My Conversations with ChatGPT
Machine Translation (MT) and translations generated by AI have brought about a paradigm shift in the translation industry. The output of MT will continue to improve, especially when associated with clients’ translation memories and human editing. Language Service Providers are adapting and are including MT in their processes, when MT is applicable. While linguists will continue to be essential in the process, their role will shift from that of translators to validators of content generated by MT. At Excel Translations, we wanted to know what AI thinks about all of this and decided to have an open conversation on the matter with ChatGPT. I will regularly publish a question and ChatGPT’s response, uncensored.
QUESTION 18:
Can machine translation aid in either consecutive or simultaneous interpreting?
Chat GPT’s Response:
Yes, machine translation can aid in both consecutive and simultaneous interpreting to some extent, although it is important to note that it is not a complete substitute for human interpreters.
In consecutive interpreting, where the interpreter listens to a speaker and then renders the message in the target language after a pause, machine translation can be used as a tool to assist the interpreter in understanding and processing complex or unfamiliar vocabulary. The interpreter can use a computer or mobile device to input specific terms or phrases for quick translation, helping them to convey the meaning accurately.
In simultaneous interpreting, where the interpreter listens to a speaker and simultaneously renders the message in the target language, machine translation can be used to provide real-time assistance. There are certain software or applications that can convert spoken language into written text, which can then be automatically translated by machine translation algorithms. The interpreter can view the translated text on a screen or monitor while listening to the speaker, which can help them with unfamiliar terms or phrases. However, this method requires the interpreter to read and listen simultaneously, which can be challenging and may affect the overall interpretation quality.
While machine translation can offer assistance and improve efficiency in certain aspects of interpreting, it is important to remember that it has limitations. Machine translation algorithms may struggle with accurately capturing nuances, cultural references, idiomatic expressions, and context-specific meanings, which are crucial for high-quality interpretation. Human interpreters bring essential skills such as cultural knowledge, adaptability, and the ability to interpret subtle cues, which machines currently cannot replicate. Therefore, machine translation should be seen as a helpful tool for interpreters rather than a complete replacement.
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