Human skills remain indispensable in translation amid AI transformation, say top UAE experts

Al Etihad

22-04-2025

23 Apr 2025 00:20
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Even in an age of artificial intelligence (AI) — when text can be translated in several languages in a matter of seconds — human skills remain essential, top experts told Aletihad on Tuesday.Language experts and prominent figures in the academe have gathered for the Fifth International Translation Conference, which kicked off in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Hosted by the National Library and Archives (NLA), the conference runs until April 23 under the theme 'Translation in New Contexts in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Technical Challenges and Future Aspirations'.Dr. Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director General of the NLA, said that while AI role in translation has been expanding, human translators remain necessary, especially in capturing context, tone, and cultural nuance.The conference, he said, explores how technology is reshaping the field and how translators can adapt to the transformations while safeguarding the human element.Prof. Fawzi Al Ghazali, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and Professor of Applied Linguistics at Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities – UAE, also stressed the enduring importance of human translators."Elements such as language collocation, cognition, and cultural implications are still areas where AI struggles. These intricacies of language often require human sensitivity and contextual understanding, which machines are not yet fully capable of replicating,' Prof. Al Ghazali, who also served as one of the moderators at the event, told Aletihad.'While we anticipate future improvements in AI, human involvement remains indispensable for ensuring depth, accuracy, and meaning in translation,' he added.A Major PlatformThis edition of the International Translation Conference comes at a time when clarity and expertise are sought amid the AI-driven transformation of the industry."This conference makes a significant contribution to understanding how AI can enhance and streamline the translation process at both literary and scientific levels. The speakers and discussions offer valuable insights into how AI can reinforce the field of translation, especially at a time when there's increasing speculation that AI might eventually replace human translators,' Prof. Al Ghazali said.Over the years, the conference has evolved, said Hamad Al Hamiri, Director of the Research and Knowledge Services Department at the NLA."The conference, having matured over the past four editions, has become a key platform for addressing translation issues and challenges. In this fifth edition, we are focusing specifically on how artificial intelligence can be used to enrich knowledge, process language, and facilitate the work of proofreaders."He added, "We also seek to enhance knowledge content by translating more books, especially since the UAE plays a leading role in this field, ranking first in the Arab world and fourteenth globally in artificial intelligence."This edition of the event features 31 research papers across seven sessions, with participation from researchers representing 10 countries, said Al Hamiri.'We have participation from prestigious international universities such as Oxford, as well as local universities, such as the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and MBZUAI - Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence,' he added.Elaborating on the conference's growth, Aisha Al Dhaheri, Head of the Translation and Publishing Section at the National Archives, said, 'Each conference has its own unique character and themes. We first began with historical translation, then addressed other topics such as the role of libraries in supporting translation. This year, due to the rapid advancements in technology, we decided to focus on artificial intelligence."The current edition focuses on several important themes, such as the ability of artificial intelligence to translate historical texts and the role of human translators in light of these technologies, she added."We also review the applications of artificial intelligence in literary translation, the future of translation education, especially simultaneous translation, and the human skills that remain essential even in the age of artificial intelligence,' Al Dhaheri said.
The conference also aims to promote cultural exchange through translation and encourage the use of AI to support translators and boost knowledge production.