ChatGPT: Is it Good or Bad for the Translation Industry?

Launched by OpenAI in November 2022, ChatGPT has become a viral phenomenon. The technology is known for producing human-like text and conversation. Moreover, with the plus and paid version of the original software which was launched recently, it is clear that the technology is here to stay.

Tools like ChatGPT 3 online are changing how many industries operate, including the translation sector. However, for most, the true implications of the software are still unclear. Here, we look into the possibility of ChatGPT translation and answer for two critical questions: What is ChatGPT? And how will this technology impact the future of the language services industry?

What is ChatGPT?

For anyone who does not know what this technology is, it stands for Chat Generative Pre-Trainer Transformer. It is essentially an advanced chatbot that relies on the latest AI technology to produce detailed answers to complex queries.

You’ve likely seen the explosion of ChatGPT 3 online and in the news with people from all industries quickly using the powerful software. The primary function of the technology is to mimic human conversations, but its uses are vast. It has been quickly picked up by businesses and individuals who have used it to write essays, debug computer programmes, and compose poetry.

It is slowly making its way into the language services sector. The AI software can translate content in seconds, with a scarily human-like ability far superior to current machine translation software. However, what does this mean for the translation industry?

How Will this Technology Impact the Translation Industry?

There is no doubt that ChatGPT will impact the translation industry, and mainly for the better. Here are the core two benefits that the technology will have for businesses needing translators and linguists working in the industry:

1. Faster Turnarounds

The number one benefit of this technology for translation is its speed. A human translation may take hours or days to complete, depending on the complexity and length of the project. In comparison, a ChatGPT translation is returned to the user in seconds – even if translating an entire website or book.

This benefits people in need of translation and linguists working in the industry. Consumers can get their translated content quickly, which is hugely helpful for time-sensitive documents or companies planning international business launches. Meanwhile, professional translators can take on more projects and ensure they hit tight deadlines.

2. More Accessible Translations

Translations will be more accessible thanks to this technology. This is primarily due to improvements in the affordability of professional language translation services. As ChatGPT significantly speeds up the translation process, translators spend less time on each project, thereby reducing costs.

On the other hand, many people may choose to bypass professional translation agencies entirely. This technology is the most advanced translation tool currently available. It is also completely free and open to everyone. Rather than seeking the help of professional services, people on a budget can get a human-like translation for free using ChatGPT 3 online.

How Does a ChatGPT Translation Compare to Human Translation?

With current machine translation tools unable to pick up on the subtleties of language, accurate translation has consistently called on human expertise. However, with its human-like conversational abilities, will a ChatGPT translation be of a professional standard?

This is the million-dollar question, and according to the software development team, yes! The software is a natural language processing (NLP) technology that uses machine learning to produce human-like content.

However, while undoubtedly a valuable tool for translators, we foresee several issues with solely relying on this technology for your translations:

1. Unsuitable for Highly Regulated Industries

ChatGPT developers claim that the technology “could be particularly useful in industries where accuracy and precision are critical, such as legal or medical translation,” –we beg to differ, however.

Highly regulated industries such as medicine and law use complex terminology and often must adhere to strict formatting guidelines. These guidelines vary internationally and can completely change the layout of the content required. As a result, the content often requires extensive adaptation to be suitable for foreign regulators and audiences.

For this reason, translations for highly regulated industries are the most challenging to get right. ChatGPT does not have the knowledge to make all the required adaptations. Moreover, the stakes are high for these types of translations, as mistakes can lead to financial and/or legal repercussions. With so much on the line, it is best to trust skilled professionals over machines.

2. Data and Privacy Risks

The biggest concerns with you using a ChatGPT translation are in relation to your privacy. ChatGPT 3 online is an open-source chatbot, meaning its code can be accessed and modified by anyone that knows how. This poses a considerable security risk to anyone who uses the software.

Hackers can edit the code and use it to carry out cyberattacks on users of the software. They could also use it to spread malware onto your devices, which can gain access to confidential business and client information. Not only does this put your own data at risk, but a customer privacy breach could destroy your business reputation.

When using a professional translation service, there are no concerns over your privacy. Every translation agency has its own privacy rules in place to protect both parties. They are also prohibited from selling or sharing your data, ensuring your translations are confidential and secure.

How Can We Use ChatGPT to Improve Translations?

Although a ChatGPT translation is no match for the work of professional human translators, the technology can be utilised effectively. In fact, when combined with the power of human translators, it can produce remarkable results.

Here are some of the ways that the online -3 chatbot could be used in the industry:

• Producing an initial translation within seconds to give professional translators a head start. Professional linguists can adapt and tweak the AI-produced version to produce authentic translations quickly.
• Producing shorter and longer versions of the same content. Translators can put their translations into the software and set specific character counts and word length restrictions. This is extremely helpful in terms of formatting.
• Producing translations for niche language pairs or dying languages where professional services are not available. However, the accuracy of these translations may be questionable, depending on the information sources that ChatGPT has access to.

The Future of the Translation Industry

Is this technology revolutionising the translation industry? Not yet –the AI chatbot has a long way to go before it is capable of producing genuine human translations. However, we could see improvements in accessibility and affordability in the future.

For now, you are better off relying on a professional language services provider, such as Renaissance Translations. We provide quick and affordable translations for a wide range of industries. Contact us to learn more or request a translation quote for your project online.