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Can AI replace translators? Yang Shuangzi: Without Jin Ling, it would be impossible to win the International Booker Prize

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Writer Yang Shuangzi discussed the role of AI in translation at a Taiwanese literature event.
  • She stated that without translator Jin Ling, the novel "The Book of Formosa" might not have won the International Booker Prize.
  • The event highlighted the achievements and future of Taiwanese literature translated into other languages.

The potential for artificial intelligence to replace human translators was a key topic at a recent event celebrating Taiwanese literature's global reach. Writer Yang Shuangzi emphasized the irreplaceable human element in literary translation, suggesting that AI alone cannot achieve the nuanced understanding required for such work. She specifically pointed to the International Booker Prize win for "The Book of Formosa," noting that translator Jin Ling's contribution was essential. Yang stated that without Ling's expertise, the novel might not have secured such a prestigious international award. The event, co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture and the General Association of Cultural Affairs, brought together writers, translators, and publishers to discuss the progress and future prospects of Taiwanese literature in translation. This discussion underscores the value placed on skilled translators in bringing Taiwanese stories to a global audience.

Without Jin Ling, it would be impossible to win the International Booker Prize.

โ€” Yang ShuangziWriter Yang Shuangzi stated this when discussing the role of translators and AI in literary translation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.