Localization Today

By  Giovanna Patruno Despite being technically and grammatically correct, AI-generated text reads as empty because it performs only one of six functions of communication. The author examines AI content’s lack of substance from a translator’s perspective and suggests ways reclaim communication as an act of thought and relationship.

By  Carol Velandia Language access, which is a civil right, cannot be fully automated by AI, especially in high-stakes situations like legal or medical settings. Human professionals are indispensable because they provide judgment, cultural leadership, agility, and governance and manage the complexity, trauma, and ethical responsibility that AI cannot handle.

Language access is a fundamental humanitarian and social justice issue. In 2026, Tarjimly integrated with CLEAR Global to strengthen their shared mission of ensuring people can access critical information in languages they understand. In this episode, we sit down with Aimee Ansari and Chenge Maruziva to discuss how this integration brings together Tarjimly’s real-time interpretation mobile platfor...

What happens when localization is no longer treated as a support function, but as a driver of growth? In this episode of Localization Today, Matt Grotenstein (VP of North America at GTE Localize) reflects on how the industry is shifting under the pressure of AI, changing buyer expectations, and new go-to-market realities. From moving away from traditional sales toward conversation-led relationship...

How TAUS has evolved over two decades in pursuit of one vision By Jaap van der Meer and Anne-Maj van der Meer Since 2004, TAUS has played many roles in the language industry. Driving all of its changes has been a mission of transforming translation from an exclusive service into an ordinary infrastructure feature. This article recounts how the organization adapted to meet the needs of a complex in...

Replacing volume with value in a human-centered workflow By Gabriela Kouahla With AI fueling unprecedented content growth, the impulse to translate it all is understandable. Localized minimalism — a concept that draws inspiration from minimalism movements but adapts them to the linguistic and ethical context — can help vendors, project managers, and brands replace volume with value.

How to move beyond error rates and focus on value By Cody Connell When industry-standard metrics indicated high localization quality and yet his client expressed frustration and dissatisfaction, the author developed a more nuanced method of measuring localization quality — one that included user experience and stakeholder confidence along with linguistic accuracy.

By Ewandro Magalhães “Influence” is broader than metrics, encompassing natural forces, intellectual authority, and procedural changes. The author traces the word’s meaning from its Latin origin (influentia, a flowing in) and cosmological roots to its modern, monetized definition as “influencer.”

Major international summits like COP30 are often described as temporary cities, requiring massive logistical coordination to keep global negotiations moving. But behind the scenes, there is a critical and often invisible infrastructure: interpreting. In this episode, we sit down with Giulia Silvestrini, Head of Global Interpreting at Acolad, to discuss what it takes to oversee interpreting operati...

The rise of AI interpreting solutions presents a massive opportunity for global language access, but it also introduces unprecedented risks. In this episode, we are joined by experts from the SAFE AI Task Force and COSET (Coalition for Sign Language Equity in Technology) to break down their newly launched AI Interpreting Solutions Evaluation Toolkit. This conversation moves past the hype to offer...

We welcome Belén Agulló and Marina Pantcheva to discuss the origin and core mission of the AI Localization Think Tank. Born out of a need for independent, agenda-free discussions, this volunteer-led group aims to break down information silos between freelancers, suppliers, and buyers. Belen and Marina also break down what to expect at the first-ever AI ThoughtCon taking place from March 30 through...

In this episode, we explore the history and legacy of the European Language Industry Association (ELIA). Co-founder Roberto Ganzerli, former President Françoise Bajon, and current President Anu Carnegie-Brown join us to discuss how ELIA grew from a 2005 initiative into a vital pan-European space for language companies. Tune in to hear open insights on surviving technological shifts, why modern ass...

The demand for real-time language access is surging globally, but how can technology bridge the gap? Claudio Fantinuoli , creator of Interpret Bank and former CTO at KUDO, breaks down the intersection of AI and human expertise in the interpreting booth. In this episode, explore and learn how professionals use CAI tools to enhance their performance, the moral value of expanding language access, and...

Interview by  Mimi Moore Having immigrated from Iran to Austria, learned multiple foreign languages, and developed diverse skills from translation to AI, Fatemeh-Shirin Asgari knows the value of perseverance and adaptability. She now leads digital language initiatives for Austria’s national railway system. In this interview, she shares the story of her unconventional career path and her greatest l...

By  Olga Beregovaya  and  Alex Yanishevsky While AI translation tools can generate hallucinations, the good news is that there are many practical ways to detect and mitigate them. This article delves into the reasons behind the problem and the techniques that can be used to address it.

Why modern language models perpetuate bias and what to do about it By  Anika Schaefer This article explores the linguistic theories that laid the foundation for natural language processing, confronts the ethical risks of allowing machines to speak on our behalf, and presents a new vision for socially responsible AI language models.

Interview by  Renato Beninatto For Kathy Mok, head of internationalization and localization at OpenAI, the present challenge centers on not only what AI technology can accomplish, but also how humans will shepherd it into a tool that enables genuine communication and trust-building.

By  Gabriela Kouahla The author explains why current machine translation post-editing (MTPE) workflows cause mental exhaustion and emotional detachment. She proposes practical steps towards making MTPE more meaningful and sustainable to the benefit of all stakeholders.

By  Giovanna Patruno In today’s localization industry, leaders who shape how AI is governed and embedded into systems are disproportionately male. The author of this article argues that if women continue to be excluded from AI governance, the industry risks developing flawed and biased systems.

By  Tim Brookes It’s easy to assume that script digitization is always a means of liberation and access. But for some minority scripts, digitization would be unhelpful or even harmful to the people who use them. The author of this article calls for caution as the language services industry rushes to create digital fonts for every writing system on Earth.

The Nimdzi 100 is more than just a ranking; it's a vital pulse check for the language industry. In this episode, we sit down with Marjolein Groot , the project lead for the 2026 report, to discuss what’s new this year. We explore why comprehensive data is critical for attracting investment, understanding market trends, and breaking down information silos. Whether you're a boutique agency or a glob...

Is AI dubbing ready for prime time without human guidance? In this episode, Taras Malkovych, founder of Tapas Localization, joins us to discuss the realities of integrating AI into complex audiovisual workflows. He argues that while AI has made massive strides, it remains a tool that needs to be "led by the hand," specifically to capture the nuances of human emotion, pauses, and natural imperfecti...

2025 was the year the industry realized the potential of "Agentic AI." In this episode, Lorcan Malone , CEO of XTM International , joins us to discuss the shift toward agentic workflows where software becomes conversational and autonomous. We explore why the industry must "think ambitiously" about AI, moving from simple translation to complex governance, and how enterprises will soon integrate loc...

By  Nuha Alhejji This article describes why Saudi Arabia approaches  artificial intelligence (AI)  in translation as a question of design, focusing less on speed and more on accountability. The author explains the need to prioritize human judgment as the country develops its AI-enabled translation systems.

By  the Saudi Arabia Translation Association Saudi Arabia’s Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission (LPTC) is charged with providing institutional support to linguists through certification, training, and mentorship programs. This article outlines the LPTC’s major initiatives and goals for the future.