Technological impact on the translation industry and beyond: perspectives of Russian translation professionals
Modern technical tools allow achieving high-quality translations in shorter time. According to some researchers and practitioners, a translator is turning into a highly qualified specialist, who is required to be proficient in the language and able to use technical tools. This phenomenon is called augmented translation by analogy with augmented reality. Undoubtedly, augmented translation becomes an everyday practice, and it will lead to massive changes in the translation market and will challenge those learning and already providing language services. The present study aims to identify the translation community's attitudes towards the changes associated with digitalization as well as the possible risks ensuing the technological developments. The research is framed as a qualitative exploration using interviews as a major tool to address the objective. Thirty-one professional translators of various ages, backgrounds, and experiences were interviewed to learn about their views on digitalization. We conclude that although the changes in the industry are significant, practicing translators demonstrate flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. That said, the implications of digitalization require an immediate response at the level of university training, translation agencies, businesses, and society at large. In general, decisions to introduce technology into the translation industry should be more balanced to avoid negative consequences for stakeholders.
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Saduov, R. T., Ganeeva, E. R., Syrovatskaya, M. P. (2025). Technological impact on the translation industry and beyond: perspectives of Russian translation professionals, Research Result. Theoretical and Applied Linguistics, 11 (1), 26-49.
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