Quartz: Human Translators and the Future of Work
Automation threatens extinction of many jobs. Language translation as an occupation must contend with two trends, explains Simone Stolzoff for Quartz. “On one hand, the world is increasingly globalized,” he writes. “With technology that can spread across borders with the touch of a button, the need for people who can translate words and understand the nuance of different cultures has never been greater. On the other hand, the world is increasingly automated. Google released an AI-powered translation tool in 2016 that is ‘nearly indistinguishable’ from human translation.” The article reports that translation, a $50 billion industry, is expected to grow. Stolzoff predicts a mix of human and machine translators will be necessary for the most complicated texts. Cost is one factor. More essential is trust in accuracy as well as confidentiality for translated communications, and users ultimately will determine whether humans or technology deliver the best service. – YaleGlobal
Quartz: Human Translators and the Future of Work
Translators are caught between two trends – fast-paced globalization and the need for connections as well as automated technologies that can do the job
Friday, December 21, 2018
Read the article from Quartz about trends for translators.
Simone Stolzoff covers technology for Quartz. He focuses on automation, cyber ethics, and other ways in which tech impacts society.
Read about the outlook for translators and interpreters from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics: “Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 18 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Globalization and large increases in the number of non-English-speaking people in the United States will drive employment growth. Job prospects should be best for those who have professional certification.”
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