A
rtificial intelligence (AI) can make people dream about opportunities and fear disruption. But what is the real challenge? In the new 2024 Imminent Research Report, Translated looks for answers.
Luca De Biase is the Imminent Editorial Director, an award-winning journalist and writer, and a professor of Knowledge Management at the University of Pisa. Here, he discusses what the language industry has learned from using AI.
“The impact of large language models on the economy can be profound, as technology continues to rapidly evolve. This evolution often sparks debate around an age-old dilemma: should we simplify production by relying solely on machines, or should we adopt a conservative approach and resist replacing humans with machines? In reality, the core issue isn’t a trade-off between humans and machines. In the knowledge economy, production is not a linear process; it is the outcome of a complex system where humans and machines co-evolve. Fundamentally, it is about choosing between technical systems design and socio-technical systems design.”
“The most advanced industries can share some lessons they have learned. The translation industry has been at the forefront of AI innovation. What have we learned from this? In a context where international relations are expanding and the demand for translations is increasing, the true value lies not in automation, but in enhancing the quality of service and translation through a symbiotic relationship between professionals and their technological tools. Translation of meanings is a holistic challenge. All improvements arise from the coevolution of humans and technology. A skilled human using advanced technology outperforms both humans and machines working independently.”
“The entire organization of the economy will be challenged by technological changes. What are the consequences, and what should we do? For a long time, technological design was seen as an independent variable, with its consequences addressed only when they occurred. Now we understand that the design process is integral to its consequences. Adopting a socio-technical systems design approach can lead to better business outcomes and a better society. The translation industry has long grasped this principle, and its expertise can benefit everyone as economies evolve.”
Related Articles
Translated, a leading provider of AI-powered language solutions, announced the launch of ModernMT Version 7, a significant upgrade to its adaptive machine translation (MT) system.
→ Continue ReadingThe company’s machine translation (MT) system now leverages up to 100,000 words of document content to provide translation suggestions, drastically reducing the time to edit…
→ Continue ReadingBy observing the edits made to MT output by the 136,000 highest performing freelance translators on Matecat — the company’s computer-assisted translation tool — Translated found…
→ Continue Reading
