In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant strides in various fields, including language translation and interpretation.
AI translation apps and devices are becoming increasingly popular because they offer convenience and are often more affordable than hiring human interpreters. For businesses and individuals looking to cut costs and streamline communication, AI seems like an ideal solution.
Yet, the reality of AI’s capabilities versus its promises reveals a different story. AI translation technologies, such as Google Translate or advanced AI models like ChatGPT, are designed to provide quick and accessible translations for a wide range of languages.
They can be particularly useful for travelers needing to navigate foreign countries or for quick translations of everyday phrases. However, these technologies fall short in situations where accuracy, context, and cultural nuances are crucial.
As someone who relies heavily on interpreting services, I’ve found that AI has several critical shortcomings that make it unsuitable for my needs.
Here’s why I’ve stopped using AI for interpreting and why human interpreters remain essential.
Incorrect Context
A few weeks ago, I attended a church service and decided to use an AI translation app.
The app translated the speaker’s words into text in English, but to my shock, it displayed the word “f***ing” during a prayer session. Confused, I asked my wife if the speaker had really used such language.
She explained that the speaker was actually talking about “praying.”
The AI had completely misconstrued the context, transforming a sacred message into something inappropriate.
Language is rich with context, and a word or phrase can have vastly different meanings depending on the situation. Human interpreters are trained to understand these subtleties, ensuring that the message is conveyed accurately and appropriately. In sensitive environments like religious services, medical consultations, or legal discussions, this contextual understanding is needed.
Another example can be seen in legal settings.
Imagine a courtroom where AI is used to translate testimony. Legal jargon, idiomatic expressions, and the emotional tone of a witness’s statement are aspects that AI may fail to interpret correctly. A mistranslation in this context could lead to misunderstandings that affect the outcome of a case.
Human interpreters bring their understanding of legal language and context to the table. They are still needed to ensure accurate context within a conversation.
Inaccurate Professional Explanations
AI’s limitations become even more glaring in professional settings where accuracy is required.
Consider a medical scenario where a doctor uses AI to explain a prescription.
Misunderstandings in medication names, like confusing “Oxycontin” with “penicillin,” can have dire consequences. Having a certified interpreter in the room ensures that medical instructions are conveyed accurately because interpreters can spell out complex medical terms, clarify instructions, and ensure that patients fully understand their treatment plans.
The same principle applies to other professional fields, such as legal or technical settings, where precise language is required for communication.
In the business world, for instance, negotiations often involve specific terms and nuanced language that AI might misinterpret. Miscommunication in a business deal could lead to significant financial losses or damaged relationships.
Human interpreters, with their deep understanding of both languages and business terminology, can facilitate clearer and more effective communication.
Incorrect Captions
As a deaf individual, I sometimes use my voice to communicate in English, though I prefer signing.
Unfortunately, whenever I use my voice, the captions generated by AI are often disastrously inaccurate. For instance, I once tried to discuss a trip to Colorado, but the captions produced nonsensical phrases that had nothing to do with my conversation!
Imagine trying to follow a critical work meeting, only to see your words turned into gibberish on the screen. The frustration and confusion this causes can hinder effective participation and collaboration.
Missing Cultural and Nuanced Interpretations
Sarcasm, jokes, and emotional subtleties are often lost in AI translation.
For example, while watching movies with closed captions, I sometimes miss the intended sarcasm and take statements literally, which, as you can imagine, makes the viewing experience very confusing.
Human interpreters excel at mediating between cultures.
They understand the context and can convey the intended meaning behind words. AI, in its current state, lacks the ability to capture these subtleties, making it a poor substitute for human interpretation.
An interpreter who understands these cultural nuances can help bridge gaps, ensuring that everyone understands each other not just in terms of language but also in terms of cultural context. This can prevent misunderstandings and foster better collaboration and mutual respect.
AI Isn’t There Yet
While AI translation technology is indeed exciting, I believe it isn’t ready to replace human interpreters for those who need reliable and accurate language services.
For now, the human touch remains irreplaceable.
Interpreters bring context, cultural understanding, and a level of accuracy that AI simply cannot match. AI can be a useful tool for quick, informal translations, but when it comes to important, nuanced communication, human interpreters are still needed.
If you need an interpreter, you can pre-book one here! We are dedicated to ensuring that language barriers are a thing of the past, and seamless communication is always within reach.