Collaborazione, non sostituzione: il traduttore nell'era dell'Intelligenza Artificiale

In recent decades, the process of translation has been transformed by digital technologies such as Neural Machine Translation (NMT), Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools and Artificial Intelligence (AI), which are now integral to professional workflows (Mercan et al., 2024). In this evolving landscape, translation can no longer be regarded as an exclusively human activity, but rather as a collaborative process involving both human expertise and Artificial Intelligence (Mattioda et al., 2023; Monti, 2023; Riediger & Galati, 2023). The present work critically investigates the interaction between human translators and translation technologies, focusing on their impact on translation processes and changes in the translator’s profession. This dissertation is structured into four chapters. Chapter 1, drawing on existing literature in the domain of Translation Studies, presents translation either as a complex process, which involves both linguistic and cultural aspects, or as a product (the translated text), which has specific linguistic features. Then, some reflections on the translator’s profession are made, regarding his role in society, ethical and ideological aspects in his job. Chapter 2 traces the historical development of Machine Translation (MT), from early attempts made in the 1950’s to more recent and sophisticated MT applications. Chapter 3 illustrates different architectures of MT systems: Rule-based (RBMT), Example-based (EBMT), Statistical-Based (SBMT), hybrid systems and the more recent Neural approach, based on Artificial Intelligence. Then the difference between Machine Translation and Computer Assisted Translation is traced, giving some notions on how CAT tools work. Chapter 4 addresses the transformations of the translator’s profession brought about by Machine Translation, Artificial Intelligence, and CAT tools, with particular attention to new skills required by the translation industry, like post-editing, pre-editing, linguistic data management and transcreation. By offering an overview of current developments in translation and Machine Translation, this work aims to provide a balanced perspective that acknowledges both the irreplaceable value of human expertise and the increasing relevance of automated technologies in contemporary translation practice.