Doha:Mowaffaq Faiq Tawfiq, a translation and interpreting expert at Al Jazeera Media Network, emphasized the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on translation. He highlighted that while AI has significantly changed both written translation and interpreting, it should be viewed as a tool to enhance human work rather than replace it.
According to Qatar News Agency, Tawfiq pointed out that concerns about technology displacing human roles have persisted throughout history, following innovations like writing, the printing press, computers, and the internet. He stressed the importance of developing the skills needed to use technology responsibly. In the Arab world, he noted a decline in systematic reading and an increasing reliance on ready-made solutions, emphasizing that translation requires deep knowledge of both languages and cultures, beyond mere proficiency.
He also noted the limited Arabic content available online compared to global output, advocating for increased Arabic knowledge production to enhance the language's presence in AI technologies. AI models, he explained, rely on human knowledge for training and are adept at searching, retrieving, processing, and synthesizing information.
While AI is becoming more useful in tasks such as gathering and summarizing information, particularly in scientific and legal contexts, Tawfiq warned against relying on machines for final decisions. He remarked that machines cannot interpret human intent, body language, or facial expressions.
AI's effectiveness varies, being more successful in written translations than in interpreting, where dialects and vocal cues present challenges. Technical texts are more straightforward for AI, but philosophical and literary works require deeper understanding. Tawfiq concluded that abandoning AI is neither feasible nor desirable, advocating for its effective use with humans responsible for final judgments and quality checks.
International Translation Day, observed on September 30, celebrates translators and language professionals for their role in fostering communication and understanding. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed this day in 2017, supported by Qatar and other countries, recognizing the significance of translation in international cooperation.