Here's how you can navigate the impact of machine translation on human translators.

1 Embrace Change

Adapting to change is crucial in any profession, and translation is no exception. Machine translation is here to stay, so rather than resisting it, find ways to make it work for you. Use it for initial drafts or to quickly understand the gist of a text. This can save precious time, allowing you to focus on refining and perfecting the translation. Remember, machines can translate words, but they can't interpret meaning like you can.

2 Upgrade Skills

To stay relevant in the age of machine translation, continuously upgrading your skills is essential. Specialize in areas where MT still lags, such as literary translation or localized content that requires cultural knowledge. Enhancing your expertise in these niches can make you indispensable. Additionally, learning to post-edit machine-generated translations can open up new opportunities and keep your skills sharp.

3 Leverage Tools

Various software tools can complement your translation work alongside machine translation. Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools, for example, help manage and streamline your workflow. They offer features like translation memories and glossaries that ensure consistency and save time on repetitive tasks. Familiarize yourself with these tools to maximize your productivity and maintain a competitive edge.

4 Cultivate Relationships

Building strong relationships with clients can shield you from the commoditization threat posed by machine translation. Personalized service, understanding client needs, and delivering high-quality, nuanced translations are areas where you shine. Cultivate these relationships by communicating effectively, meeting deadlines, and consistently exceeding expectations. This personal touch can't be replicated by machines.

5 Diversify Offerings

Diversification is a smart strategy for any translator looking to mitigate the impact of machine translation. Consider offering additional services such as subtitling, interpreting, or language consultancy. By expanding your service portfolio, you create multiple revenue streams and reduce reliance on any single aspect of translation work. This approach helps safeguard your career against the evolving technological landscape.

6 Educate Clients

An important part of navigating the impact of machine translation is educating your clients about its capabilities and limitations. Inform them why human translation remains critical for certain types of content and the added value you bring to the table. By setting realistic expectations and highlighting your unique contributions, you foster appreciation for the nuanced work that only a human translator can provide.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?