Post-editing machine translation (PEMT) is now a common professional task for translators, but many of us are concerned about accompanying changes in the profession. Indeed, some have left the profession, unable to find a rewarding position in this emerging professional ecology. What are the concerns of those who remain and those who are entering the profession?
- Is machine translation (MT) pushing down pay and conditions for translators?
- Is there a consensus view about acceptable professional conditions in the future?
- Is the use of MT pushing down quality standards?
- Are we, as consumers, becoming numb to bad translation?
- Is it still possible to find satisfactory interesting employment in the translation sector?
- How can translation technology be used to enhance professional and personal growth as a translator?
Kirti Vashee, who works for Asia Online, one of the largest MT vendors, publishes an occasional blog on these and related issues. His latest post, Translator perspectives on MT & technology in general, goes over the territory once again, citing some recent articles by Cristelle Maignon on her blog Coaching for Translators. Maignon leads training courses for translator professional development, including dealing with the challenges of technology. The two authors offer us well-informed contrasting views of the future of the translation profession.
I’ve added both Vashee’s and Maignon’s blogs to our Tradiling links section in the side column.
