‘They wanted me to make myself obsolete’: translators find themselves at the sharp end of AI

TL;DR

  • Translators face increasing challenges as artificial intelligence (AI) technology evolves.
  • Many in the profession express fears about job obsolescence due to AI advancements.
  • AI can improve efficiency but may compromise the nuances of language and cultural context.
  • Industry experts advocate for human translators to find their niche in areas that AI cannot replicate.

‘They wanted me to make myself obsolete’: Translators Find Themselves at the Sharp End of AI

As the AI revolution continues to reshape various industries, translators are finding themselves at a pivotal moment in their careers—a point at which they must adapt to a rapidly changing landscape that threatens to render their roles less relevant. The conversation surrounding the impact of AI on translation services has intensified as automation becomes increasingly sophisticated, leading to the sentiment among many translators that their craft is at risk.

The Growing Influence of AI

The emergence of AI-driven translation tools has improved efficiency and reduced the time required to translate documents. These advancements are attractive, particularly for businesses seeking to cut costs and expedite their operations. However, according to linguists, this technological shift poses significant risks for professionals in the translation industry. Many translators report feeling pressure to adapt or find themselves sidelined, with some stating, “They wanted me to make myself obsolete.”

There are several factors influencing this shift in the landscape of translation services:

  • Cost-Efficiency: AI can offer significant cost savings for businesses that rely heavily on translation.

  • Speed: Machine translation tools can process vast amounts of text in a fraction of the time it would take a human.

  • Availability: AI tools can function around the clock, providing instant translations without breaks.

These factors contribute to a growing perception that human translators may be increasingly obsolete as businesses integrate AI solutions into their workflows.

The Nuance of Human Translation

Despite the benefits that AI offers, many linguists emphasize the importance of the human touch in translation. The subtleties of language, cultural context, and emotional tone can be lost in machine translations, potentially leading to misunderstandings or misinterpretations.

Industry experts argue that while AI can aid in the translation process, it cannot fully replace the insights and subtleties that come from a human translator. Some areas where human translators retain an advantage include:

  • Literature and Poetry: Capturing the artistic essence and cultural nuances in literary works.

  • Sensitive Communications: Translating documents that require a deep understanding of context, emotion, and potential consequences.

  • Subject Matter Expertise: Specialized translations in fields such as law, medicine, and technology that require an understanding of complex terminology and context.

Finding a New Role

As the translation industry adapts to these advancements, many professionals are looking to redefine their roles. Some linguists are enhancing their skills—such as gaining specialized knowledge in certain fields or learning to utilize AI tools effectively—to remain competitive. These strategies may help bridge the gap between traditional translation practices and the efficiencies offered by AI technology.

In conclusion, the challenges posed by AI to the translation industry highlight the ongoing tension between automation and human expertise. While AI presents the opportunity for improved efficiency and accessibility, it simultaneously imposes the threat of job obsolescence on translators. The future of translation may depend on the ability of professionals to carve out unique niches that leverage their deeply human skills, ensuring that their craft remains relevant in the age of automation.


References

[^1]: 'They wanted me to make myself obsolete’: translators find themselves at the sharp end of AI. Financial Times. Retrieved October 2023.


Keywords: translation, artificial intelligence, AI, job obsolescence, linguists, automation

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‘They wanted me to make myself obsolete’: translators find themselves at the sharp end of AI
System Admin 12 Oktober 2025
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