Sworn translation is vital for businesses, legal entities, and anyone dealing with official documents across all languages. It has been a field that relies on precise and deep understandings of legal terminology. The rise of technology – namely Artificial Intelligence (AI) – is in its way to reshaping this age-old profession. Still, there is a need for human expertise in the decades to come.
The Role of Technology in Translation
Automated translation tools – such as Google Translate, DeepL, Smart Cat, ChatGPT, and other computer assisted translation (CAT) tools – are now capable of effective and quick translation. These platforms and tools make use of neural networks and natural language processing (NLP) and have changed how businesses handle multilingual content by providing faster, and often cheaper, solutions.
Advantages of AI and Automation
- Speed: AI-powered CAT tools can translate large volumes of content almost instantly;
- Cost-Efficiency: Automated systems reduce the need for multiple human translators, lowering costs;
- Scalability: With AI-powered CAT tools, companies can manage translations at scale and handle multiple languages at the same time.
Limitations of AI in Sworn Translation
AI has brought efficiency to general translation tasks, but its application is a tad more challenging especially in sworn translations:
- Lack of Contextual Understanding: Legal documents are filled with complex phrases, cultural references, and specific legal terminology, which are a matter of context. AI still struggles to grasp the nuances and subtleties of legal language, leading to ineffective translations.
- Being Certain: Translations should be accurate and completely legally binding. This accountability is crucial: AI systems cannot assume legal responsibility, neither can they provide a stamp or signature of approval.
- Confidentiality: Sworn translators handle lots of sensitive information, meaning that they always maintain confidentiality. AI tools are security risks, when not properly managed. Therefore, professional sworn translators are still needed to ensure the privacy of clients’ documents.
How Technology Is Supporting Sworn Translators
Despite aforesaid limitations, AI and automation are not entirely incompatible with sworn translation. In fact, they can complement the work of human translators, enhancing their efficiency and productivity. Here’s how:
- Automated Post-Editing: One of the most practical applications of AI is with Machine Translation Post-Editing (MTPE). This involves using AI to generate a first draft, which is reviewed, edited, and certified by a human sworn translator. MTPE allows efficiency without sacrificing quality.
- Terminology Management: Automation tools can suggest legal terminology, identify potential errors, and offer contextual translations. This helps sworn translators maintain overall consistency across documents that use specific terms.
- Workflow Automation: Admin tasks can also be automated, such as file management, freeing up translators to focus on the translation itself. This integration streamlines workflows, reducing human error, and making it swifter.
Why Human Professional Sworn Translators are a Priority
The future of this field lies not in creating a collaborative environment where technology and human expertise may work and flourish together. AI can handle repetitive, boring tasks, while humans provide cultural sensitivity, contextual understanding, and legal accountability.
Ongoing Learning and Adaptation
Since AI continues to evolve, its role in translation will likely expand. However, this will also require continuous updated input from human experts, ensuring that the translations meet the highest standards. Collaboration between AI developers and professional translators is, therefore, inevitable.
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
Ultimately, the human touch remains irreplaceable in sworn legal translation. The ability to interpret legal language, understand cultural subtleties, and assume legal responsibility are skills that machines are far from mastering. While technology will continue to assist, the nuanced and sensitive nature of foreign languages translation ensures that human expertise will always be essential.