In what context should AI be used (or not used) to translate written content?
With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), machine translation tools have taken on a prominent role in the world of communication. While these technologies offer undeniable benefits, it is essential to determine when their use is appropriate and when it may be problematic. So let’s explore the contexts in which it makes sense to use AI for translation, as well as the situations in which it’s better not to do so.
When should AI be used for translation?
Translation of simple or standardised content
Content that is simple or standardised, such as user manuals or product specifications, often has repetitive structures and vocabulary. In these cases, AI can be very effective, as it can learn linguistic models and use terminology databases. Machine translation tools such as DeepL or Google Translate can provide fast and generally accurate results.
Real-time translation
At events such as conferences, webinars or international meetings, AI can facilitate instant communication. Machine translation systems can provide subtitles in real time, enabling participants to understand the content without waiting for a human translator to be available.
Informal or non-critical content
For less formal content, such as social media posts or internal emails, the use of AI may be appropriate. In these contexts, translation errors have less impact and speed can take precedence over accuracy.
Access to information
For translations aimed at a wide audience, AI can make information more accessible. For example, translating news articles or educational resources enables non-French speakers to understand current issues, thereby contributing to greater inclusion.
When not to use AI for translation?
Literary, creative or marketing content
Literary translation, whether of novels, poems or screenplays, requires a linguistic and cultural sensitivity that AI struggles to grasp. The nuances, wordplay and style of the author are crucial elements that can be lost in machine translation. In this context, it is preferable to use a human translator who will be able to convey the spirit of the work.
As for creative or marketing translations, these often involve fine cultural adaptation, wordplay and an understanding of the emotions the text is intended to evoke. Idiomatic expressions, cultural references or jokes may not make sense in another language. While AI tools can provide a first draft, a review by a human translator is essential to ensure that the message resonates well with the target audience and retains its emotional impact.
Legal or administrative documents
Legal documents require absolute precision and rigour. A translation error can have serious consequences, including litigation. In these cases, it is crucial to use a professional translation agency such as Your Word Store, which is familiar with legal jargon and can guarantee the accuracy of the terms used.
Highly technical subjects
The translations of technical documents can pose particular challenges, especially when certain words have several meanings. In technical contexts, a word could be translated correctly in one context, but become inappropriate in another. A mistake of this kind could lead to serious misunderstandings. For technical content, where each term has precise implications, AI may lack discernment, making human review essential.
Confidential documents
The technological advance that AI represents raises major privacy concerns. This is because AI translation systems often use user data to improve their performance, which can lead to the collection and storage of sensitive information. This poses risks of data exposure, especially when confidential texts are translated without any guarantee of security. So, while AI-enabled translation facilitates access to information, it requires heightened vigilance, whether in terms of protecting user privacy or ensuring data security. Only professional translation services will then be able to offer this level of security.
Although artificial intelligence offers powerful tools for translating written content, it is not a panacea. The use of AI must be well thought out and adapted to the context. For simple, informal or real-time translations, AI can be extremely useful, as long as it is complemented by human verification. On the other hand, for literary or marketing, legal, highly technical or confidential content, it is best to use a human translator or a translation company like Your Word Store. In the final analysis, common sense and an assessment of the specific needs of each project will remain the best allies when deciding on the use of AI in translation.
Whatever your final decision, Your Word Store provides the services of professional translators and proofreaders to meet all your needs.