect, reflecting Ljubljanske Mlekarne’s commitment to these principles.
Our machine translation post-editing approach combines the efficiency of machine translation with the precision of human expertise, making it ideal for companies like Ljubljanske Mlekarne that require quality content at scale.
Here’s what makes our approach effective:
Expert Linguists and Industry Knowledge: Our team is not only skilled in language but also familiar with industry-specific terminology. In the case of DEI, we ensured that sensitive and complex terms were handled with the appropriate respect and accuracy.
Commitment to Quality and Detail: Our QA process is a crucial aspect of our MTPE service, ensuring that every detail is considered and that the final product meets high standards.
Adaptable Solutions for Specialized Content: We recognize that no two projects are alike. By customizing our MTPE process to fit the specific requirements of DEI training content, we delivered a solution that was both practical and aligned with the client’s goals.
For companies navigating complex, sensitive topics in their content, translation quality can make or break employee engagement. Our work with Ljubljanske Mlekarne is an example of how machine translation post-editing can elevate a project from merely functional to genuinely impactful. By improving readability, enhancing consistency, and maintaining a respectful tone, we delivered DEI modules that reflect the company’s values and ensure their employees are well-informed and inspired.
Our MTPE service thus proves to be an ideal solution for organizations that seek a balance between efficiency and quality, particularly in fields like DEI, where clear, accurate communication is vital. As machine translation continues to evolve, we’re excited to continue helping clients leverage this technology while delivering the human touch necessary for meaningful engagement.
In this project, our translation services enabled Ljubljanske Mlekarne to achieve their goals effectively, making their DEI training more accessible, coherent, and ultimately impactful for their workforce.