DVTA Online Presentation: Can translators be “augmented” by technology? On translation technology, AI and the augmentation paradigm – by Miguel A. Jiménez-Crespo

Join us for Our Second Online Presentation of the 2023 DVTA WEBINAR SERIES:

On THURSDAY, May 11^th, 2023, from 7 PM to 8:30 PM (EST) via Zoom

CAN TRANSLATORS BE “AUGMENTED” BY TECHNOLOGY? ON TRANSLATION TECHNOLOGY, AI AND THE AUGMENTATION

PRESENTED BY – MIGUEL A. JIMENEZ-CRESPO

The “augmented translation” model was recently introduced Common Sense Advisory and it relates to advances on “intelligence/cognitive augmentation.” It has been described as a “a technology-centric approach to amplifying the capabilities of human translators” (Lommel 2020:np). It represents a “technology- rich environment […] automatically processes many of the low-value tasks that consume and inordinate amount of […] time and energy.” (DePalma and Lommel 2017:np). Augmentation is supposed to enhance human cognition and “it brings information to [translators’] attention when needed,” helping them become “more consistent, more responsive, and more productive” (ibid). 

Nevertheless, intelligence augmentation (IA) implies using machines to enhance the work, expertise, and experience of a human user or worker. IA is “complementary to human intelligence and will not to take over human function” (Sadiku and Musa 2021: 192). In this paradigm, integrated technological systems learn and adapt to humans (not the other way around), and humans remain in the loop “and in charge” (Angelone 2023:68). This presentation overviews recent technological advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Intelligence Augmentation (IA) in order to identify whether recent technological advances are meant for human translators to be assisted and “in charge,” or rather, these advances are meant to keep “humans in the loop” while algorithms and machines remain in control. In a professional environment marked by anxiety over automation and technological disruption (Viera 2018; Sakamoto 2018, 2020), the presentation will discuss the central role of professional translators in this new technological environment.

Miguel A. Jiménez-Crespo holds a PhD in Translation and Interpreting Studies from the University of Granada, Spain, and is an ATA certified English> Spanish translator.  He is a Professor in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, Rutgers University, where he directs the graduate and undergraduate program in Spanish – English Translation and Interpreting.  He is the author of Crowdsourcing and Online Collaborative Translations: Expanding the Limits of Translation Studies published by John Benjamins in 2017 and Translation and Web Localization published by Routledge in 20013. He is in the editorial board of a number of Translation and Interpreting Studies journals such as Meta: Studies in Translatology, Jostrans: The Journal of Specialized Translation, Translation and Interpreting, The Journal of Digital Translation, InContext or Sendebar.

AOPC: 2 CEUs                                         ATA: 2 CEPs

Language: Language Neutral/English

Difficulty level: All are welcome.

The registration deadline for this workshop is WEDNESDAY, MAY 10th, 2023 @ 12PM.

The workshop is free for current DVTA members by and $35 for non-members (membership status will be verified). The capacity limit is 100.

Once you have registered and claimed your spot, you will be sent a zoom link for the meeting prior to the event (Please make sure to check your spam folder). The event is not accessible through Eventbrite, only through the zoom link that will be provided. Please do not share this link with anyone as it is intended for registrants only.

See you then!