I believe that every translation should be done by a human or checked by a human.  But how could I prove that people shouldn’t hand translations to ChatGPT or other online tools and assume that they’re fine?

Even though asking the competition why you should win is an unorthodox approach, I decided to ask Chat GPT.

I typed the following question for ChatGPT: 

Please write an article about whether or not ChatGPT translations can be trusted in a professional setting.

This is what Chat GPT replied verbatim.

Title: Assessing the Trustworthiness of ChatGPT Translations in a Professional Setting

Introduction:

In recent years, advancements in artificial intelligence and natural language processing have led to the development of powerful language models like ChatGPT. These models can now generate translations with impressive fluency and accuracy. However, the question of whether ChatGPT translations can be trusted in a professional setting remains a topic of debate. In this article, we will explore the strengths and limitations of ChatGPT translations, examining their reliability, potential biases, and the importance of human oversight.

The Strengths of ChatGPT Translations:

    Speed and Efficiency: One of the significant advantages of ChatGPT translations is their ability to provide fast and efficient translations. They can quickly process large volumes of text, making them suitable for time-sensitive professional scenarios.

    Language Coverage: ChatGPT supports a wide range of languages, enabling users to translate content between various language pairs. This language coverage is particularly beneficial for businesses operating globally or engaging with international clients.

    Consistency and Consensus: ChatGPT's translations tend to be consistent and generate translations that are largely agreed upon by the model. This can be useful in situations where consistent terminology is required, such as legal or technical documents.

Limitations and Concerns:

    Contextual Understanding: While ChatGPT can produce translations that are contextually accurate in many cases, it may struggle with idiomatic expressions, cultural nuances, or ambiguous sentences. This limitation can lead to inaccuracies or misinterpretations, especially in professional contexts that require precise and nuanced translations.

    Biases and Cultural Sensitivity: Language models like ChatGPT learn from vast amounts of text data available on the internet, which can contain biases and perpetuate stereotypes. These biases can inadvertently seep into translations, potentially causing unintended consequences or misrepresentations. Human oversight is essential to detect and rectify such biases. 

    Domain-specific Knowledge: ChatGPT may not possess expertise in specific domains, such as legal, medical, or technical fields. In professional settings that demand domain-specific terminology and accuracy, relying solely on ChatGPT translations without human expertise could lead to errors or miscommunications. 

The Importance of Human Oversight: 

While ChatGPT translations can provide a useful starting point, they should not be solely relied upon in professional settings. Human oversight and review are crucial to ensure the quality and accuracy of translations. Professional translators or bilingual experts can add valuable insights, correct errors, and make necessary adjustments to maintain precision and context.

Best Practices for Using ChatGPT Translations:

    Verify Accuracy: Always cross-check ChatGPT translations with other reliable translation sources or consult human experts to verify the accuracy of the output.

    Contextual Adaptation: Ensure that the translated text aligns with the specific context and requirements of the professional setting. Adaptations may be necessary to convey the intended meaning accurately.

    Domain Expertise: In specialized domains, seek assistance from subject matter experts who possess deep knowledge of the subject to ensure accurate translations and maintain technical precision.

    Review and Edit: Allocate time for thorough review and editing to identify and correct any inaccuracies, ambiguities, or biases that may have slipped through the initial translation.

Conclusion:

While ChatGPT translations offer remarkable speed and efficiency, they come with certain limitations that must be taken into consideration in professional settings. While they can be a helpful tool, human oversight and expertise remain crucial for ensuring accurate, culturally sensitive, and contextually appropriate translations. By combining the strengths of ChatGPT with human intelligence, organizations can enhance their translation processes, mitigate potential risks, and confidently communicate across languages in a professional environment.

**End of article**

 After Chat GPT finished responding, I typed the following.

Thank you for being honest.

ChatGPT replied:

You're welcome! Honesty is crucial when discussing the capabilities and limitations of AI technologies like ChatGPT. It's important to have a balanced understanding of what AI can and cannot achieve to make informed decisions in professional settings. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!

**End of chat**

So, there you have it straight from the horse’s mouth. Translation should be done by Humans.