The Rise Of Translation Technology
We are nearing a world where understanding any language is just a click away. Automated translation tools promise us this convenience.
But can they truly replace the nuanced touch of a human translator?
ALC Conference Insights
I recently attended the ALC (Association of Language Companies) conference. And everyone was excited to discuss the future possibilities of translation history. It’s no surprise that machine translation stood at the forefront of many of our conversations. If this was just a click away it would give thousands the ability to converse quickly and accurately, making it easier to navigate through anywhere within the world no matter your background or ethnicity.
And the organizers tapped into the sentiment. They sent a survey to the attendees with one simple question, are you scared or excited for the rise in translation technology. Then they shared the results. Over half of the attendees eagerly welcomed the change, while the other half harbored reservations. And only a few took a neutral stance on the issue. It was evident the idea of machine translation stirred strong emotions.
Why the divide?
Because many worry that machine translations will be inaccurate or portray them poorly. Which might be the case in the beginning, and is a rational fear. But this technology has to start somewhere. And as it evolves, especially with the emerging of quick learning AI, these translation technologies could open previous language barriers with the click of a button.
Technological Shifts Aren’t New
Resistance to new technology isn’t a novel concept. Kodak users were adamant that digital photography would never replace film. Oh, how times have changed! But I do understand the hesitation. Changing approaches or adopting new methodologies can be daunting. Many of us are creatures of habit. We like what we know and are often reluctant to step outside our comfort zones.
Look at ChatGPT, this new tech has taken the world by storm. Many argue it is for the better. And many argue it is for the worst. A woman on LinkedIn pointed to the scenario where a student could request ChatGPT to “Write my paper about the Roman Empire,” and in a few moments, ChatGPT would deliver. But the realm of academia echoed with concerns about originality and the erosion of genuine effort.
However, the video presenter posed a provocative question: If students, equipped with tools like ChatGPT, produce top-tier essays, shouldn’t our focus shift to fostering deeper analytical skills or more advanced topics? Drawing a parallel to mathematics, she reminded viewers of a time when calculators were deemed revolutionary. Yet, as they integrated into classrooms, teaching methods adapted, emphasizing not just computations but a deeper understanding of mathematical theories.
She continued and posed the question, “Why not let students use all available resources? If they produce an excellent essay using these tools, what should the next educational translation services step be?” Just like the evolution that took place in teaching math once calculators became mainstream, we need new strategies to complement the new technology.
This will be the same with translation technology.
The Hopeful Horizon
As these tools will evolve, and push us to new heights. And we need to find ways to move along beside them. The human touch still remains invaluable. Sure, machine translation might get the words right, but does it grasp the culture? Does it truly understand idiomatic expressions or the history behind certain phrases? A machine might churn out grammatically correct sentences, but can it truly capture the soul of a language, the cultural nuances, or the history that shapes its idioms and phrases? This is where human interpretation comes in. We will need to work alongside these services to ensure they encompass the true meaning of someone’s language, not just the direct translated words.
Embracing my identity as a deaf individual, I view machine translation with a lens of hope. Imagine a world where real-time translations bridge communication gaps effortlessly. Finally I can go to the drive-through without fear! And a world where we are no longer stuck dealing with communication gaps is on the horizon, and coming quickly. I hope in the future these technologies will complement human expertise, not replace it. Their potential is boundless.
And I personally can’t wait to see what’s in store.
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