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Article published In: Localization around the globe
Edited by Minako O'Hagan and Julie McDonough Dolmaya
[The Journal of Internationalization and Localization 7:1/2] 2020
► pp. 95–121

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Neural machine translation and the evolution of the localisation sector

Implications for training

 | Dublin City University
 | University of Antwerp
Published online: 6 January 2021
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/jial.20005.obr
Abstract
The localisation sector is highly technologized and evolves rapidly. Though significant consideration has been given to third-level training in localisation for Translation Studies students, the nature of the industry is such that this topic demands regular attention. Our objective was to survey employees and executive managers to understand what impact recent technological developments, including but not limited to neural machine translation (NMT), might have on future skills and training requirements for localisation linguists. Our findings are that linguists in localisation take up a variety of roles, including transcreation, data mining, and project and vendor management. NMT is considered an important advancement, and its introduction has emphasised the need for a critical use of technology, while opening new career pathways, such as data curation and annotation. Domain specialisation is recommended for those who translate, and transferable soft skills are more essential than ever. Increased industry and interdisciplinary collaborations in training are also considered valuable.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Related work
  • 3.Methodology
    • 3.1Survey with employees
    • 3.2Interviews with executive managers
    • 3.3Coding and analysis
  • 4.Results
    • 4.1Demographic profile and background
      • 4.1.1Survey respondents
      • 4.1.2Interviewees
    • 4.2Evolution of the localisation sector and implications for training
      • 4.2.1Market
      • 4.2.2Technological advances
      • 4.2.3Profession
      • 4.2.4Skills and competences
      • 4.2.5Training
  • 5.Conclusions and discussion
    • 5.1Profiling the localisation sector
    • 5.2What does it mean to be a linguist in localisation today?
    • 5.3(N)MT and implications for future training
  • Notes
  • References
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