المملكة: The International Translation Forum discusses building a new generation of translators to support the knowledge economy
Continue International Translation Forum 2025, organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Authority under the slogan: "From Saudi Arabia we translate the future"The activities of its second day included a series of dialogue and discussion sessions.
The sessions dealt with technical transformations in the Translation, and the role of localization in supporting the knowledge economy, and building a promising generation of translators capable of keeping pace with global development in this field.
Localization and the knowledge economy
a session reviewed "Localization and the knowledge economy: impact and transformations" With the participation of an elite group of academics and international experts, most notably Stefan Hugues from Communicaid Inc., and A. Ati Sahai from Women in Localization, and Prof. Dr. Carme Manigron from the University of Barcelona, the reality of the global localization industry and its role in enhancing the knowledge economy and transferring innovations to new markets in local languages.
The speakers stressed that localization has become a major component in building modern knowledge economies, because of the opportunities it provides for cultural exchange, attracting investments, and improving communication between companies and the public. They explained that digital transformation and generative artificial intelligence contributed to reshaping the concept of localization, by combining technology and human experience, which ensures speed and accuracy while preserving cultural identity.
The participants stressed the importance of preparing national cadres capable of dealing with modern technical tools in translation and localization, and adopting professional standards that guarantee the quality of outputs and the sustainability of the industry, stressing that universities and training centers play a pivotal role in preparing a generation capable of competing in the global translation market.
They also referred to the experience of The Kingdom is working to localize the electronic games industry and develop its content through artificial intelligence, making it one of the advanced countries in this field thanks to its digital infrastructure and young national competencies.
Technical transformation and smart practices
A session discussed "Technical transformation in the translation industry: towards smart and sustainable practices" The impact of digital developments and artificial intelligence on the translation industry, as experts confirmed that technology has become an essential partner for the translator in improving performance, accelerating production, and raising quality.
Participants indicated that advanced systems such as translation management programs, big data, and collaborative technologies have contributed to building a more efficient work environment, enabling organizations to expand into multilingual markets. The speakers unanimously agreed that the modern translator is required to master linguistic analysis, data management, and use artificial intelligence tools with a critical awareness that balances technical competence and human responsibility.
The session also stressed the necessity of balancing machine work with human supervision to preserve accuracy and cultural identity, indicating that the development of artificial intelligence techniques is moving towards producing content more in line with local culture and the Arabic language, which enhances the quality of Arabic translation globally.
Between Man and Machine
The dialogue session witnessed "Human-machine translation: The dilemma of meaning in the age of artificial intelligence" A rich discussion about the balance between human creativity and technical precision. Dr. Buthaina Al-Thuwaini, Dr. Neil Sadler, and Dr. Joseph Lambert stressed that artificial intelligence, despite its ability to speed up translation and analyze texts, is still unable to comprehend the precise cultural and emotional meanings that the human translator perceives with a deep linguistic sense.
The speakers pointed out that integration between humans and machines is the best path for the future of translation, calling for the development of educational curricula and training programs that enable translators to use artificial intelligence tools effectively and responsibly, with commitment. Ethical and professional values in the industry.
Academic education and career building
The session also discussed "Translation academia: from university halls to professional fields" The relationship between academic education and professional practice, with the participation of an elite group of Saudi academics, who stressed the importance of developing university curricula to keep pace with the labor market, providing training and field application opportunities for students, and enabling them to deal with modern technical tools in translation.
The participants stressed that academic education represents the first pillar for building qualified translators, and that integration between universities and the public and private sectors contributes to graduating national cadres that compete globally.
The Promising Translation Generation
At the end of the second day, the closing session discussed "The promising translation generation: between the adequacy of qualification and the efficiency of practice" Saudi youth experiences in the profession, where young translators expressed their aspirations for more training programs and practical application opportunities, stressing that a successful translator combines academic knowledge, cultural awareness, and technical skills.
The participants stressed that investing in the new generation of translators enhances the Kingdom’s position in the global linguistic and knowledge scene, and contributes to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by supporting the knowledge economy and expanding Arabic content globally.
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