Here's how you can navigate translation technology to make informed decisions.

It's a jungle out there in the tech world, isn't it? The key is to not get overwhelmed. Start by identifying your needs. What are your pain points? What do you need to speed up, streamline, or improve? Then, do your research. Read reviews, watch demos, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Most importantly, try before you buy. Many tools offer free trials. Kick the tires, so to speak. And remember, the best tool is the one that fits your workflow, not the one with the most bells and whistles.

Gemini, Google's Gen AI, was asked to create images of World War 2 but failed to capture historical accuracy by generating racially diverse Nazis, including Asian and Black female soldiers. This starkly illustrated Gen AI's limitations. The images, though technically produced by the AI, were factually incorrect and culturally insensitive. This incident made me realize how a company's agenda can influence AI models and the importance of human oversight to prevent such misrepresentations. It reinforced my belief that while AI is powerful, it is not infallible.

We also use AI to translate our blog articles from French into English and German. This process saves us an enormous amount of time. Nevertheless, it is essential to proofread the articles, adapt them, make nuances clearer and adapt information to the respective market if necessary. We need to see AI as an assistant, but it will by no means replace humans for the translation process.

There's a huge pushback from some academic community members when using artificial intelligence. I personally think it is pointless to fight against this new and unstoppable technology. As a PhD student reading in English and writing in Spanish (without being a native speaker of either language), AI is an indispensable tool that allows me to work more efficiently. I use it daily, and in the specific case of translations, it helps me add a formal touch to my academic texts. However, it is crucial to conduct thorough research beforehand to ensure the AI is provided with accurate information. Finally, proofreading your content is essential to avoid any issues.

One should also consider the level of confidentiality required for the translation, especially when using the free online tools and cloud-based applications.

Recently, a high-profile case highlighted the risks of relying on AI for critical tasks. A New York lawyer used ChatGPT to prepare a legal brief, only to discover that the AI had fabricated case citations. This mistake led to a $5,000 fine and emphasized the importance of verifying AI-generated content, especially in legal contexts.

At my software company, we're building a multilingual feature. One key metric we evaluate in email writing is the impact of idioms, which vary across languages and cultures. We brought in native speakers and engaged Swiss grad students to oversee our adaptations into French, German, and Italian, ensuring fluency and cultural accuracy.

AI is a tool to help you work more efficiently; it is not meant to do all the work for you. If you're not fluent in the target language, it's essential to seek external help to evaluate your work. Additionally, people can recognize texts entirely written by AI, and several software programs can detect AI-generated content. Clients still expect you to do the work and ensure its quality. Remember, AI is a tool, not a substitute.

At my software company, we discovered a cost-effective strategy for our new multilingual feature by collaborating with university students. Swiss grad students provided free translations in French, German, and Italian, turning their work into valuable dissertation projects while gaining industry experience.

Free AI tools are incredibly helpful for improving and proofreading a wide range of texts, especially in academic settings where budget constraints are common. For students and academic professionals fluent in a language, AI can enhance the quality of their writing by providing a more native touch without incurring additional costs. I highly recommend using AI tools to everyone!

Recently, I started using Grammarly to improve my writing. The tool has been invaluable, catching errors and suggesting enhancements that I never would have noticed. Its seamless integration with my writing platforms has significantly streamlined my editing process, ensuring my communication is always clear and professional.