No more human translators in 3 Years?

5 February 2025
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A recent headline from CNBC quotes Unbabel CEO Vasco Pedro, claiming that AI will eliminate the need for human translators in just three years. Sensational? Yes. Accurate? Not quite. 

While AI-powered #translation tools are undeniably advancing – offering speed, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. There’s a crucial element missing: the human touch. 

Why human skills still matter 

Language isn’t just about words; it’s about connection, context, culture, and nuance. AI struggles with: 

  • Complex languages & dialects: Think gender-specific languages like Slavic, or tonal languages like Mandarin. 
  • Sensitive topics: Pharmaceutical, legal, and marketing translations demand precision where errors in tone or intent are not acceptable. 
  • Cultural relevance: Idioms, humour, and subtle messaging often need human intuition to land effectively. 

It’s about collaboration, not replacement 

We believe the future isn’t about AI vs. Humans – it’s about AI + humans. The key is knowing when to rely on AI for speed and efficiency, and when to bring in experts to ensure quality and authenticity. 

It’s also about protecting skills you may need for future 

Are you familiar with the phrase – “if you don’t use it, you lose it!” 

As natural lifecycles evolve and skill sets retire, if the next generations do not see the opportunity for income in translation, vital skills will be lost, creating higher demand on a few and higher market rates based on demand to supply. 

If you are unsure when to choose what? That’s where we come in. Let us help you make the right decision – balancing innovation with expertise so your investments hit the mark. 

#Translation #Translators #AIvsHuman #Localisation #LanguageMatters #FutureOfWork