Navigating translation and AI
Rather than offering untested solutions, Translation and AI helps participants develop a knowledgeable and critical perspective.
Over the summer 2024, the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI), in collaboration with the Centre for Translation Studies at the University of Surrey, delivered two sell-out courses. Now, by popular demand it is returning for a third time this autumn.
Led by three, highly-regarded academics – Professor Constantin Orasan, Dr Dimitris Asimakoulas and Dr Félix do Carmo – Translation and AI offers an impartial, research-based perspective on AI's impact on translation. It is designed to equip language professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an era awash with AI, helping participants cut through the hype and counter the pessimism.
I was impressed by the professors' knowledge of the topic.
Over 60 participants have already taken the course and their feedback highlighted in particular the quality of the teaching, the unbiased academic perspective, and the comprehensive coverage of topics. Participants also praised the course for being thought-provoking and for providing an excellent basis for further learning. This is not a course that suggests you invest in a particular solution, but instead gives you as a translator the confidence to use AI to add more value to your work.
Each of the five modules comprises two 90-minute sessions, enabling each topic to be covered in depth. The course begins with an exploration of the risks associated with AI’s use in translation, both from client and translator perspectives, providing translators with strategies to minimise and control these risks, and allowing them to adapt AI to serve their professional needs effectively.
Module 2 explores the main technological concepts in AI and explains Large Language Models (LLMs), demonstrating how they can enhance translation workflows. It bridges theory and practice, showing how to use LLMs for tasks like term extraction and how to optimise prompts for more effective results.
A unique strength of Translation and AI is its exploration of creativity and AI. Recognising creativity as a fundamental concept for translators, module 3 investigates whether it is present in AI outputs and also tests and demonstrates applications of AI writing tools. This challenges participants to think critically about human creativity and suggests ways in which AI can support translators.
The course dedicates a module to demystifying Neural Machine Translation (NMT), before finishing with an in-depth look into the impact of AI on translation as a profession. This final module explores various business models, assessing their resilience to further AI advancements, and presents strategies for translators to work and communicate as AI experts.
This course has been thought-provoking and gives me a fresh perspective on my profession in a world buzzing with AI.
Throughout, the academic experience of the lecturers from the University of Surrey's Centre for Translation Studies ensures an independent, non-commercial view. Rather than offering untested solutions, the course helps participants develop a knowledgeable and critical perspective, enabling them to find their own answers to the complex questions posed by AI in translation.
The development of this course demonstrates ITI's commitment and enthusiasm for working closely with researchers and academic partners to support the translation profession. This collaboration with CTS Surrey has been a great success and we are keen to develop similar initiatives with other academic institutions in the future. By bridging the gap between academic research and practical industry needs, we aim to ensure our members and the wider translation community are well-equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities facing the profession. This course is the first of what we hope will be a series of innovative and fruitful collaborations.
The next course starts on 4 October. To book you place, follow the link below. Booking closes Monday 30th September.
