How do we all navigate the world of AI…together?
When it comes to AI and translation, there’s often pressure for speed and low cost. At the same time, many companies are willing to pay for peace of mind—for a real translator who can ensure quality and cultural sensitivity.
I was reminded of this while working on a recent project for one of my regular clients. The organization has a beautiful new website with extensive content. They used a plugin to generate Spanish translation and then asked an important question: Could they hire me to review the site and give some feedback (horrible AI translation, acceptable, really great, etc.)?
I conducted a review and delivered a write-up with clear strengths and weaknesses, ultimately rating the AI-generated translation a B+. From there, the decision was theirs: Was that “good enough,” or did they want me to step in and refine it further?
The central question every organization needs to ask is: What’s the goal?
Do you want full inclusivity that drives community participation and financial support? General comprehension? Content that simply sparks interest? Or do you have legal language access requirements you must adhere to?
This project is a good example of how translators and clients can collaborate as we navigate the evolving role of AI. Could using a website plugin help with general approachability, especially if there isn’t a budget for translating an entire website or if the stakes are lower? Sure, depending on the goal. Should a grant application or the end-of-year financial reports be translated by a real person? Absolutely yes!
Alison Trujillo Translations 