Survey on the use of generative artificial intelligence by professional translators
Abstract
This paper presents the findings of an anonymous online survey conducted in early 2024 on the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) among professional translators. The survey revealed that 29.4% of professional translators incorporate GenAI into their workflow, in line with the results of another recent study. There is a significant association between the use of machine translation (MT) and GenAI, with MT users more likely to also use GenAI. Translators primarily use GenAI for writing-related tasks, such as finding contextual meanings, rephrasing sentences, shortening, summarizing and simplifying, and finding metaphors, synonyms and definitions. This suggests that GenAI enhances translation quality rather than productivity. Only 28.8% of GenAI users use it more than 50% of the time, implying that it is just one of several tools. ChatGPT is the most popular GenAI system, used by 80.8% of GenAI users, followed by Microsoft Copilot at 29.6%. However, only 20% of GenAI users pay for premium services. Many professional translators do not use GenAI (70.6%), often due to strong negative attitudes. GenAI’s role as an alternative to traditional MT followed by post-editing is less common than might be expected.
Published in
Translating and the Computer 46: proceedings. Asling: International Society for Advancement in Language Technology, 18-20 November 2024; pp. 23‑34 (ISBN 978-2-9701733-2-8).
Engaging copy translated literally into English, without taking account of differences in linguistic, semantic and cultural expressions, at best leaves much to be desired and at worst provokes hysterical laughter.
Thanks to my scientific background, I specialize in technical translations. Over the years I have acquired experience in transcreating advertising copy and press releases primarily for the promotion of technology products.
All my clients are satisfied with the quality/price ratio of my service.
