IAS Fellows' Public Lecture - Artificial Intelligence and Posthumanist Translation: ChatGPT VS The Translator

Abstract

 
Although automated translation has been available for decades in myriad forms, the implication of the current exponential advancement in artificial intelligence for communication in general and translation in particular is more starkly affrontational than ever. Despite the fact that Large Language Models, of which ChatGPT is exemplary, were not specifically designed for translation purposes, they are attested to have attained a sufficient degree of technical sophistication as to generate translations that match or surpass dedicated translation systems in the market like Google Translate and DeepL. This impacts the modus operandi of communication and the self-identity of language professionals, including, of course, translators. This lecture asks how translation as bilingual praxis can respond to this development. It critically reflects on the implications of AI for the conception and teaching of translation, arguing that an alternative framing around the idea of distribution allows us to rescale translation toward broader competencies and conceive of AI as a prosthetic to translators. This lecture advocates a posthumanist perspective on translation with a view to expanding the spectrum of expertise, modes, and media covered by translation practice and transcending the traditional self-concept of translators. 

This lecture is free and open to all. Registration is not required to attend in person.