AI literacy as a key factor in upskilling translators and increasing job satisfaction

Human-mediated translation has become a niche form of translation. Powered by MT and AI, users of digital devices have the convenience of instant translation permanently available. Language professionals are required for translation work where MT systems do not perform well or where the stakes are high. However, a shift in paradigm towards PEMT is occurring and language professionals react differently to this change in agency and working conditions. Surveys regarding job satisfaction reveal increasing levels of reported financial unsustainability, decreasing levels of professional fulfilment and uncertainty about the future of the industry. The number of translation professionals considering a career change is significant to the point of causing considerable market disruption. However, professionals with training and experience with new technologies show reduced uncertainty, increased job satisfaction and are less susceptible to leaving the industry. Training is thus observed as a key element in responding and adapting to digital transformation. Based on the framework for MT literacy, a new framework for AI literacy for language professionals is proposed with the aim of establishing a training case for human-centred artificial intelligence (HCAI). It focuses on developing skills that can be built upon to navigate the complexity of translation with the aid of the latest electronic aids, understand the use cases for each technology, and foster the ability to articulate different digital tools and techniques to adapt to growing client demands. More broadly, it aims at training critical-minded users of AI technologies.