GettyImages-965463100

I was recently asked, “Forces that will shape the future in 2024 and beyond.” 

Here is my answer:

Generative AI holds thrilling potential for LSPs. Ethical challenges abound, but we are optimistic that these can be addressed through human-AI collaboration. 

AI is a technology tool, not a human, and has inherent flaws. And for all our flaws, we humans are emotionally intelligent, ethically discerning, and culturally aware – all attributes that are essential components of language access. Some of the challenges we contemplate daily include:

  • Bias: Generative AI models are trained on vast amounts of data, and the quality and diversity of the training data plays a crucial role in their output. Human oversight can ensure that biases are not perpetuated or amplified. 
  • Privacy: LSPs handle large volumes of sensitive information. We must ensure that data protection and privacy standards are maintained rigorously.
  • Accuracy: Human oversight and quality assurance processes should play a crucial role in ensuring that translations are accurate, culturally appropriate, and contextually relevant.
  • Transparency:  Being transparent about the use of Generative AI and its limitations is essential to maintain trust.
  • Reskilling: Linguists are highly skilled individuals, prized for their judgement. LSPs should reskill and upskill their workforces, focusing on human-AI collaboration rather than complete automation.

Ideally, humans and technology will join forces in such a way that the sum is greater than the parts. The result can be a thoughtful, ethical, and high-quality approach to AI that lifts us to even greater heights.

This article originally appeared in CSA Research

Scott W. Klein is the president and CEO of LanguageLine Solutions.

New call-to-action