Our Analysts' Insights

In the last year, CSA Research has been covering a new paradigm for translator productivity, one we call “augmented translation.” The term comes from “augmented reality”: applications that overlay images of the world with relevant information. Although Pokémon Go is the best-known example, the approach has become important in industrial applications as well. As detailed in “Augmented Translation Powers up Language Services,” this translation variant leverages language technology – adaptive machine translation, automated content enrichment, and lights-out project management, as well as traditional translation memory and terminology tools – to make translators more efficient and grant them more control. 

At CSA Research, we predict that the approach is going to become more important as it drives the next round of productivity gains for human translators. Even though no single platform today implements augmented translation in its entirety, those that implement parts of it are reporting substantial performance increases that get better over time as the systems learn from individual linguists, project managers, and customers. 
 

These new combinations of technology eliminate inefficiencies and help linguists focus on what they do best. As platforms for linguists implement the constituent technologies and figure out ways to make them more user friendly, they will help project stakeholders become more efficient and valuable, much as computer accounting applications have transformed accountants from book-keepers into individuals who provide valuable insights into business processes and operations. They will also dramatically change the face of project management by freeing up managers to focus on delivering exceptional customer service and addressing problems, rather than shuffling files around. 

To learn more about how augmented translation will affect the language services industry, we are hosting an open access webinar on July 6 at 11:00 Eastern Daylight Time. In CSA Research’s first webinar open to non-clients – What Do Translators Have in Common with Polar Explorers? How the Coming Augmented Translation Revolution Changes Everything – we will discuss how this new approach is altering the face of translation. This webinar is recommended to anyone involved in running translation operations – in an LSP or on the buyer side – who wants to understand how technology will transform approaches and processes. 

Attendees will learn about how new technologies will affect translation and how their combination promises to transform the industry. The presentation will also discuss issues around pricing and the value of individual linguists that LSPs will need to solve to build new business models that can effectively capitalize on augmented translation.

Join us to learn why modern translators can learn from polar explorers and how augmented translation will revolutionize the language industry. Space is limited, but a recording will be available and a second webinar is planned.