As the world undergoes rapid technological and digital advancements, the prevalence of Machine Translation (MT) and Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has significantly increased. Despite this proliferation, concerns and limitations persist. Achieving accurate, precise, and high-quality machine translation remains a significant challenge, particularly in the foreseeable future, due to the intricacies of language and the complex nature of human communication. This paper explores the limitations of machine translation, highlighting that even if computers could convey meaning accurately, they would still lag behind human translators in various aspects of language use. Linguists acknowledge that conveying meaning is just one function of language, and machine translation faces inherent challenges that render it a continuously evolving and unresolved problem domain. The findings of this study shed light on the profound implications of AI development within machine translation. This comprehensive analysis explores the impact of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) on the limitations of machine translation (MT). The research objectives include evaluating recent technological advancements, examining specific linguistic challenges, analyzing limitations in distinct translation scenarios, and assessing the evolving landscape of linguistic tasks for MT. This research is based on both primary and secondary resources collected through surveys, reviews of online research publications, journal articles, and textbooks. Findings indicate that while technological progress, notably AI-driven developments, has enhanced MT capabilities, challenges persist in replicating the full spectrum of human language functions. MT encounters difficulties in handling idioms, formal language, and official documents, thereby highlighting limitations in specific linguistic domains. Despite advancements, challenges in context-awareness and semantic interpretation persist, suggesting that achieving precision comparable to human translation remains a formidable task. The conclusion emphasizes the need for continuous technological advancements, interdisciplinary collaboration, user training, and ethical considerations. These recommendations aim to guide future developments in machine translation, ensuring responsible and informed usage in the dynamic intersection of technology, artificial intelligence, and translation.
H.M.L.V. Wanninayake (Sun,) studied this question.