Hello Language Specialists!

Our industry is evolving rapidly. 

The surge in content creation, frequent advancements in technology and artificial intelligence (AI), and the shrinking global landscape through intuitive digital channels are reshaping how we live, work, and connect. Reflect on the changes in the past ten or even five years – technology has become a major catalyst, empowering us to excel in our respective fields. 

In the world of translation, the impact of technology on your role as a translator is undeniable. It’s the fusion between human and artificial intelligence – working together as one to transform content for global audiences. 

Once tasked with the straightforward duty of bridging linguistic gaps, today's translators are now versatile professionals navigating a complex terrain of digital content, diverse formats, cultural nuances, and regulatory frameworks—all while maintaining speed. 

New skills, new tools, new workflows – everything has undergone a transformation for today’s translators. However, one aspect remains unchanged: their job title. It's time to bid farewell to the term "translators" and embrace a new identity – Language Specialists. 

The integration of AI-powered language tools means that Language Specialists are now involved in training, developing, operating, and optimizing AI tools and technologies. Let's delve into the dynamics of this new title and explore what being a 'Language Specialist' involves: 

Creative Linguists: Language Specialists transcend traditional translation; they are creative linguists who captivate audiences with a uniquely human level of intelligence and imagination. Beyond mere translation, they craft messages that deeply resonate with the target audience, capturing not just the words but the essence of the message. 

Smart Technologists: AI and other technologies play a pivotal role in language-related tasks. Language Specialists have become adept at human-machine collaboration, leveraging AI-powered tools to enhance efficiency and accuracy in translations. They don't just adapt to technology; they harness its power to elevate their craft. 

Cultural Consultants: Effective communication extends beyond words. Language Specialists bring cultural understanding to their work, ensuring that content is not just translated but culturally adapted to meet the expectations and preferences of the target audience. 

Content Optimizers: Language Specialists go beyond written text, transforming content for maximum impact across various media formats, channels, and devices. Whether it's a website, image, video, or mobile app, they ensure the message remains powerful and effective. 

Industry Experts: To excel in their roles, Language Specialists delve deep into specific domains and industries. They become industry experts, comprehending the intricacies and jargon of their clients' businesses. This domain expertise ensures translations that are not just linguistically accurate but contextually precise.

For a job title change to be authentic, it should originate from those who embody it. That's why we engaged with our in-house language specialists and collaborated with academics through RWS Campus to understand their perspectives on the evolving translator role. The findings were enlightening. Rather than fearing advances in AI and technology, there was a resounding optimism and excitement for the future. The majority acknowledged the value of technology in enhancing their capabilities and recognized that the traditional definition of a translator is outdated. We hope that, as part of our network of language specialists, you will agree with this sentiment. 

Based on this insight and our commitment to driving the industry forward, RWS is pioneering a new job title fit for the future. We’re calling on the industry as a whole, and members of the world’s network of language specialists like you, to think about how technology has evolved and why now is the right time to say goodbye to translators and hello Language Specialists.