By Tajkiratul Azmi

Whenever we think of translation, a simple definition comes to mind: the process of translating words or texts from one language into another. But the process isn't as simple as it appears - it contains many layers. Learning a language for translation requires great effort, including knowing the culture to which the language belongs. It demands command over the language, zero errors, consistency, an eye for detail, and much more. Even experienced people in this field require continuous learning.

Translation works in two broad forms: literal translation, which is mainly word-by-word and often misses the meaning of the text, and adaptive translation, which derives the meaning instead of translating word by word.

A popular subject - but what about the career?

Unlike earlier times, the study of translation has become quite popular among students, with universities offering language-related courses in French, Spanish, German, and other well-known languages. While taking up such an unconventional subject, one is bound to ponder the career opportunities it offers. People do excel through translation - but the question of its worth in the long term is important to think about.

The technology challenge

Technology has evolved unimaginably over the years, so much so that it has taken over some critical work once thought to be designed only for humans. We are surrounded by machines, and it is difficult to imagine living without them. A plane can be flown in autopilot mode, yet the risk to lives does not allow it to be that way - and similarly, much work could be done with the help of technology, decreasing the value of human capacity. Humans should stay alert and find ways to tackle this problem, planning accordingly.

In translation, we are bound to worry when we see software and apps that easily translate one language into another. Perhaps because these tools cannot yet provide 100% accuracy, human translators are still in demand - but the day when these technologies give the most correct answers may not be far, particularly in domains such as law, physics, chemistry, and biology. Bots could replace receptionists, typewriters, and customer-care executives.

India's opportunity

That said, the scope of the Indian job market is high with the growth of knowledge-based activities, and it would be foolish for aspiring translators to let go of such an incredible opportunity. Although we may be lagging in translation in a multilingual country like India, it could be the next biggest thing here. The National Knowledge Commission, headed by Sam Pitroda, believes the translation industry can generate around 500,000 jobs in India and that various language courses should be introduced. It is also necessary for the government to take steps toward quality translation opportunities.

What will keep humans ahead

Considering all these aspects, we should not feel overwhelmed - humans are the most intelligent creatures. To compete with machines, people should be taught something unique, and that is value. A value-based education system would be more fruitful than a knowledge-based one in the long run. The power of soft skills - belief, independent thinking, care - will surely make technology take a step back. Only when humans give back something fruitful to Mother Earth, in return for the abundant things it gives us, will we see the translation industry prosper in the next 10 years.