Key Takeaways:
- The use of AI in book translation is becoming increasingly popular in India, with several publishers adopting AI-powered solutions to close the gap in regional-language content.
- AI translation tools can save time and cost, but human oversight is still necessary to ensure quality and accuracy.
- The use of AI in children’s literature is a concern, as it may lack the human sensibility and emotional depth that is essential in writing for children.
- AI can be helpful in marketing books, but publishers need to be cautious about using it for content creation.
- The publishing industry is still grappling with the issue of transparency and credit when it comes to AI-assisted translations.
Introduction to AI in Book Translation
The recent Chennai International Book Fair saw a lively discussion on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in book translation. Davide Daghia, director of digital at Bologna Children’s Book Fair, Italy, was in conversation with consumer psychologist Nadim Sadek, whose book was translated into Tamil by publisher Senthil Nathan. The topic of AI in translation has been gaining traction in India, with several publishers exploring the use of AI-powered solutions to bridge the gap in regional-language content. Despite the benefits of AI translation, there are concerns about the quality and accuracy of the output, as well as the potential lack of human sensibility in certain genres, such as children’s literature.
The Benefits of AI in Translation
Senthil Nathan, CEO of Ailaysa and Aazhi Publishers, highlighted the benefits of using AI in translation. According to him, AI can save time and cost, and is particularly useful for non-fiction and academic work. Ailaysa has processed 200 books using its AI platform, charging around Rs 100 per 1,000 words for translation. Nathan emphasized that while AI can do the bulk of the work, human oversight is still necessary to ensure quality and accuracy. He also noted that AI can be used to translate Tamil work into English, opening up new opportunities for Tamil writers to reach a wider audience.
The Concerns of Using AI in Children’s Literature
Davide Daghia, however, sounded a note of caution when it comes to using AI in children’s literature. He cited an example of an Italian publisher who used ChatGPT to generate a children’s story, which was found to be lacking in depth and appeal. Daghia emphasized that AI cannot replicate the human sensibility and emotional depth that is essential in writing for children. He also noted that while AI can be helpful in marketing books, publishers need to be cautious about using it for content creation. Daghia’s comments highlight the need for publishers to carefully consider the use of AI in children’s literature and to ensure that the output is of high quality and engaging for young readers.
The Future of AI in Publishing
The use of AI in publishing is not limited to translation. Ananth Daksnamurthy, founder of Two Shores Press, noted that several publishers are adding clauses to their contracts regarding AI use. While some publishers are cautious about using AI for content or design, others see it as a useful tool for streamlining workflow, such as in copy editing and proofreading. Writer Marudhan also highlighted the potential of AI in translating Tamil texts into English, which could open up new opportunities for Tamil writers to reach a wider audience. However, he also raised the question of transparency and credit when it comes to AI-assisted translations, which is an issue that the publishing industry will need to grapple with in the future.
The Need for Transparency and Credit
The use of AI in book translation raises important questions about transparency and credit. Should publishers disclose the use of AI in the translation process, or should they simply credit the author or translator? This is an issue that the publishing industry will need to address as the use of AI becomes more widespread. Senthil Nathan noted that while AI can do the bulk of the work, human oversight is still necessary to ensure quality and accuracy. This raises the question of who should be credited for the translation – the AI tool or the human editor who oversaw the process. The publishing industry will need to develop clear guidelines and standards for the use of AI in translation, including issues of transparency and credit.
Conclusion
The use of AI in book translation is a complex issue that raises important questions about quality, accuracy, and transparency. While AI can save time and cost, it is not a replacement for human oversight and editing. The publishing industry will need to carefully consider the use of AI in different genres, such as children’s literature, and develop clear guidelines and standards for its use. As the use of AI becomes more widespread, publishers will need to grapple with issues of transparency and credit, and ensure that the output is of high quality and engaging for readers. Ultimately, the goal of using AI in book translation should be to increase access to regional-language content and to promote literacy and reading, while also ensuring that the output is of high quality and accurate.
