Technology and translation: the age of AI

AI and machine translation

Does human translation still make sense in the age of AI and machine translation?

Does human translation still matter when free tools are readily available to translate any text into nearly all languages in a few seconds thanks to artificial intelligence and machine translation?

One might think that human translation is one of those jobs that are bound to disappear, given the indisputable and dazzling progress of language technologies.

In reality, professional translation is still relevant as humans will always need to keep control of their communication.

Today's artificial intelligence and machine translation systems are tools that language professionals may or may not choose to use, depending on the requirements of clients or the circumstances in which they work.

While chatbots are within everyone's reach and can provide translations almost instantaneously, the resulting texts still require careful proofreading, need to be adapted to the company's style and terminology, and must receive a final, human touch. A professional translator and reviser is the best choice for these tasks.

The human being must remain at the centre of the process at all times, because he or she is the only one who can guarantee effective communication with other humans.

Can't machine translation and AI replace the translation service provider?

Not really.

Think of this:

• Questioning chatbots takes time that could better be spent on your other tasks, those that make up your core business.


• Texts written with automatic language processing tools are raw data. They may look good at first sight, but hide flaws that undermine your activities or stand in the way of what you would like to communicate.


• Machine translations will always need to be thoroughly revised, just like any business publication.


• Translators are trained in translation, proofreading and editing. They devote their time to these tasks as professionals, allowing you to devote your time to your own areas of expertise.

Are AI and machine translation conveniences that we should do without?

Certainly not.

Machine translation and artificial intelligence can be used as what they are: tools at the service of human beings.
Numerous technological revolutions have come and gone over the last few centuries, forcing us all to adapt.

What we need to bear in mind can be summed up in one question:

Will the texts that need translating intended to be read by humans? If so, you will need to make sure that the translation is not only elegant, but also correct, readable and faithful to the original. The translator/reviser is ideally placed to do just this. He or she is THE professional who can ensure that your communications live up to your company's image.
Entrusting this job to him or her allows you to concentrate on your core business.

If it’s free, does that mean I should go for it?

Useful and appealing though they are, free services have their limitations.

Often, such services do not meet the criteria that individuals or companies wish to see applied to their information, particularly in terms of confidentiality and data protection.

Free artificial intelligence tools and machine translation engines feed off the data that they receive to generate revenue for their developers, publishers and investors, through advertising or direct use of the content entered. Under these conditions, the information can no longer be considered confidential or private.

The expression "if it’s free, you are the product” is well known, but its real meaning and implications are not always understood. The “you” is your data, your personality. Data that defines you, that is unique to you. Data that you want to keep for yourself and that you want to be dealt with confidentially. And if you are the product, then it's not free.

Fortunately, artificial intelligence and machine translation tools can also keep the data safe when they are used as paid solutions. As such, they process the data confidentially. These are the solutions that will be chosen by the professional translator/reviser.

Does this mean that free tools should be banned?

Certainly not.

Free tools and free information are at the heart of the philosophy that was shared by many Internet users in the early days of the Web. The strong desire shown by them to share their work and make it available free of charge has given rise to a host of sites, publications and software (known as “shareware”) that are either free or offered at a low price. Free software is often a demonstration of know-how, a way for developers to make themselves known and to offer their services.

Today, the professional translator/reviser still uses such tools, but ensures that they keep the data they process safe and confidential.

Free AI and machine translation tools are different in that they use the data that is fed into them as part of their business model, unless you use a professional account, i.e. pay for the service.

The concept of free software or tools has therefore not disappeared, but we need to remain vigilant about the processes at work beneath the surface.

Image credit: FOCA Stock