Ask ChatGPT – November 14, 2023

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 79:

What method of translation are chemical manufacturers using to translate safety data sheets in 2023?

Chat GPT’s Response:

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, I don’t have specific information on the methods used by chemical manufacturers for translating safety data sheets in 2023. However, I can provide you with some general trends and common practices that were prevalent in the industry up until my last update.

1. Professional Translation Services: Many chemical manufacturers traditionally relied on professional translation services to ensure accurate and contextually appropriate translations. These services often involve human translators who are familiar with the technical language of the chemical industry.
2. Translation Software and Tools: Some companies may use translation software and tools that leverage machine translation (MT) capabilities. These tools can help in quickly translating large volumes of text. However, human review is typically necessary to ensure accuracy, especially in the context of safety data sheets where precision is crucial.
3. Terminology Management Systems: To maintain consistency in translated materials, chemical manufacturers might use terminology management systems. These systems help in managing industry-specific terminology and ensuring that the same terms are consistently translated across documents.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with regulatory requirements is crucial in the chemical industry. Manufacturers need to ensure that the translated safety data sheets comply with the regulations of the target market. This often involves not just linguistic translation but also adapting content to meet specific regulatory standards.
5. Collaboration with Local Experts: In some cases, chemical manufacturers may collaborate with local experts or consultants who have knowledge of both the language and the local regulatory landscape. This helps in tailoring safety data sheets to meet the specific requirements of different regions.

Given the evolving nature of technology and industry practices, it’s possible that new methods or tools have been adopted by chemical manufacturers for translating safety data sheets in 2023. To get the most accurate and up-to-date information, I recommend checking with industry publications, attending relevant conferences, or reaching out directly to professionals in the field.