Translating in a Digital Age

The profound impact of AI on various sectors, including translation, is undeniable. With smartphones, people now have access to vast amounts of information. Automated translations have been available for quite some time, but they have yet to render human translators obsolete.

At AaGlobal, we've provided high-quality interpreting and translation services for over 30 years. Our experience in the UK shows the significant influence of AI technologies on our industry. So, how are interpreting and translation agencies adapting to this rapid digital evolution?

Are Computers Taking Over?

Artificial intelligence, once a staple of science fiction, has become a reality. AI is now a common topic, though it has been envisaged in literature since the 19th century. Samuel Butler's 1872 novel, Erewhon, introduced the idea of machine consciousness. Films like Metropolis (1927) and 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) with HAL 9000 have depicted autonomous machines for decades.

While AI's development seems swift, technology has continually evolved rapidly. Google Translate, launched in 2006, has been available for nearly 20 years, demonstrating the limitations of automated translations. In November 2022, ChatGPT debuted, sparking discussions about AI's potential to replace human jobs. With the recent release of GPT-4o in May 2024, featuring live translations, concerns about its impact on UK interpreting and translation services have intensified.

Is AI Up to the Job?

Experience shows that automated translations lack precision. Despite advancements with GPT-4o, human interpreters remain irreplaceable. Chantelle Akdemir, our Business Development Manager, notes, "Simple translations, like directions, are manageable by AI, but complex business discussions are beyond its capabilities."

Humans and machines are fundamentally different, and language nuances add complexity. "AI can't distinguish between 'having tea' and 'making a hot drink'," Chantelle explains, highlighting the subtleties AI still can't grasp.

How Safe Are AI Translations?

Accuracy is paramount in translations, especially for technical or legal documents where errors are unacceptable. Legal translations often require notarisation, a guarantee AI can't provide. Agencies like AaGlobal handle sensitive information for clients in social services and legal practices, where security is critical. Using third-party applications like ChatGPT for sensitive documents raises GDPR concerns.

Is There Room for AI?

AI has a role in the translation industry, especially for basic translations. Instant communication across languages is beneficial. However, AI is unlikely to replace human translators entirely. Historical examples, such as the industrial revolution, show that technology can create more jobs rather than eliminate them. As businesses expand into foreign markets, the demand for translation services grows.

AI can assist with understanding languages, but practical and security limitations persist. AI and tools like ChatGPT can support, but not replace, the indispensable human element in technical translations and sensitive discussions.

AaGlobal's Reliable Language Experts

Chantelle Akdemir emphasizes, "We acknowledge AI's impact on our industry and don't ignore it. We embrace technology that aids our translators but won't replace them. AI must be used thoughtfully to support our commitment to high-quality service."

She adds, "Our human touch ensures accurate translations that respect cultural nuances."

Contact our friendly team today if you need assistance with document translation or interpreting services.