Betty Cohen, President of the Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec (OTTIAQ), recently shared her insights on the evolving language industry and the essential role of professional translators in an interview with Robin Ayoub on the Localization Fireside Chat podcast.
Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/32WykjObDqE
Cohen, a seasoned language professional with a rich background in translation and interpretation, highlighted her passion for languages and her journey into the language industry. From her early interest in languages during her high school years in Morocco to her extensive experience in various sectors, Cohen’s dedication to the profession shines through.
Betty Cohen
As the President of OTTIAQ, Cohen shed light on the unique structure of the professional orders in Quebec, emphasizing the importance of protecting the public through the regulation of translation, interpretation, and terminology services. She explained that OTTIAQ is one of the 46 professional orders in Quebec, ensuring that certified translators, interpreters, and terminologists adhere to a code of ethics and maintain their competencies through continuous education.
Cohen also addressed the impact of AI and technology on the translation industry. While acknowledging the advancements in AI and its potential benefits, she stressed the importance of human expertise and the need for professional translators to oversee and review AI-generated translations. She emphasized that AI should be seen as a tool to enhance the work of translators, rather than replace them entirely.
In discussing the future of the language industry, Cohen expressed her belief that while the market may change, specialized translation services will always be in demand. She encouraged clients to trust professional translators who possess the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure accurate and reliable translations.
As part of OTTIAQ’s efforts to promote the value of professional translators, Cohen announced the upcoming OTTIAQ conference on November 8th. The conference will focus on the value added by professional translators and provide a platform for industry professionals to exchange insights and discuss emerging trends.
Cohen concluded by emphasizing the importance of spreading awareness about the role of professional translators and their expertise. She encouraged collaboration between industry stakeholders, including language service providers, associations, and government bodies, to ensure the highest standards of translation and interpretation services.
For more information about OTTIAQ and the upcoming conference, please visit www.ottiaq.org
About OTTIAQ: The Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec (OTTIAQ) is a professional order in Quebec, Canada, responsible for regulating and certifying translators, interpreters, and terminologists. OTTIAQ ensures that its members adhere to a code of ethics and maintain their competencies through continuous education. The order plays a crucial role in protecting the public and promoting the value of professional language services.