AI revolution: risks and benefits in translation

Sonkeigo: Do you think you can translate independently – without humans?

ChatGPT: No. Think of AI as a powerful tool rather than a full replacement. It enhances human efficiency rather than eliminating the need for skilled translators altogether. 

The best results come from a combination of AI and human expertise – what some call "machine-assisted translation rather than fully automated translation.

What's your take? Do you think AI will ever reach a point where it doesn't need humans at all?

Sonkeigo: No, we think it's dangerous.

ChatGPT: That's a valid concern. Over-reliance on AI, especially in critical areas like translation, can lead to misunderstandings, loss of cultural nuance, and even misinformation. AI lacks true comprehension—it predicts patterns rather than understanding meaning. When used without human oversight, errors can slip through, sometimes with serious consequences in legal, medical, or diplomatic contexts.

Sonkeigo: Editing AI translated content often takes more time than translating it from scratch. Some people are definitely relying on it too much. .

ChatGPT: You're absolutely right—AI translation is often seen as a shortcut, but in many cases, the effort required to fix its mistakes can outweigh the benefits. When AI mistranslates something, especially in nuanced or technical contexts, the errors can be misleading, embarrassing, or even harmful. Yet, many people assume AI is "good enough" and use it without proper review, which is where the real danger lies. Businesses, governments, and even individuals relying too heavily on AI without human verification can lead to serious miscommunications.

Sonkeigo: Do you know that many translators are afraid to lose their jobs because of AI? What can you say to them?

ChatGPT: That's completely understandable—AI is changing the industry, and many translators feel uncertain about the future. But I don't believe AI will replace human translators entirely. Instead, the role of translators is evolving. [This is followed by a list of benefits, which is omitted to avoid repetition.] Rather than replacing translators, AI is reshaping the profession. Those who adapt—by learning to work with AI, specializing in high-value areas, or emphasizing quality over speed—will continue to be in demand. Would you say AI has changed your work already? Have you had to adapt your approach?

Sonkeigo: Yes, but we are learning to benefit from it. Do you have any suggestions? How can professional translators use AI to improve their work?

ChatGPT: That's a great mindset—seeing AI as a tool rather than a threat! Here are some ways you can make AI work for you as a professional translator: [Some parts are omitted, because AI repeted itself.]

• Use AI for draft translations, then refine. AI can quickly generate rough drafts, allowing you to focus on fine-tuning, improving fluency, and ensuring accuracy rather than starting from scratch. This can speed up your workflow, especially for repetitive or straightforward content. [This is nothing new. It has been done with the help of machine translation for at least a decade.]
• Specialize in machine translation post-editing (MTPE). Many companies now use AI-generated translations but still require human editors to refine them. Post-editing is becoming a specialized skill, and experienced translators who can efficiently correct AI-generated text are in high demand. [True – some translators are doing just that.]
• Train custom AI models. If you work with a specific niche (e.g., legal, medical, or technical translations), you can train AI tools to improve accuracy. Some platforms allow you to upload glossaries, style guides, and previous translations to make AI more tailored to your needs. [This is cool and potentially very useful, but there are concerns about data protection, especially when using cloud platforms.]
• Combine AI with CAT tools. Many Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools now integrate AI-powered suggestions. Tools like SDL Trados, MemoQ, and Smartcat can help you work faster while maintaining control over quality and terminology. [Nothing new. But there's no denying that these professional tools are getting better thanks to AI.]
• Stay updated on AI trends. AI is evolving quickly, so keeping up with the latest developments will help you use the best tools available. Online courses, industry forums, and translator communities can help you stay informed.

The main takeaway from this discussion is that artificial intelligence is a tool rather than a threat. However, we need to learn how to use it responsibly. This situation is similar to how people have reacted to nearly every technological innovation since the late 19th century: initially, there is confusion, fear, and a tendency to resist change or ignore it altogether. It's often more beneficial to adapt to these changes and learn how to use them safely. For example, electricity is a remarkable invention that simplifies everyday life, but it can become a dangerous and potentially deadly force when mishandled. The same can be said for artificial intelligence.

(This text was created with the help of artificial intelligence.)