AI-powered translation services are revolutionizing global communication by breaking down language barriers and fostering cross-cultural understanding. As reported by LinkedIn, these advanced tools enable seamless interactions across linguistic divides, transforming how businesses operate, education is accessed, and international collaboration occurs in our increasingly interconnected world.
AI translation has become a handy resource for travelers and businesses looking to connect with people from different countries and cultures12. Instead of spending months trying to learn a specific language yourself or hiring an expensive, local translator to accompany you, you can simply download an app and assign it as your personal interpreter3.
This is possible because of Neural Machine Translation (NMT), a technology that can predict the likelihood of word sequences, and deep learning algorithms34. It has artificial neural networks trained on vast amounts of text and language data, so it can easily understand content in any vocabulary and switch between languages whenever you require its services3. Most AI translators are also equipped with machine learning capabilities— pushing them to learn more idioms, nuances, and context through time34.
Speed: You don't have to wait for translations because AI can hand them to you in real-time. You just have to input the content you want to translate and AI will give you the result in seconds!1
Scalability: AI is not limited by time or knowledge. It can translate massive amounts of content quickly across multiple languages at the same time.1
Availability: You can count on your AI translator whenever and wherever you may be. You can access AI translation apps at any time and get your words translated in an instant with zero wait times.1
Support for multiple languages: Most AI systems know around 30-50 languages. This means they're not limited to only a single language or two because they can interpret almost any language there is in the world.1
Integration capabilities: If you use certain software and applications in your job, you can integrate AI translators into their interface. This is particularly useful if translation is part of your daily tasks and you want to have more efficient workflows.1
Customization: When your AI translation tool doesn't know something, you can train it to understand what it lacks. You can tell it specific industry terminology and company-specific content that you want it to learn.1
Increased productivity: If you're visiting another country or your job requires regular translation, AI can assist you with translating tasks, giving you the opportunity to shift your efforts and attention to other more worthwhile activities.1
Cost-effectiveness: AI tools offer a lot of affordable subscriptions and even free versions for basic translation needs. They would lower your expenses, especially if you have to translate huge chunks of text.1
Consistency: AI can't seem to stick to a certain tone and will give you varied outputs even if you give it similar prompts. This inconsistency can jar readers or listeners as it tends to switch up the language from formal to casual and vice versa1.
Context comprehension: AI may not be able to comprehend concepts that are broader and more complex, so it may give the wrong translations or relay a different meaning2.
Cultural implications: AI can be tactless because it can't fully grasp how some words and phrases may be understood differently by various cultures. They may give offensive, inappropriate, and insensitive translations3.
Idiomatic expressions: AI is still struggling with figurative language, idioms, and colloquialisms because it lacks the background knowledge and understanding that go beyond literal definitions1.
Specialized terminology: Jargon in fields like law, medicine, science, or technical industries is not widely used, so AI may not be trained enough to make sense of such very specific terms and translate them correctly2.
Emotional tone: Since AI is not human, it may be able to translate words but not the feelings behind them. AI doesn't have the emotions to create resonant translations that will touch people as much as the original piece in its original language3.
Language database: AI doesn't know every language in the globe. Sure, it has a wide array of languages at its disposal, but certain dialects and lesser-known languages may not be included in its vast collection1.
Aspect: Speed
Winner: AI
Reason: Humans take longer to translate material, especially long-form content, whereas AI can do the same job in a snap of a finger. You don't have to wait for days to get your translated output because AI delivers it instantly to your device.12
Aspect: Cost
Winner: AI
Reason: Human translators require considerable payment. Some ask for a salary for regular translation jobs, while others even charge per word translated or per hour spent for one-off tasks. AI doesn't require a hefty payment because there are multiple affordable and free options you can choose from.13
Aspect: Consistency
Winner: Humans
Reason: Humans are able to pinpoint changes in tone when they're translating. They can write or speak in the same style, so the content remains similar in approach all throughout. On the other hand, AI can slip up and blend different tones and wordings in its translations.14
Aspect: Availability
Winner: AI
Reason: AI doesn't sleep or take breaks. It's always at your service no matter what time of the day it may be. Humans don't have the same accessibility because people are not like machines that won't rest 24/7.13
Aspect: Contextual understanding
Winner: Humans
Reason: Since humans can take in context better than AI, they can translate without losing sight of the purpose or concept of the text. They can avoid any misunderstandings and cultural misgivings.24
Aspect: Creativity
Winner: Humans
Reason: For creative works of literature, it's better to choose a human translator because they can accurately depict the underlying meaning and emotions of the piece to the readers or listeners. Because AI doesn't have this skill, it may lessen the impact and appeal of the content.45
Aspect: Specialized knowledge
Winner: Humans
Reason: Sectors that are riddled with specific terminology must always prefer human translators, especially the ones who have experience and sufficient knowledge in a certain field. AI doesn't know or understand a lot of jargon, so it's up to someone who is more informed to take on the job.46
AI translators are bridging different nations together through language. Before, it seems impossible to communicate with someone who doesn't understand a word that comes out of your mouth. Now, language barriers are merely a thing of the past. You'll be able to comprehend what others are saying and they will be able to comprehend what you're saying too. It's a two-way street that AI has built to connect people regardless of nationality and tongue.12
If you're going on a trip to an unfamiliar place with an unfamiliar language, you can pull out your phone, ask it to translate something, and AI will tell you the right thing to say. If a local converses with you, AI repeats the process and translates the words into your language instead so you can understand what they want to tell you. It's very convenient and helpful because you don't have to bring those heavy language books and start learning from scratch on the road. The translation happens in an instant and AI can even speak foreign words for you if you don't know how to enunciate them.34 This is a very smart technology that helps businesses and individuals alike. However, it needs more improvements to finally remember the context and avoid mentioning any terms that are disrespectful to a certain culture.56