Introducing MTPE pricing in translator training: a concrete proposal for MT instructors

In recent years, machine translation post-editing (MTPE or PE for short) has been steadily gaining ground in the language industry. However, studies that examine translators’ perceptions of, and attitudes towards, MTPE paint a somewhat negative picture, with PE pricing methods and rates being a major source of dissatisfaction. While the European Master’s in Translation Competence Framework stresses the importance of preparing translation graduates for market challenges, to date there have been no concrete suggestions for practical activities designed to introduce MTPE-pricing-related topics into the translation classroom. The present article aims to address this gap by describing a teaching unit developed for master’s students. The activity includes comparing three MTPE pricing methods commonly used in the industry: word-based, time-based and effort-based rates. Using authentic performance data from individual PE tasks carried out in MateCat, students were able to discover the different levels of remuneration they would receive for the same task, depending on the pricing method applied. The results, which show wide variation across both methods and students, proved useful in raising students’ awareness of the thorny issue of setting PE rates and sparking reflection on the financial implications of accepting PE assignments.