Part 1: Is There Still a Place for Human Translation in the Age of AI?
The rise of AI translation has reshaped how businesses and the public view language services. To those outside the industry, AI often looks like a miracle: instant, free, and “good enough.” Many procurement managers or marketing teams wonder—why pay for human expertise at all?
Within the industry, the perspective is more nuanced. Professionals recognise the unique value of human expertise in high-risk content. While AI can expedite workflows and manage repetitive tasks, it lacks the cultural intelligence, accountability, and compliance safeguards that only certified human translators can provide. What may appear 'good enough' to the untrained eye can conceal hidden risks—such as brand damage, regulatory breaches, or safety hazards. This underscores the irreplaceable role of human translators in such critical contexts.
The reality lies in striking a balance. AI is neither a threat nor a panacea. It is a tool that, when managed effectively, can augment human capacity without supplanting it. The crucial question is not 'Will AI replace human translators?' but 'Where is human translation indispensable?' This perspective underscores the potential of AI to enhance the capabilities of human translators, rather than replace them.
For moderate-risk, high-volume content, the most effective approach is to combine AI with human supervision. This ensures the necessary precautions are in place. For low-risk, internal drafts, AI-only can provide speed—so long as guardrails are in place.
The future is not about choosing between humans and AI, but about making strategic decisions on when to use each. This balance—between speed, cost, and risk—is where the real opportunity lies.