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Translation to help non-native speakers
Introduction
In the modern connected world where people of different cultures meet, language barriers remain one of the biggest challenges. This is even the case in the education system where learners are not homogeneous. The application of Natural Language Processing (NLP) Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques in the translation process has changed the process of sharing educational materials, communicating, and perceiving them by those who did not speak the language they were written in. NLP AI is a branch of AI that deals with the interaction between human and computer using language which the human can understand. The main aim of NLP AI is to identify, break down, and make rational use of language as used by human beings. In translation, this entails more than simply substituting words and terms but of the context in which the words have been used.
Challenges
There are however several challenges that the application of NLP AI in translation services for non-native speakers is likely to encounter. Some of them are the ability to deal with language nuances like idioms, metaphors, and cultural aspects that cannot be easily translated. Another challenge is the quality and accuracy of the translation as NLP AI can translate text in the shortest time possible but may not fully grasp the message intended by the author. Also, there are concerns on data privacy and security since translation deals with information that may be considered as sensitive. Another challenge is the absence of well-defined metrics to determine the performance of NLP AI systems which makes their usefulness and trustworthiness questionable. Finally, the expenses and efforts required to integrate and develop NLP AI systems may pose a problem to many educational institutions.
AI Solutions
Despite these challenges, there have been attempts to create AI solutions that can enhance the quality and speed of the translation process. Some of the NLP AI such as Google’s Neural Machine Translation (GNMT) and Amazon’s Amazon Translate employ neural networks and machine learning algorithms for the purpose of translation. All these systems have the capability of being trained by previous translations and thus enhance their accuracy the more they are used. They are also capable of translating large amounts of text within the shortest time and therefore are beneficial in translating textbooks, research papers, and other academic materials. Some of the other AI solutions are based on speech recognition and translation. For instance, Microsoft’s Azure Cognitive Services provides a Speech Translation API which can simultaneously interpret language, which may be useful in lectures and presentations. These AI solutions also contain security features that help in preventing misuse of information.
Benefits
There are several advantages of using NLP AI in translation services for the non-native speakers in the education system. The first one is to increase the accessibility of the educational content for the non-native speakers and, thus, enhance their learning process. It also enables real-time translation which can be useful in the translation of what the teacher is saying to the students or vice versa where the teacher and the students speak different languages. Furthermore, NLP AI can assist in the time and resource constraints by providing an automated translation process. This not only enhances the process of translating educational materials but also minimizes the need for human translators, hence cutting on costs. Finally, since NLP AI systems get better with the more data that they translate, they are able to provide better translations over time.
Return on Investment
The return on investment (ROI) for using NLP AI in translation services can be significant. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the AI in the education market is expected to grow from $537.3 million in 2018 to $3.68 billion by 2023, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 47.0% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the need for efficient data processing and the increasing adoption of intelligent tutoring systems, which often rely on NLP AI for translation. Furthermore, by reducing the need for human translators and speeding up the translation process, NLP AI can lead to significant cost savings. While the initial implementation costs can be high, the long-term benefits in terms of improved accessibility, efficiency, and quality of translations can outweigh these costs.