AI’s Challenges in Translating Between English and Vietnamese in Specialized Domains

As artificial intelligence (AI) translation tools continue to evolve, their ability to bridge language gaps has improved significantly. However, translating between English and Vietnamese remains a daunting task, especially in specialized fields such as technical, medical, and legal domains. These sectors require precision, contextual understanding, and cultural sensitivity, areas where AI often falls short.

Despite advancements in machine learning and natural language processing, the nuances of these fields demand human expertise to ensure accuracy and reliability.

1.Linguistic and Structural Differences Between English and Vietnamese

One of the primary challenges AI faces when translating between English and Vietnamese is the fundamental structural differences between the two languages. English follows a subject-verb-object (SVO) structure, while Vietnamese, though also SVO, often employs different word orders depending on context. Additionally, Vietnamese is a tonal language, and the meaning of words can be highly dependent on subtle contextual cues. AI struggles to detect and accurately convey these variations, leading to potential misunderstandings in specialized translations.

Vietnamese also lacks certain tenses and inflections present in English. AI translation tools often have difficulty determining whether a sentence refers to past, present, or future actions without additional context. In fields such as legal documentation or medical prescriptions, this can lead to serious errors with significant consequences.

2.Challenges in Technical Translation

Technical translation involves industry-specific jargon and precise terminology. Fields like engineering, information technology, and scientific research require absolute accuracy to prevent misinformation. English has a vast vocabulary of technical terms, many of which do not have direct equivalents in Vietnamese. AI may resort to transliterations or inappropriate word choices, leading to confusion or ambiguity.

For instance, terms like “load balancing” in computer networking or “torque” in mechanical engineering have specific meanings that AI may struggle to contextualize correctly. While human translators can understand the intent behind these terms and adapt accordingly, AI often relies on pattern recognition rather than true comprehension, resulting in flawed translations.

Moreover, technical documents often contain abbreviations, formulas, and diagrams that require a nuanced understanding of the subject matter. AI lacks the capability to interpret visual elements or decipher context from a non-textual format, making human intervention indispensable.

3. Challenges in Medical Translation

The medical field is particularly sensitive to translation errors, as mistakes can have life-threatening consequences. AI translators often struggle with complex medical terminology, drug names, and procedural descriptions.

For example, the term “hypertension” in English directly translates to “tăng huyết áp” in Vietnamese. However, AI might mistakenly translate it as “huyết áp cao,” a more colloquial term that lacks the precise medical connotation. Similarly, acronyms such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or EKG (electrocardiogram) may be misinterpreted if AI does not recognize their specific context.

Patient instructions, prescription details, and medical histories require absolute clarity. AI-generated translations may omit crucial details or misinterpret instructions, leading to dangerous medical misunderstandings.

Additionally, AI struggles with idiomatic expressions commonly used in doctor-patient communication, such as “watch for red flags” or “take as needed,” which require a human touch to convey appropriately in Vietnamese.

4. Challenges in Legal Translation

Legal translation is another domain where AI falls short due to the complexity and rigidity of legal language. Contracts, court rulings, and government policies use highly specialized terminology that must be translated with precision to maintain legal integrity.

For instance, the phrase “force majeure” in English contracts, which refers to unforeseeable circumstances preventing a party from fulfilling an obligation, is typically translated as “bất khả kháng” in Vietnamese. However, AI may misinterpret or oversimplify such legal concepts, leading to potential contractual disputes.

Additionally, English legal language often employs passive voice and complex sentence structures, which do not always have direct Vietnamese equivalents. AI may oversimplify these structures or misplace modifiers, altering the meaning of the text. Misinterpretations in legal translation can lead to contractual loopholes, misrepresentation, or unintended liabilities, making human oversight crucial.

5. Cultural and Contextual Challenges

Beyond terminology, AI translation struggles with cultural nuances and context-specific interpretations. Vietnamese often employs varying levels of formality and politeness, influenced by social hierarchy and relationships between speakers. While English is relatively neutral in comparison, Vietnamese requires the correct pronouns and honorifics based on the speaker’s relationship with the audience.

For example, the English phrase “You should consult a doctor” might be translated into Vietnamese as “Bạn nên đi khám bác sĩ,” but depending on the formality required, it could also be “Anh/chị nên đi khám bác sĩ” or “Em nên đi khám bác sĩ.” AI often fails to detect the appropriate level of formality, leading to translations that may sound unnatural or even disrespectful in professional settings.

Idiomatic expressions and legal conventions also differ between English and Vietnamese.

AI struggles to recognize and accurately translate phrases such as “beyond a reasonable doubt” in legal texts or “breakthrough therapy” in medical contexts. Instead of providing an equivalent phrase, AI may translate these literally, distorting their intended meaning.

6. The Irreplaceable Role of Human Translators

Despite advancements in AI translation technology, human expertise—especially in translating between English and Vietnamese—remains irreplaceable in specialized fields. Professional translators bring deep contextual understanding, industry knowledge, and cultural awareness that AI lacks. They can adapt translations to suit specific audiences, ensure accuracy in technical details, and maintain the appropriate tone and level of formality.

Moreover, human translators can verify AI-generated outputs to correct errors, refine ambiguous phrases, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Many professional translation services employ a hybrid model where AI assists in initial drafts, but human translators refine and validate the content to ensure reliability.

AI translation between English and Vietnamese has made significant strides, but its limitations in specialized domains highlight the irreplaceable value of human expertise. Technical, medical, and legal translations require precise terminology, contextual awareness, and cultural sensitivity that AI has yet to master. While AI can serve as a useful tool for preliminary translations, final revisions must involve human translators to guarantee accuracy and mitigate risks.