Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the rules of the game in translation. Nowadays modern technologies help to speed up routine processes, improve the accuracy, and reduce the time needed for a project. But computers cannot be trusted with all the tasks. There are areas that still need human supervision.

Where AI helps a translator

1) CAT-tools with AI
CAT-tools (Computer-Assisted Translation) use AI algorithms to analyze texts and offer translation options. These tools:

• Keep Translation Memory;
• Offer terminologically accurate phrases;
• Make sure the style and terms are consistent.

These systems dramatically accelerate the work, especially when working with large amounts of texts.

2) Workflow automation
AI is widely used for automating routine tasks:

• Placing punctuation marks;
• Formatting the text;
• Comparing the original and translated texts;
• Checking grammar and spelling.

All of this reduces a translator’s workload and improves overall productivity.

3) Data analysis and advance preparation
Neural networks can analyze the original text, find repeated expressions, offer adequate translation options, and even choose the most appropriate specialist for the project.

4) Teaching and development
AI algorithms help to teach new translators by analyzing their work and detecting common mistakes. They also help in studying less common language pairs and difficult terms.

Why AI won’t replace a translator: when it can’t help

1) Failure to understand the context
One text can imply different meanings depending on the situation. Only a human can comprehend the hidden meaning, cultural reference, and details that a computer doesn’t perceive yet.

2) Mistakes in legal and financial documents
Crucial papers such as contracts, court documents, and accounting reports require the highest accuracy possible. Mistranslation may result in legal consequences or financial loss.

3) Inability to convey emotions and style
Literary translation, advertising texts, marketing campaigns – all of them are emotion and tone based. Machine translation still often sounds cliched which makes a text less effective.

4) Lack of responsibility
A translator is personally responsible for their translation. An AI, however, is not. If a machine makes a mistake, it is still a human, a customer or a company, that will bear responsibility for it.

The future of translation: human + AI

AI is not an enemy but a powerful tool which deals with routine and frees up some time for more important tasks. It helps to:

• Accelerate the work;
• Keep the text consistent;
• Lower translation price.

But it is a human who is still responsible for accuracy, emotions, and cultural background of translation.

JSC TITAN TRANSLATE uses modern technologies for quick high-quality work but always leaves quality control to experienced specialists.