Title: The Impact of AI on Literary Translators: Challenges and Concerns
As the publishing world witnesses the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), the role of literary translators is becoming increasingly vulnerable. They are the first casualties of the AI revolution, facing worsening working conditions and dwindling orders. The use of automatic translation programs like DeepL is increasingly prevalent, reducing the job of translators to post-editing contracts where they revise machine-translated texts.
Publishers and translators alike consider this practice shameful, leading publishers to avoid mentioning AI use on book covers. However, due to a lack of alternatives, many translators reluctantly accept these cheaper contracts.
A recent survey conducted by the French Literary Translators’ Association (ATLF) revealed a concerning lack of transparency from publishers regarding AI use and lower compensation for translators. In 68% of cases, compensation rates were lower than the average translation rates. Furthermore, nearly half of the surveyed professionals found post-editing to be more time-consuming than conventional translation work.
Only 8% of professionals accepted post-editing jobs, but only for recreational works or if the compensation reflected the actual working time. Some took on these contracts out of curiosity, believing that AI will continue to expand.
The arrival of AI has raised legal challenges, with concerns over translators being classified as self-employed contractors. This classification contradicts the fact that translators are authors and should receive royalties on each book sale, typically ranging from 1% to 2%.
There is also a broader question of authorship. With the original text already translated by a machine, the identity of the author becomes unclear. These concerns prompted over 5,100 individuals to sign a petition by the En chair et en os (Flesh and bones) collective, opposing what they perceive as soulless translations.
Critics argue that the rise of AI translation leads to a loss of essential skills, cognitive abilities, and intellectual capacity. They fear a future saturated with standardized, instantaneously produced content lacking depth and originality.
Despite these concerns, some beginner translators and those paid on an hourly basis are accepting these AI-related proposals. The official scale for translation rates, influenced by subsidies from the National Book Center, is currently set at €21 per page but may face a decline to €17 or €18 when AI is involved.
The ongoing debate surrounding AI and its impact on literary translation highlights the need for a balanced perspective. While the technology offers efficiency and convenience, it also poses challenges for the integrity and quality of translated works.
In conclusion, the rise of AI in the publishing world has had a significant impact on the profession of literary translators. The use of automatic translation programs and post-editing contracts have led to worsened working conditions and decreased compensation. The lack of transparency from publishers and the legal and authorship concerns raised by translators further complicate the situation. The future of literary translation remains uncertain as stakeholders navigate the complexities of integrating AI while preserving the artistry and value of human translation.
