The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) raises fears within various professional sectors, particularly in the field of translation. Elvira Dominguez, an experienced translator and interpreter, expresses her concerns about the impact of this technology on her profession. In her reflections, she discusses the upheaval she feels due to the growing competition from AI, as well as the challenges it imposes on the workforce. This article explores her concerns and the potential implications of AI on the profession.
Elvira Dominguez’s Fears
At 47 years old and with two decades of experience as a translator and interpreter in Clermont-Ferrand, Elvira shares her feelings of apprehension. She has observed a decline in activity for about a year and a half, which she attributes, in part, to the increasing arrival of AI in her field. “I have been self-employed for 10 years. It has always been very steady, but recently, I have had difficulties maintaining the same level of activity,” she explains.
Increased Competition Due to AI
Elvira notes that AI, while being a promising tool capable of accelerating certain processes, fails to match the human quality needed for her profession. “We are presented with work whose quality is often below expectations,” she states, highlighting the frequent errors and the lack of creativity generated by these automated systems. Therefore, she laments that companies choose to opt for cheaper solutions at the expense of quality.
The Economic Stakes in the United States and France
The phenomenon of AI has significant economic repercussions, especially in the United States, where companies like Amazon and Microsoft justify mass layoffs by integrating this technology. The impact of AI on employment is already palpable, with data indicating that jobs like cashier, data entry operator, and even writer/translator are considered particularly vulnerable.
Specific Repercussions on the Translation Profession
Elvira mentions the fear of a radical transformation of her profession, where part of the market could be compromised by the arrival of cheaper and sometimes insufficient automated translation. She admits that there are now initiatives where translators are asked to proofread work initially done by AI, an indication of the changes underway in the sector.
The Academic Perspective
Experts like Sébastien Salva, a university professor at UCA, highlight the challenges posed by AI. While he acknowledges the opportunities this technology can offer, he warns that the link between AI and workforce reductions is often misunderstood. In France, the market could be affected by global factors, including the post-Covid crisis, rather than solely the development of AI.
A Need for Training and Adaptation
To face these challenges, it is crucial to consider skills adaptation and dedicated training. Nourddine Azzaoui and Engelbert Mephu Nguifo, leaders of a Master’s program on AI at UCA, share this vision, specifying that AI does not replace existing jobs but transforms them. They emphasize that we are witnessing an industrial revolution that calls for a reevaluation of the skills needed in light of this technological evolution.
Perspectives on an Uncertain Future
Elvira appears resigned and heads toward an uncertain future. With 20 years of experience in a field she has loved, she admits her concern for the future of her profession. As she points out: “I don’t know where this change will lead me, but I feel I need to adapt or consider a career change.” As globalization and automation seem to transform the professional landscape, it remains essential to explore how to balance technological innovation with the need for unparalleled human expertise.
