In recent years the tools of automatic translation have become exponentially more available, accessible, capable and ubiquitous. The advent of large language AI such as ChatGPT actually pushed older tools such as Google Translate to attain a new level of precision. However, automatic translation is still a long way from perfect. These tools are relatively good at translating longer paragraphs, as enough context is provided, but if one is looking for a word or a phrase outside of context, they might be utterly wrong. The same is true for idiomatic expressions, as well, obviously, subtler layers such as irony or tone, that are often lost in written conversation even within the same language.
You will need:
AI translation can be used in different contexts, and the technology required will vary. We will go through different scenarios, however, in the beginning, a basic requirement is a reliable internet connection. Although translation tools can work in browsers, they are easier to use as apps.
If you are using the translation for written communication, this is all you will need. In written communication there is also less time pressure, facilitating the supplemental work of translating. And since the message is already in written form, there is no extra translation from spoken language to writing.
If you are using automated translation during in-person meetings, you will need a few additional items. If you can use a projector, one possibility is to have the person who is keeping notes type the conversation (or at least the main points emphasised by the speakers) directly into the translation app. This allows you to take a break after every intervention, and to toggle between the different languages used in the room, so everyone can follow the conversation. If the speaker needs Google Translate to support their intervention, they can either use it beforehand (writing down their thoughts in the expert language in the app, and then reading the translation out loud) or afterwards – communicating the intervention in the expert language and having another person who shares the language type it into the translator.
Since translation apps are accessible and user-friendly, they can be used even outside of planned and organised meetings with a projector and computer. For example, we have used these tools in field trips, wherein a person would present their organisation / exhibition, and we would type the summary into Google Translate and then send the translation through to a shared Whatsapp group.
Time:
Since translation is involved, you need to always set aside more time for the meeting than you would otherwise. It takes time to write down the intervention, but also it takes time for a person to read it, even if you have only one language that you will be translating to – so they can observe the translation in real time as the note-taker is typing. In the case there are multiple languages in the room, you need to leave enough time for the content in each language to be read and understood before continuing. Because of this it is crucial to take translation into account when setting the order of interventions: people who understood the original intervention will always be faster to intervene since they do not need to wait for the translation.
If you are using the tool in written communication, time is less of an issue.
Step-by-step
1 – Check with the group if everyone has a smartphone or a computer, or access to one, and if internet connection is available.
2 – Familiarise yourself with the tool, and download the corresponding app to your devices. Make sure that everyone knows how to use the translation app, and take time in the beginning to teach those who do not. For some people it may be a steep learning curve.
3 – Check if everyone is comfortable with reading and writing, and if not you can use language buddies or text-to-speech software.
4 – Calculate enough time for the use and mishaps of technology.
Tips
If you are using translation apps for written communication, a good tip is to delegate the translation work to the sender: the person composing the message sends it in all the languages the group uses. This is a a good practice for several reasons:
1) it slows down the conversation (especially in group chats), and levels the response time. If the responsibility were on the receiver, people speaking (a) more used language(s) would have a lot less communication work, and would be much quicker to respond and put their ideas out in the shared space.
2) it shows commitment to valorising all the voices, especially the ones that often remain unheard because of the language barrier. It also serves as an invitation: people realise that someone has thought of them and has purposefully included their language so that they can participate in the conversation.
3) in our practice in some communities we include translation even in the main languages of people who are fluent enough in Croatian or English and would not necessarily need translation, but as a token of attention.
When you are using it in a meeting, ensure that people who do not need translation understand that they should leave enough time for everyone in the room to synchronize. Sometimes people will have the urge to respond or add their opinion before the translation is finished, especially when the topic is important and the conversation heated, so they may require several reminders to be patient.
When writing the text to be translated, make sure to use simple sentences and avoid idioms. Also pay attention to typos and autocorrect features, as they can completely alter the meaning and the context of the content.
If it is possible to use English as one of the languages in the pair, it is always a good idea to do so, as the software uses English as the intermediary language. This means that if you are translating from Arabic to Croatian the text will undergo two translations (Arabic – English and English – Croatian) which will double the possibility of error.
