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With AI translation tools so powerful, what is the point of learning a language?
In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), foreign language learning can seem like it's becoming obsolete. Why invest the time and effort to learn another language when technology can do it for you? There are now translation tools to understand song lyrics, translate websites and to enable automated captions when watching foreign videos and movies. Our phones can instantly translate spoken words. At the same time, foreign language programs are closing at New Zealand and Australian universities. But while technology can translate messages, it misses an important component of human communication -- the cultural nuances behind the words. So, while AI translation might bridge language barriers and promote communication because of its accessibility, it's important to be clear about the benefits and challenges it presents. Merely relying on technology to translate between languages will ultimately lead to misunderstandings and a less rich human experience. The rise of translation technology Translation technology has rapidly grown since its emergence between the 1950s and 1960s. This progress was bolstered by the commercialization of computer-assisted translation systems in the 1980s. But recent advances in generative AI have led to significant breakthroughs in translation technologies. Google Translate has dramatically changed since its launch in 2006. Initially developed as a limited statistical translation machine, it has evolved into a "portable interpreter." AI translation is useful in some circumstances. For example, helping teachers communicate with parents who speak a different language, or when traveling. Translation technology may even play a role in the preservation of Indigenous and minority languages on the verge of disappearing by supporting online collections of literature. Incorporating AI-powered technology in these digital libraries can help users access and understand these texts. But the new technology also comes with limitations. In 2019, staff at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in the United States used AI translation to process an asylum application. The voice-translation tool was unable to understand an applicant's regional accent or dialect, leading to the asylum seeker spending six months in detention without being able to meaningfully communicate with anyone. In 2021, a court in the US determined Google Translate wasn't reliable enough to ensure someone's consent. A trooper had used the translation app to ask a Spanish-speaking suspect if he could search her car. Google Translate used the word "registrar" (which translates as "register" but can be used to say "examine") when, in fact, the word "buscar" (to search) would have been more appropriate. Brain health and other benefits Learning additional languages also stands out as one of the best ways to improve ourselves, with benefits for brain health, social skills, cultural understanding, empathy and career opportunities. An analysis of studies from 2012 to 2019 found speaking more than one language can enhance the brain's flexibility, delay the onset of dementia, and improve cognitive health later in life. The analysis also recommended starting language learning early. In 2022, the Council of Europe emphasized the significance of plurilingual and intercultural education for fostering democratic culture, noting its cognitive, linguistic and social benefits. And this year, the council launched the "Language education at the heart of democracy" program. The goal is to highlight the importance of learning language for a fairer society. Lost in translation In Aotearoa New Zealand, English is widely used. Te reo MÄori and New Zealand Sign Language are also recognized as official languages. Some 29% of citizens are born overseas. There are more than 150 languages spoken, with at least 24 spoken by more than 10,000 people. But interest in learning languages has fallen. In 2021, 980 full-time equivalent students studied a language other than MÄori or New Zealand Sign Language at one of the country's eight universities, falling from 1,555 less than a decade earlier. As a consequence, a number of universities have closed, or announced plans to close, their language programs. While AI-powered translation technology has its uses, a great deal can be lost if we rely solely on it to communicate. The nuances of languages, and what they say about different cultures, are difficult to communicate via translation tools. And the benefits of being bilingual or multilingual -- both personally and for the wider community -- risk being lost if we don't support second language learning.
[2]
With AI translation tools so powerful, what is the point of learning a language?
Auckland University of Technology provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU. In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), foreign language learning can seem like it's becoming obsolete. Why invest the time and effort to learn another language when technology can do it for you? There are now translation tools to understand song lyrics, translate websites and to enable automated captions when watching foreign videos and movies. Our phones can instantly translate spoken words. At the same time, foreign language programmes are closing at New Zealand and Australian universities. But while technology can translate messages, it misses an important component of human communication - the cultural nuances behind the words. So, while AI translation might bridge language barriers and promote communication because of its accessibility, it's important to be clear about the benefits and challenges it presents. Merely relying on technology to translate between languages will ultimately lead to misunderstandings and a less rich human experience. The rise of translation technology Translation technology has rapidly grown since its emergence between the 1950s and 1960s. This progress was bolstered by the commercialisation of computer-assisted translation systems in the 1980s. But recent advances in generative AI have led to significant breakthroughs in translation technologies. Google Translate has dramatically changed since its launch in 2006. Initially developed as a limited statistical translation machine, it has evolved into a "portable interpreter". AI translation is useful in some circumstances. For example, helping teachers communicate with parents who speak a different language, or when travelling. Translation technology may even play a role in the preservation of Indigenous and minority languages on the verge of disappearing by supporting online collections of literature. Incorporating AI-powered technology in these digital libraries can help users access and understand these texts. But the new technology also comes with limitations. In 2019, staff at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centre in the United States used AI translation to process an asylum application. The voice-translation tool was unable to understand an applicant's regional accent or dialect, leading to the asylum seeker spending six months in detention without being able to meaningfully communicate with anyone. In 2021, a court in the US determined Google Translate wasn't reliable enough to ensure someone's consent. A trooper had used the translation app to ask a Spanish-speaking suspect if he could search her car. Google Translate used the word "registrar" (which translates as "register" but can be used to say "examine") when, in fact, the word "buscar" (to search) would have been more appropriate. Brain health and other benefits Learning additional languages also stands out as one of the best ways to improve ourselves, with benefits for brain health, social skills, cultural understanding, empathy and career opportunities. An analysis of studies from 2012 to 2019 found speaking more than one language can enhance the brain's flexibility, delay the onset of dementia, and improve cognitive health later in life. The analysis also recommended starting language learning early. In 2022, the Council of Europe emphasised the significance of plurilingual and intercultural education for fostering democratic culture, noting its cognitive, linguistic and social benefits. And this year, the council launched the "Language education at the heart of democracy" programme. The goal is to highlight the importance of learning language for a fairer society. Lost in translation In Aotearoa New Zealand, English is widely used. Te reo MÄori and New Zealand Sign Language are also recognised as official languages. Some 29% of citizens are born overseas. There are more than 150 languages spoken, with at least 24 spoken by more than 10,000 people. But interest in learning languages has fallen. In 2021, 980 full-time equivalent students studied a language other than MÄori or New Zealand Sign Language at one of the country's eight universities, falling from 1,555 less than a decade earlier. As a consequence, a number of universities have closed, or announced plans to close, their language programmes. While AI-powered translation technology has its uses, a great deal can be lost if we rely solely on it to communicate. The nuances of languages, and what they say about different cultures, are difficult to communicate via translation tools. And the benefits of being bilingual or multilingual - both personally and for the wider community - risk being lost if we don't support second language learning.
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As AI translation tools become increasingly powerful, questions arise about the future of language learning. While these technologies offer convenience, they may miss crucial cultural nuances and potentially impact cognitive benefits associated with multilingualism.
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the field of language translation. From understanding song lyrics to providing real-time spoken word translations, AI-powered tools have become increasingly sophisticated and accessible 12. This rapid advancement has led to questions about the future of language learning and its relevance in an AI-dominated world.
The evolution of translation technology has been remarkable. Since its inception in the 1950s and 1960s, and the commercialization of computer-assisted translation systems in the 1980s, the field has seen significant growth. Recent breakthroughs in generative AI have further accelerated this progress 12. A prime example is Google Translate, which has transformed from a limited statistical translation machine in 2006 to what is now described as a "portable interpreter" 12.
AI translation tools offer undeniable advantages in certain scenarios. They can assist teachers in communicating with parents who speak different languages, aid travelers in foreign countries, and even contribute to the preservation of endangered Indigenous and minority languages by making digital libraries more accessible 12.
However, these technologies are not without limitations. In 2019, a concerning incident occurred at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center, where an AI voice-translation tool failed to understand an asylum seeker's regional accent, resulting in a six-month detention without meaningful communication 12. Similarly, a 2021 U.S. court case highlighted the unreliability of Google Translate in ensuring proper consent during a police search, due to inaccurate word choice 12.
While AI translation tools offer convenience, they cannot replicate the cognitive and social benefits associated with learning multiple languages. Research has shown that multilingualism can enhance brain flexibility, delay the onset of dementia, and improve cognitive health in later life 12. The Council of Europe has emphasized the importance of plurilingual and intercultural education in fostering democratic culture and promoting a fairer society 12.
Despite the benefits of multilingualism, there has been a decline in language learning interest, particularly in countries like New Zealand. In 2021, only 980 full-time equivalent students studied a language other than MÄori or New Zealand Sign Language at the country's eight universities, down from 1,555 less than a decade earlier 12. This decline has led to the closure of several university language programs.
One of the most significant drawbacks of relying solely on AI translation is the potential loss of cultural nuances in communication. While these tools can translate words, they often struggle to convey the deeper cultural context and subtleties that are integral to truly understanding a language and its speakers 12. This limitation underscores the continued importance of human language learning and cultural immersion.
As AI translation technology continues to advance, it is crucial to strike a balance between leveraging these tools and maintaining the practice of language learning. While AI can bridge immediate communication gaps, the cognitive, social, and cultural benefits of multilingualism remain irreplaceable. The challenge moving forward will be to integrate AI translation tools in a way that complements rather than replaces traditional language learning, ensuring a richer, more nuanced understanding of global cultures and communication.
Reference
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The use of AI in translation, particularly for books and video games, sparks debate among industry professionals. While it offers potential benefits, concerns about quality and cultural nuances persist.
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An analysis of AI's future through the lens of Google Translate's successes and shortcomings, highlighting the challenges faced by Large Language Models and their implications for various industries.
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Unbabel, a Lisbon-based startup, launches Widn.AI, an AI-powered translation service that could make human translators obsolete. CEO Vasco Pedro discusses the implications and seeks new funding for expansion.
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A new survey by DeepL reveals that 72% of executives plan to integrate AI into their daily operations in 2025, with a focus on specialized tasks like translation. The study highlights the growing importance of AI in addressing language barriers and improving business communication efficiency.
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Duolingo introduces an AI-powered 'Video Call' feature, allowing users to practice conversations with a virtual character, as part of its commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence for language education.
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