By Siddhi Pandit
Translation and interpreting have been part of human life for a long time. This article looks at why information technology (IT) now matters so much to translators and linguists, and what that means for careers in languages.
Language and technology
As regions and languages come closer, the need for translation keeps growing. Linguistic science now touches daily life, from translation apps on our phones to tools that correct grammar mistakes. Language is even at the base of technology: software runs on code, code is written in programming languages, and at the lowest level it is made of ones and zeros, a binary language.
Growing demand, growing pressure
The translation industry is growing quickly, and the demand for translators puts pressure on how the industry works. IT can help the industry keep up. The author notes that during the COVID-19 period, with families separated and schools closed, technology kept systems running. As more work moved online, apps such as MS Word, Notepad and Grammarly became more important to people who work with language.
Opportunities for young translators
Social media has brought the world closer and raised the need for linguists. It also opens opportunities for young translators to start their own ventures. In her view, future translators should work alongside new technology and not fight it, and keep improving their skills as the industry grows.
Five aspects of a linguist's career
- Interest. The most important starting point.
- Skills. What the work needs.
- Personality. Important when working with people and clients.
- Value system. Or work ethics.
- Distinguishing quality. What sets each person apart.
The gap between education and industry
The author sees a large gap between what schools teach and what the industry needs. Education gives a lot of theory, but hands-on training matters as much, and practical knowledge shapes a student's career.
Linguists and artificial intelligence
The IT industry now relies heavily on robotics and AI. As AI systems deal with the public, they need to be multilingual, which makes linguists necessary. Linguists work on everything from translation apps to teaching a voice assistant like Amazon Alexa to say "नमस्कार".
Related reading
For a practical look at these tools, read CAT tools and their importance for translators.
