Deep learning or Deep understanding? The Translator's Dilemma in the Age of AI

In the 21st century, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force, reshaping industries, redefining professions, and challenging traditional workflows. The field of translation is no exception. Machine translation tools, leveraging advanced deep learning algorithms, have revolutionized the way languages are processed and understood. These tools can now deliver translations at unparalleled speeds, breaking down language barriers and democratizing access to information like never before.

Yet, beneath this technological progress lies a fundamental tension: while AI can parse syntax and semantics with astonishing accuracy, it struggles with the subtleties of human communication. This workshop invites participants to reflect on this evolving dynamic. As AI becomes an indispensable tool in the translator’s arsenal, the profession is at a crossroads. Should translators aim to compete with machines in speed and efficiency, or should they carve out a complementary role, emphasizing the creativity, empathy, and critical thinking that AI cannot replicate?

We aim to navigate this landscape together, exploring the practical and ethical dilemmas translators face today. By examining the strengths and limitations of AI in translation and the value of human insight, this workshop seeks to chart a path forward for the profession—a path that balances technological advancement with the deep understanding that defines human communication.