Artificial Intelligence vs. Interpreters/Translators

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been the proverbial sword of Damocles hanging over the translation profession since the mid-20th century, marked by early experiments with automatic translation systems initiated during the Cold War.

Since then, approximately every 5-10 years, the translation profession has been regularly sentenced to imminent death. Thus, translators have been struggling like gladiators in the arena of ancient Rome, awaiting a verdict from the emperor and the audience, determined by a simple thumbs-up or thumbs-down gesture.

Having specialized mainly in consecutive interpretation over the last decade, it seemed to me that discussions and debates on whether new technologies would replace translators were primarily focused on written translation.

Beyond Technology: Why the Future of Human Interpretation Remains Robust Despite AI Advances?

I am often asked if I worry that new technologies, enabling written and oral translations, will render my profession obsolete.

Indeed, nowadays, these technologies are becoming increasingly proficient in translating technical, legal, or other texts where terminology and phrases are repetitive and fairly standard. There are also technologies capable, with a few clicks, of speaking most languages worldwide.

However, no, I am not worried at all, and new technologies do not frighten me. Here’s why:

Firstly, the goal of interpretation is much broader than merely transmitting an orally produced message from one language into the words of another. The ultimate goal of interpretation is to ensure effective communication when interlocutors understand each other well and achieve their goals.

The message conveyed directly by words represents only a part of communication, its formal content. Although new technologies are competent enough to handle this part, they are not yet equipped with certain qualities to compete with a human in situations requiring interpretation.

The Complexity of Communication: The Crucial Importance of Non-Verbal Communication and Context for Quality Interpretation

During oral communication, much more is conveyed through nonverbal than verbal communication. A lot also depends on the context, defined as “the situation within which something exists or happens, and that can help explain it” (Cambridge Dictionary).

The meaning of a sentence results from the combination of verbal and non-verbal communication as well as the context. The same sentence, “Would you mind taking out the trash?” can have different meanings depending on the context and non-verbal elements.

Delivered with an aimable intonation and in the context of a good relationship between interlocutors, it can mean: “I would be very grateful if you helped me take out the trash.” On the other hand, a frustrated tone in the context of a bad relationship between interlocutors can change the meaning to: “I’ve told you several times to take out the trash; I’m fed up with having to remind you every time.”

Language and Culture: AI Cannot Yet Overcome Cultural Challenges for Performing Flawless Interpretation

Language is one of the elements that constitute the peculiarities of each nation’s culture. People speaking different languages often have different cultural codes: the same gesture does not have the same meaning for nationals of different countries.

A classic example: the thumbs-up gesture has positive meanings, indicating approval in the United States, but very negative meanings in some South American countries. Thus, when a U.S. president used this gesture during a visit to South America, a diplomatic conflict was narrowly avoided.

The culture of each country is not limited to gestures but encompasses several other aspects that can play a key role in understanding and interpreting the message expressed by words. Grasping and deciphering non-verbal messages as well as the context accompanying a verbal message are integral to the interpreter’s work. Artificial intelligence is not yet capable of performing this task.

Conclusion

In one of the articles on artificial intelligence that I’ve read recently, I’ve appreciated the following phrase: “Will people in certain professions soon be replaced by new technologies? No, these people will rather be replaced by others who master these technologies.” For me, artificial intelligence does not eliminate the interpreter’s profession but rather transforms it. Artificial intelligence also has the potential to become a tool that allows interpreters to progress professionally more quickly.

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