Translating in a Digital Age

The significant influence of AI on various aspects of life and industry sectors is undeniable. Today, people have access to vast amounts of information through the smartphones in their pockets. Automated translations have been available for a while; however, they have not rendered human translators obsolete.

At AaGlobal, we have been delivering high-quality and reliable interpreting and translation services for over 30 years. With our extensive experience in the UK translation services sector, we cannot ignore the impact of AI technologies on our industry. So, how should interpreting and translation agencies adapt to this era of rapid digital advancement?

Artificial intelligence, once a staple of science fiction, has become a reality. AI has been a hot topic recently, but its conceptual roots are not new.

The idea of AI dates back to the 19th century. Samuel Butler's 1872 novel "Erewhon" proposed the concept of machine consciousness. Movies like "Metropolis" (1927) and Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey" (1968), featuring the menacing HAL 9000, have long depicted autonomous machines. Thus, the notion of computers with independent thought is far from new.

It may seem like AI has advanced rapidly, but technology has been evolving at an unprecedented pace. For instance, Google Translate was launched in 2006 and has offered translation applications for nearly two decades. However, we have seen that automated translations are not always accurate.

In November 2022, ChatGPT was introduced and has since been a focal point of discussions about AI potentially taking over jobs. Last week (May 2024), ChatGPT launched GPT-4o, which includes features like live translations. This raises concerns about its impact on interpreting and translation services in the UK.

Despite advancements like GPT-4o, automated translations still lack the precision of human interpreters. Our Business Development Manager, Chantelle Akdemir, notes, "Simple interactions, like getting directions, can be handled by AI. However, AI falls short in complex, real-world events discussed during business conferences."

Humans are unique and have peculiar habits, and AI still cannot match human translation quality. Language is nuanced, with each language having its quirks. "No robot can yet figure out the difference between us Brits having 'our tea' or making a hot drink," says Chantelle. "Our language is full of nuances like that."

When seeking translation services, accuracy is crucial. However, other factors also come into play, especially for technical or legal translations where precision is imperative. Errors in translating a training document or user manual can be costly.

Legal or certificate translations often require authorisation by professionals, a guarantee AI cannot provide.

Agencies like AaGlobal work with sensitive clients, including social services and legal practices. These industries require confidentiality and security, raising GDPR concerns when using third-party applications like ChatGPT for translating sensitive documents.

Is there a place for AI-generated translations in the industry? It would be shortsighted to dismiss AI translation altogether. Basic translations are possible with tools like Google Translate or ChatGPT. Instant communication between people of different languages is undoubtedly beneficial.

However, will AI replace thousands of linguists worldwide? We believe not, at least for now. History provides context: during the UK's 18th-century industrial revolution, there were fears that machines would replace manual workers. Instead, increased manufacturing led to more jobs. Similarly, as companies expand into foreign markets, the demand for translating digital content grows. Websites, business manuals, and documents need translating for international operations.

While AI helps us understand other languages at a basic level, it has practical and security limitations in our industry. AI and Chat-GPT can support our work but cannot replace the human touch essential for technical translations or sensitive conversations.