Like digging 'your own grave': The translators grappling with losing work to AI (www.cnn.com)

The advent of AI translation tools is significantly impacting the livelihoods of human translators, as exemplified by Timothy McKeon, a rare Irish-language translator who reports a 70% income drop due to reduced demand from European Union institutions. The proliferation of generative AI and machine translation software like Google Translate has diminished the necessity for human translators, with a recent survey revealing that over a third of translators experienced job losses attributed to these technologies. As AI continues to evolve, there's a strong concern within the translation community about being forced to contribute to the very systems that displace them, leading to a feeling of professional obsolescence. The implications extend beyond individual translators, as companies and governments explore the integration of AI in various sectors, notably legal and medical fields. Language professionals fear that relying on AI could lead to significant risks due to the nuanced nature of language in these critical areas. While the technology can handle basic translation tasks, it currently lacks the ability to replicate the depth of human connection and context necessary for sensitive communications. Moreover, many translators are now diversifying their skills to adapt, prompting calls for better support and labor protections from governments to address potential increases in inequality and economic instability within the profession.