A recent survey conducted by the Society of Authors (SoA) has highlighted a concerning trend in the translation industry, revealing that over 33% of translators have experienced a loss of work due to the emergence of generative AI technology. Additionally, more than 40% of translators have noted a decline in their earnings, with over 75% expressing apprehension about the negative impact that future technological advancements may have on their income.
The SoA, a prominent industry alliance representing writers, artists, and speakers in the UK, conducted this survey in January. The findings indicated that 37% of translators utilize generative AI to aid their work, with 8% doing so at the request of their publishers or commissioning bodies.
Thomas Bunstead, known for translating works such as “The Book of All Loves” by Agustín Fernández Mallo from Spanish, emphasized the distinction between literary translators and those in more “commercial” roles. While some translators believe their work has already been supplanted by AI, Bunstead asserts that literary translation, with its nuanced and idiomatic nature, retains its value. Conversely, straightforward content like instruction manuals may be more susceptible to AI substitution.
Nichola Smalley, renowned for translations from Swedish and Norwegian like “A System So Magnificent It Is Bright” by Amanda Svensson, concurs that human translators are likely to excel in handling idiomatic and intricate writing. However, there are concerns that as AI encroaches on traditional translation domains, such as literary works, translators may face heightened competition, especially in genres like crime and romance novels.
Ian Giles, co-chair of the Translators Association and translator of Camilla Läckberg’s upcoming “The Bird” from Scandinavian languages to English, noted a significant decline in his commercial translation income since the start of 2023. The shift towards AI-generated first drafts, followed by human editing, poses challenges for translators, impacting both their income and the quality of translation work.
While Nuanxed, a company specializing in translation through post-editing, acknowledges the importance of translators in maintaining translation quality, CEO Robert Casten Carlberg advocates for the integration of AI tools to enhance productivity and maintain quality standards.
Despite the potential benefits of AI integration, concerns persist regarding the increased workload for translators engaged in post-editing tasks. The need for meticulous comparison and adjustment of AI-generated content to ensure accuracy and natural language flow poses a significant challenge for translators.
The survey results underscore the existing challenges faced by translators in an evolving industry landscape. Factors such as AI advancements and economic uncertainties, including the aftermath of Brexit, contribute to fluctuations in translators’ work opportunities and income levels.
Among the SoA members surveyed, encompassing writers, illustrators, and translators, a resounding 94% expressed the desire for recognition and compensation when their work is utilized to develop generative AI tools. The SoA advocates for government regulations to govern the ethical and legal use of AI tools in the industry.
In spite of these challenges, Giles remains optimistic about the enduring relevance of creative and literary translation, emphasizing the unique value that human translators bring to the art of translation. The passion and dedication of translators, coupled with an audience appreciation for human-translated content, provide a promising outlook for the future of the industry.
