AI and Its Growing Impact on Translation
As AI capabilities and functions expand, the technology has been creeping into every aspect of life, from shopping to schooling. In the high-demand field that is translation, it is no surprise that AI has made its presence known in the form of language-learning machines (LLMs) and instantaneous translation/interpreting services.
Edge International has long used native speakers for its English-language versions of its investor relations (IR) products, from integrated and sustainability reports to a variety of IR materials online, taking pride in its quality and speed. Now, more than ever, speed has become an absolute essential while quality still remains a top priority. Edge International has always pursued a human-centric approach to its translation services, and it continues to do so as it integrates AI in the following ways.
Preparation
To prepare for new translations, we collect materials from previous years and utilize AI to align the text in a way that is easy to refer to when translating. What was previously a time-consuming task that required weeks now takes only a few days. Saving time in this way improves our efficiency and allows us to offer new services to customers.
Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) Tools
At Edge International, we coordinate numerous projects that sometimes need multiple writers, and we also have many clients who have been with us for a number of years. Both of these scenarios necessitate consistency throughout our work. CAT tools help us create a library of past translations (pulling from company-specific vocabulary and phrases) that speed up the translation process while maintaining consistency from year to year.
Research
Translation requires a lot of research and, if the search term is not perfect, this can take hours. Utilizing AI to ask specific questions about a topic, or to search for the equivalent phrase in English, such as a government white paper title, along with credible sources, frees up time to focus on making our translations of even higher quality.
Conclusion
AI is constantly evolving. As such, we must evolve with it but we must also recognize its limitations and our own boundaries for its use. Translation is becoming faster and more available, but we must not forget the most important factor of the translation process—the quality that comes with a human-centric approach.
