As the world increasingly turns to artificial intelligence (AI) to bridge language barriers and engage global audiences, it is essential to approach this technology with careful consideration of what AI lacks: true human communication. While AI translation tools offer convenience by processing text quickly and across numerous languages, they also carry heavy limitations and drawbacks that not only affect content, but also the connection that a human audience has to that piece of media, text, or generated copy. In other words: it is still crucial to have human intervention when utilizing AI across languages..
Keeping humans in-the-loop allows us to bridge the connective gaps that AI cannot render. While AI can be convenient, “failures can cause significant legal, reputational and trust issues” (Rachelle Garcia, “AI Translation Isn’t Perfect”). The need for human intervention within AI translation stems from its technical drawbacks. These challenges include a bias for English language, lack of cultural nuances, many semantic errors and consistency issues, as well as ethical and privacy concerns, all areas that are constantly addressed when acting authentically and ethically as a translator. However, with AI limited in these areas, it can lead to significant misunderstandings, frustrations, and potentially culturally insensitive translations. With intervention from a human translator, solutions can be offered before any insensitivities occur while maintaining trust with the audience.
The good news is that there are strategies to enhance AI translation by adding human expertise. Through awareness and mindfulness, AI’s shortcomings can be addressed by implementing strategies such as those Garcia foregrounds: diversifying training data, adding consistent oversight, and using cultural consultants. These strategies will and should always involve humans, as it is the nuanced and thoughtful understanding that only humans can provide that enables better communication.
Collaboration among linguists, cultural experts, and AI developers is vital for creating effective translation tools. As AI technology continues to advance, it holds the potential to further bridge language gaps and facilitate better communication across the globe, and humans will forever be a necessary asset within this field to assure quality as volumes of translation increase exponentially.
With all of this insight, what does this mean for NYU’s MS in Translation and Interpreting Program? It means we approach translation and interpretation through a human lens, valuing experts-in-the-loop and constantly engaging proactively with AI. It means we understand the need for human intervention and connection, making our program uniquely able to prepare students for new and exciting roles.