AI technology has completely reshaped our reality and made doing various tasks a lot easier. Want to research about a topic? Want to summarize information from a case study? Have to generate high-quality images quickly? An AI will do all that for you.
One of the perks of this technology stems from NLP (Natural Language Processing) algorithms, which allow for real-time text translations. This bridges the language barriers among people worldwide, making collaborative efforts a reality.
In this post, we aim to explore 3 ways in which AI is helping to remove language gaps. We will also aim to discuss some tools in this regard that are helpful for translation/transcribing purposes. So, let’s get started.
The Role of AI in Breaking Language Barriers
Unlike traditional translation methods, AI-driven tools have continued to improve at an unprecedented rate as they’re consistently trained on the newest kinds of data. This has enabled them to offer more accurate and nuanced translations, better than expectations.
AI has become crucial for enabling communication across different cultures, industries, and geographically separate people. The technology also brings many other benefits to the table, the top 3 of which are:
- Offering Real-time Speech Recognition and Translation
AI apps have become so advanced that they can offer real-time speech recognition and translation services.
Maestra.ai is a case in point that promptly transcribes audio and video files into your favored language. Thus, offering you a lot of convenience in understanding content from other parts of the World, or aiding your journey as a student.
Real-time speech recognition and translation aids global meetings and conferences like ICOP, UN Ambassador Seminar, etc. It also helps maintain cross-border relationships as representatives from either country are easily able to put their points across without any problems.
Besides easing socio-political discussions, AI translation also plays a vital role in medicine. Doctors and patients from varying linguistic backgrounds can communicate with each other clearly, leading to much better outcomes.
- Supporting Various Types of Content
The advanced technology isn’t just limited to translating/transcribing from audio or video files, it is much more than that.
With the help of the right platforms, you can transform stills like pictures, infographics, posters, etc., to your native language.
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The image translator is an example of such a tool that takes input in a visual format and provides the output in the same medium but translated into another language. The tool is completely free with unlimited usage and supports batch processing capabilities to translate many files at once.
What follows is a world without any linguistic silos; everything is understandable by everyone everywhere.
For instance, if you are a graphic designer looking to create projects for the international market. Then, you can utilize image-translation tools to adapt your designs according to different languages and client needs.
- Helping in Learning Different Languages
Lastly, AI is helping to remove language barriers by teaching people about global languages in much more detail and that, too, in a lot less time. Before AI, it was an uphill task to get another language, let alone the proficiency to read, speak, listen, and write in it.
However, now you can access platforms like Duolingo where you can deeply learn more than 40 languages. The smart algorithms integrated in Duolingo teach you in a personalized manner judging from your daily activities and learning styles. Thus, engraving every meaningful word into your mind from a foreign tongue.
Another platform that comes to mind is Rosetta Stone AI which has limited language-learning options as compared to Duolingo. But, it works in the same manner by analyzing your strengths and weaknesses as a learner and offering targeted practice.
All of these tools and platforms have immensely helped to bridge the language barrier among people.
A Real-Life Example: Airbnb
In April 2024, translated.com provided real-time dubbing for Airbnb’s beginner’s guide video for first-time visitors on the platform.
The AI-based translation was so accurate that there were hardly any kinds of delays between the person talking and its translation audio queuing up in the users’ ears.
Thus, as discussed in the case study here, AI translators are the future for dubbing and localization of different types of content that are also culturally relevant and accurate.
Concerns with AI Translation
Although AI is revolutionizing the translation industry, there are still many ethical concerns, challenges, and limitations of the said technology.
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Concern #1
Human translators and transcribers raise concerns that AI will take their job, however, this would be far from the truth. AI has only refined the sector, with more labor required to train, implement, and uphold such translation systems.
With that said, not every employee can go through a steeper learning curve to upskill themselves effectively. So, an AI wouldn’t take their job, but a person learning to work with AI will.
Concern # 2
AI translators are not very accurate for other languages except English. While NLP algorithms are continually changing and advancing, this concern is partially true.
According to the Economist, the famous chatbot, ChatGPT scored 85% on a question-answer test in English, while the score for other languages like Hindi and Telugu was just 65%.
This is not good enough, especially considering that nearly 100 Million people speak these languages and won’t be collaborating easily with the rest of the world.
Concern # 3
Many industry experts have highlighted that AI might have biases in its translation, depending upon the quality of the training data.
This might become a concern in a socio-political context, especially when machines begin to translate sensitive or politically charged topics.
Final Words
AI technology significantly enhances communication by removing language barriers through real-time speech recognition and translation. The advanced technology supports various content types and significantly aids in learning a language.
The mentioned tools in this post are examples of how AI-driven solutions provide accurate translations, facilitate understanding across cultures, and personalize language instruction.
By leveraging these advancements, individuals and organizations can engage more effectively in a globalized world, making collaboration much easier.
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