Welcome, technology and language enthusiasts! Today we bring you an exclusive conversation with GPT-4, the cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) that is transforming the field of Natural Language Processing (NLP).
We will explore the power and limitations of machine translation, its impact on the professional translation industry, and the future of this extraordinary technology.
Federico Perotto (FP): Hello everyone, and welcome to the blog! Today we have a very special guest. Not a person in the traditional sense, but a powerful artificial intelligence known as GPT-4. Welcome, GPT-4!
GPT-4 (G4): Hello, Federico! I’m happy to be here.
FP: Let’s start with the first question. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using machine translation?
G4: Let’s begin with the advantages.
First of all, machine translation is extremely fast. It can translate an entire book in just a few minutes. It’s also accessible: all you need is an internet connection and a device, and anyone can use automatic translation tools for free.
However, there are also disadvantages. Although the technology has improved dramatically, machine translation is still not perfect. It tends to make mistakes with complex sentences, metaphors, idiomatic expressions, and culturally specific contexts.
Privacy is another issue: if you’re translating sensitive information, you don’t want it stored on a company’s servers.
FP: And what is the impact of machine translation on the professional translation industry?
G4: It is definitely transforming the field.
Professional translators can use machine translation as a support tool — for example, to quickly translate drafts or non-critical documents.
But machine translation will not replace human translators in the short term. Human cultural sensitivity, judgment, and intuition remain essential.
FP: Do you expect machine translation to ever pass the Turing Test?
G4: Before I answer, let me briefly explain the Turing Test. Created by British mathematician Alan Turing, it is a thought experiment that proposes a criterion for artificial intelligence: if a computer can behave convincingly enough to make a human believe they are interacting with another human, it has passed the test.
As for machine translation, it is possible that one day it may reach a point where it can make a human reader believe the translation was produced by a human. But this depends on many factors, such as text complexity, context, and the reader’s familiarity with the target language.
FP: Can you tell us something about the exponential growth of Natural Language Processing and large language models like you?
G4: Absolutely! Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a rapidly expanding field, and so are large language models like myself. We are making it possible to have fluid and meaningful conversations with artificial intelligence.
Conclusion
Machine translation is revolutionizing the professional translation industry. While it still has limitations, the future promises fascinating developments.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting subject!
