Localization Today

Built on version 2 of SeamlessM4T, the new open-source models boast state-of-the-art speech recognition and translation capabilities in up to 100 languages. Read the full article at: https://multilingual.com/meta-expands-seamless-translation-tech-with-new-ai-models/

That’s the thing about community — it can spring up just about anywhere when guided by people of goodwill. If there’s one point LocLunch has proven, it’s that resiliency. A once-informal gathering for localization professionals to enjoy a meal and share their thoughts about life, work, and everything in between, LocLunch now spans the globe. Read the full article at: https://multilingual.com/?p=21...

As the world watched the escalating tension in Ukraine, Nataliya Horbachevska, CEO of Task Force linguistic services company, found herself facing an uncertain future. With a family to protect and a business to safeguard, she embarked on a journey that would redefine her company's mission and direction. Read the full article at: https://multilingual.com/adapting-to-change-task-forces-response-to-t...

The closest substitute for a professional interpreter in many language-barrier situations is the use of child interpreters. Read the full article at: https://multilingual.com/child-interpreters-a-true-story/

Why aren’t we hiring those who are new to localization? I haven’t always been of the mind that I should hire people with localization experience because they understand the industry, they already know what they’re doing, and ramp up time will be minimal. Sure, I’m guilty of pilfering two people from LSPs — I figured they knew the inside secrets and give me an advantage running a better localizatio...

What surprised me the most when I first started my career in localization is just how much I was learning about things that seemingly had nothing to do with localization itself. I had earned a degree from one of the top localization programs in the world, so I had learned all about project management, quality programs, internationalization, and more.

A trend has emerged where executives contemplate bypassing traditional translation processes and cutting budgets, swayed by the potential of Generative AI (GenAI). Read the full article at: https://multilingual.com/handling-executive-pressure-a-practical-guide-for-localization-professionals/

Competing generative AI model Samsung Gauss suggests the conversation around large language models shows no sign of slowing. Read the full article: https://multilingual.com/samsung-gauss-introduced-as-chatgpt-rival/

OpenAI today announced its Data Partnerships program, which seeks to partner with businesses and organizations around the world. Read the full article at: https://multilingual.com/openai-seeking-partners-for-ai-training-models/

New York City Mayor Eric Adams made headlines when he used AI to make calls to constituents in Spanish, Yiddish, and Mandarin — despite not speaking any of those languages. Read the full article: https://multilingual.com/debating-the-ethics-of-ai-voice-translation-in-politics/

Limited English proficiency (LEP) is a condition that can impact lives as profoundly as disabilities or other challenges. Yet around the world and especially in America, governments and nonprofits alike have extended little effort to ensure LEP individuals have the resources they need. It’s a void that language service providers are in good standing to fill — both as a business investment and a hu...

A love of language has been a part of Caroline Crushell’s life since infancy. Now, in her role managing localization projects for Warner Bros. Discovery, she applies that love to every element of her work. For Crushell, language is a treasure, and one worth protecting — that’s why she lends her voice to the growing language preservation community. Read the full article at: https://multilingual.com...

The ALC marked a momentous occasion in September 2023 as it celebrated its 21st Summit, returning to its roots in Portland, Oregon. Read the full article at: https://multilingual.com/alc-members-explore-portland-oregon-at-21st-summit/

Everyone knows Google’s search engine can help them find just about anything. But did you know it can also help people improve their English-speaking abilities? Read the full article at: https://multilingual.com/need-practice-speaking-english-meet-your-new-tutor-google-search/

AI is shaping up to be a transformative technology for businesses of all kinds, the language industry included. And with new technology comes new skill sets to properly harness that technology. By refining prompt design practices, anyone folding AI into their routine workflows will achieve better, more accurate results quicker, and that means gains where it counts: efficiency and productivity. Rea...

TIME Magazine recognized three language-industry products in its “Best Inventions of 2023” list, underscoring the importance of multilingual communication, accessibility, and inclusion in today’s globalized world. Read the full article at: https://multilingual.com/time-applauds-language-related-innovations-from-meta-duolingo-and-lego/

Machine translation (MT) is evolving rapidly, with new iterations providing emerging use cases for all manner of companies and individuals. But what combinations of technology are best for whom? From generic MT, to MT plus translation memory, to MT plus machine learning, the gap between automated translation and human quality gets smaller and smaller. Read the full article at: https://multilingual...

Viviana Bernabe and Aki Hayashi decode the future of global events, emphasizing the vital role of comprehensive language strategies. Dive into innovations, from AI in live translations to the essence of human interpreting. Discover how to not just host, but truly globalize your event for a worldwide resonance. Read the full article at: https://multilingual.com/?p=209575

A bug in Instagram’s auto-translate feature is highlighting the problem of bias in multilingual language models (MLMs) and the need for more transparency from companies that employ them. Read the full article at: https://multilingual.com/instagram-egregiously-mistranslates-palestinian-user-bios-inserting-word-terrorist/

In the dynamic terrain of global business, where mergers and acquisitions are frequent, establishing a seamless localization function in a spin-off can be a challenge. This exploration unravels the often-underestimated complexities of anchoring localization during the inception of a new company. Discover how proactive involvement, coupled with relentless cross-functional collaboration, can ensure...

ElevenLabs, a voice cloning and synthesis company, unveiled its  AI Dubbing  online  tool , which can automatically translate spoken audio and  video. Read the full article at: https://multilingual.com/video-dubbing-is-easy-with-two-new-ai-tools/

It is crucial to abandon a falsely optimistic narrative often used for marketing purposes. While the linguistic sector might have a bright future, the benefits will not be evenly distributed. Read the full article at: https://multilingual.com/the-linguistic-service-sector-between-rhetoric-and-reality/

The digital landscape is constantly changing, but the need for insightful content remains ever-present. As social media platforms have overshadowed the once-thriving world of translation blogs, Renato Beninatto explores the evolution of the blogging realm and spotlights 10 stand-out blogs that continue to offer invaluable insights for language professionals today. Discover the gems that continue t...

Aimee shares her personal insights, touching stories from various projects, and the ongoing efforts of CLEAR Global to ensure people across the globe, especially those speaking low-resource languages, are informed and heard in vital global conversations. This episode is not just about translation; it's about the power of language in connecting humanity, providing crucial information during crises,...

Welcome to another episode of Localization Today! In this special LocWorld50 edition, Eddie Arrieta from MultiLingual Media sits down with Nataliya Horbachevska, the CEO at Task Force. They delve into a critical discussion surrounding the cautious integration of AI in the language industry. Nataliya, steering Task Force with offices in Ukraine and Poland, shares her contrarian, yet profoundly insi...