Can you imagine if the dropping of the bomb on Hiroshima was due to a translation error? Well, this is something that has been speculated about a lot: whether the interpretation that the Japanese made of the ultimatum sent by the Americans and the use of the Japanese word “mokusatsu” influenced the course of events.

Much has changed in the world of translation and interpreting since 1945. Today, it is possible to travel to Tokyo and ask Google to translate a sentence into Japanese and teach us how to pronounce it. Like Google Translate, there are numerous technological advances that make the work of translators and interpreters easier. But none of them can, and probably will not, completely replace the role of the interpreter. Let us explain why.

Technology and translation

One of the most significant advances in the field of translation technology is Neural Machine Translation (NMT), which uses deep neural networks to optimize the accuracy and naturalness of translations. This technology has been implemented in widely used systems such as Google Translate and DeepL, achieving significant improvements in the quality of translated texts.

Another technological advance is Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR), which allows the conversion of speech into text in real time, which is especially useful in interpretation and accessibility environments. Some tools that implement it are OpenAI’s Whisper or Dragon NaturallySpeaking, which have demonstrated a high degree of effectiveness in this task.

These are technological advances that streamline the work of translation and interpretation professionals and contribute to improving global communication in various fields.

However, the human translator and interpreter knows how to capture nuances of the message, cultural references, humor, irony, sarcasm and other implicit references or double meanings that are intended to be conveyed. A machine, its algorithms, the information it has in the database it works with, are tools with a limitation to interpret all the nuances inherent to intercultural communication.

For example, a machine, no matter how extensive its database, is unlikely to have the speed to assimilate and incorporate phrases such as “the prawn jumps” or “horniness” from the participant in La isla de las tentaciones Montoya. An automatic translation of his intervention would have lost all the nuances inherent to the expressiveness of that moment .

‘Encouragement’ is not the same as ‘breath’

This was evident at the latest edition of the Goya Awards, the great gala of Spanish cinema. Among the international attendees was Richard Gere, who received the international Goya from his friend Antonio Banderas for his more than 50 years of distinguished career in the film industry. The renowned actor began his speech with a few words of thanks in Spanish and continued in English.

In order for the speech to reach the Spanish public, the organisation opted for real-time subtitling, done by a professional who, while listening to the original speech, types the subtitles, which appear immediately on the screen.

This task had to be done without a pre-provided text and at top speed, which was not easy, since Gere’s speech was improvised and full of surprises. The result contained errors, omissions and untranslated text. For example, what Gere thanked as a “wonderful encouragement” appeared in the subtitles as “alento maravilloso” (wonderful encouragement). In the context of the speech, a word like “ánimo” could have been better used and even the syntax could have been modified to be able to say, in Spanish, that the award “was a wonderful way to give him encouragement.”

Instead of real-time subtitling, another technique could have been used: simultaneous interpretation, in which technology plays a fundamental role.

The role of technology in simultaneous interpretation

Simultaneous interpretation involves the reproduction of a speech in real time in a language other than that of the speaker. In these cases, interpreters usually work in an interpretation booth or with portable equipment.

Academic research has been contributing for years to providing technological solutions that facilitate multilingual communication in different areas.

Our INNOVATRAD project aims to develop a computer-assisted interpreting tool that optimizes the interpreter’s work by creating personalized glossaries, managing information and accurately transcribing terms, in such a way that it seeks to provide comprehensive support that transforms interpreting practice.

Automated pre-preparation

This tool will automate pre-assignment preparation, eliminating the need to perform these tasks manually and centralizing essential functions in a single platform. This way, the interpreter will be able to efficiently access key terms and relevant information without relying on multiple external tools.

For example, if an actor’s words of thanks upon receiving an award need to be interpreted in a film context, the tool can optimize accuracy by providing reference texts. By including previous interviews with the actor, the system analyzes linguistic patterns and generates key vocabulary, facilitating a more accurate and contextualized interpretation of the speech.

In addition, during real-time interpretation, INNOVATRAD will offer assistance through automated transcription of the speech, which will facilitate understanding and accuracy in the transmission of the message.

A necessarily technological profession

However, this innovation is not intended to replace the role of the interpreter, but rather to enhance his or her work, guaranteeing a harmonious interaction between technology and human experience, the recognition of nuances and contextual decisions that only a professional can provide.

In order for these types of tools to be used, it is also necessary to incorporate technological modules into interpreter training. It is no longer possible to imagine an interpreter working without technology and, therefore, it is necessary for undergraduate and postgraduate training to be up to date in this regard.

Author Bios: Rachel Lazaro Gutierrez is Professor of Translation and Interpreting, Abdelhamid Tayebi Tayebi is Professor at the Department of Computer Science, Adrian Valledor Perez is a Researcher in Computer Science, Elena Mayor Peñalver is Professor of Translation and Interpretation and Josefa Gomez Perez is Professor of Computer Science all at the University of Alcalá