What do translators think of technologies?

TL;DR

Translators have mixed views on technology in the industry, with younger generations showing more acceptance, while concerns about automation and declining prices contribute to anxiety among translators.

Transcript

what is your perception of this Evolution more personally I don't know because um there might be a half a million translators and interpreters in the world and I haven't met them all I think what you have to do whenever there's a moment of disruption and change is to go out and find what's happening and get some data and I'm really really missing s... Read More

Key Insights

• 🫵 Translators generally have a positive view of technology but may exhibit generational differences in acceptance.
• 💗 Cognitive friction can occur when adapting to new technologies, but over time, acceptance may grow.
• 🔒 Anxiety among translators often stems from declining prices and concerns about job security, which may be wrongly attributed to technology.
• 🥺 The impact of automation can lead to wage dispersion, with those controlling and developing technology benefitting more.
• 👶 The industry can mitigate anxiety by offering new job opportunities, such as content development and transcreation.
• 👨‍💼 Business models should value and compensate the talents of translators adequately.

Questions & Answers

Q: How do translators generally view technology in the industry?

The majority of translators are not against technology and are open to adapting to new tools and methods. However, there may be differences in perception based on generational gaps.

Q: How does cognitive friction impact the acceptance of new technologies?

Initially, some translators may resist new technologies like post-editing, considering it different from traditional translation. However, with time, they may recognize the benefits and become more accepting.

Q: What contributes to anxiety among translators regarding technology?

Anxiety is often fueled by concerns about declining prices for translations and the perceived impact of technology on job security. These concerns are sometimes wrongly associated with technological advancements.

Q: How can the industry address anxiety and the impact of automation?

To alleviate anxiety and wage dispersion, the industry should focus on employing translators for new tasks like content development and transcreation. Communicative talents can be valuable assets, but translators must advocate for fair compensation.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Translators generally have a positive view of technology, but older generations may downplay newer technologies they did not grow up with.

• Cognitive friction can occur when adapting to new technologies, but over time, there can be a degree of acceptance and recognition of the advantages.

• Anxiety among translators is often caused by perceived declining prices for translations and concerns about the impact of technology on job security.