The value of foreign languages in the age of AI

What is the current technological level of translators using Artificial Intelligence (AI), and what future developments can we anticipate? Professor Johanna Miecznikowski-Fuenfschilling, Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Communication, Culture, and Society at the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), discussed this topic on SEIDISERA (Rete Uno - RSI).

Currently, there are AI-based translators that can convert texts from any language, as well as programmes for voice translation. However, the potential advancements for these technologies are numerous, as explained by Professor Johanna Miecznikowski-Fuenfschilling: "We are technologically close to applications that enable simultaneous translation. However, integrating these devices into natural conversation seems more challenging. The main issue lies in how interactions are organised. In fact, technology significantly influences the way communicative interactions occur."

The professor from USI explained the differences in communication that arise from AI-mediated translations: "There may be more misunderstandings in conversations, which can lead to a slower exchange of ideas. It is essential to revisit and resolve any unfinished business. Most importantly, when making important decisions, it is crucial to fully understand what the other person is saying rather than just having a vague idea of their message."

These are, however, not the only problems that could arise from the use of AI translations: "There is a risk that, due to the availability of many aids, the necessity to make a cognitive effort to learn and understand other cultures and their reasoning is diminished."

It is precisely for these reasons that according to Professor Miecznikowski-Fuenfschilling, the study of foreign languages remains important: "Studying a foreign language continues to make sense, as it is a way of getting to know the other person's culture, and it remains the only way to come into direct contact with people, a contact in which we are 100% responsible for what we say and have a way of actually verifying what we are told".

Although AI technology will continue to improve its performance, the speaker is still responsible for their own communication. It is essential to have someone involved in the interaction who can assess the accuracy of the translations.

The full interview with the Professor on SEIDISERA, is available at the following link ( from min. 21:19) Italian only