From Post-Editing to Expertise: What do Translators Really Think About AI

Translators Speak Out: The Real Impact of AI Tools

As the translation industry navigates the rising influence of artificial intelligence, much of the discussion has focused on the tools. This time, we sought insights from those who are at the source: the translators and linguists themselves.

In a recent survey we gathered the thoughts and experiences of the professionals standing at the forefront of this transformation. Their feedback offers a unique window into how AI tools are reshaping workflows and simultaneously creating opportunities and posing significant challenges to the industry. Before we delve deeper, here are the key takeaways – and how this impacts localization buyers.

79% of translators are familiar with AI tools, but only 42% use them daily

AI is a reality - but not yet universally mastered. Varying levels of expertise and quality can be identified depending on who manages your content.

Neural Machine Translation (NMT) is the most adopted tool (59%)

Followed by AI-powered translation memories (43%) and post-editing automation (21%). Even if not disclosed, content may already be managed by AI. Knowing which tools are being used helps assess output reliability.

53% of linguists are seriously concerned about AI’s impact on the profession

There’s growing pressure on rates and quality. Choosing partners who invest in human expertise is critical to maintaining high standards.

84% expect lower demand for human translation, and higher demand for post-editing

Workflows may be faster, yes. But for nuanced or sensitive content, quality can suffer without human oversight.

Tone, context and cultural fit remain AI’s biggest challenges

Time savings can be considerable - but only if quality control is in place. Making sure providers apply rigorous human review is critical for buyers.

Linguists are adapting through specialization

They are evolving their roles by specializing in post-editing, quality assurance, and domain-specific terminology. Partnering with the right experts ensures that content meets regulatory, technical or brand standards - especially in high-stakes sectors.

Language Service Providers play a key role in guiding responsible AI use

Working with a strategic content and language services provider like Acolad helps balance innovation with quality and make the right choices for each content type.

79% of Translators Use AI: What Does It Mean for Speed and Consistency

While nearly 79% of respondents are familiar with AI tools, adoption rates vary:

• 42% report daily use.
• 41% report occasional use only.

Most commonly used AI technologies:

• 59% use Neural Machine Translation (NMT).
• 43% use AI-powered translation memories.
• 21% use automated post-editing.

While it’s widely accepted that AI is becoming - or has already become - an integral part of the translation process, user experiences remain inconsistent: some praised its speed and consistency, while others pointed to significant drawbacks, such as limited contextual understanding and reduced quality in creative or technical texts.

Unsurprisingly, several respondents highlighted the impact of AI on workloads and rates, noting that clients often choose AI-generated translations to cut costs - sometimes at the expense of quality.

While it’s widely accepted that AI is becoming - or has already become - an integral part of the translation process, user experiences remain inconsistent: some praised its speed and consistency, while others pointed to significant drawbacks, such as limited contextual understanding and reduced quality in creative or technical texts.

Unsurprisingly, several respondents highlighted the impact of AI on workloads and rates, noting that clients often choose AI-generated translations to cut costs - sometimes at the expense of quality.

Many acknowledged that AI can be helpful for technical content but emphasized that it still requires extensive post-editing. Common issues include syntax errors, terminology inconsistencies, and a general lack of contextual awareness.

Still, some respondents noted significant improvements in AI output compared to just a few years ago. For these professionals, AI provides a useful starting point - a foundation on which more refined, high-quality translations can be built.

AI Is Reshaping the Translator’s Role: Risks, Opportunities and New Skills

Half of respondents (53%) are very concerned about the impact of AI in the industry.

84.1% predict a decrease in demand for human translators, along with:

• Reduced pay for linguists
• Job displacement across the sector
• Increased reliance on post-editing rather than creative translation

While a considerable number of respondents still see little to no benefit in the use of AI -citing income loss and reduced job satisfaction - many also recognize tangible productivity gains. AI tools are helping achieve faster turnaround times and greater efficiency, particularly by supporting research and comprehension of technical content. In many cases, this enables translators to dedicate more time to the creative and value-added aspects of their work.

As AI continues to shape the industry, reskilling and adaptation are becoming essential. Specializing in post-editing is widely viewed as a way to counterbalance falling rates and reduced demand for traditional translation. In parallel, acquiring niche expertise—such as terminology management and quality assurance - is increasingly seen as key to thriving in an AI-driven landscape.

Why Keeping Experts-in-the-Loop Remains Key to High-Stakes Content

As the nature of translation evolves, so does the core of the profession - now shifting toward a greater emphasis on post-editing. Where translators once managed the entire workflow from start to finish, today's landscape requires them to adapt and harness AI’s capabilities to boost speed and efficiency, especially as they face lower rates and reduced demand for traditional services.

To thrive in this new environment, professionals must embrace continuous learning, develop skills in prompt engineering, and acquire technical expertise. The role is transforming - from traditional translator to Language Specialist, equipped to handle nuance, cultural references, idiomatic language, and elliptical expressions. Deep knowledge of industry-specific terminology and context—particularly in fields such as marketing, automotive, and clinical translation—is becoming an essential differentiator.

Critical thinking is a must, not merely a plus – as is the willingness to do a lot of research, in-depth knowledge of terminology and added creativity to be able to turn AI into a friend instead of a foe.

Educating clients about AI's strengths and limitations remains essential to maintain industry transparency and trust.

Human Insight + Smart Tech: The New Standard for Localization

The survey paints a complex picture of AI in the translation industry—highlighting its promise to streamline workflows and increase efficiency while posing significant questions about the profession's future.

AI's rapid evolution poses challenges, including its inability to address cultural nuances, the risks of mistranslation in specialized fields, and declining compensation models.

Despite these concerns, AI offers opportunities. It can boost productivity through faster turnaround times and consistent quality for certain texts. Translators can adapt by specializing in post-editing, terminology management, or other areas that complement AI.

And while translators adjust to this new reality, Language Service Providers can also play a part in educating customers about the advantages and pitfalls of AI, managing expectations regarding the quality of outputs and the reality – and potential – consequences of going full-AI. Respondents stressed the necessity of preserving the human touch in creative and high-stakes domains like marketing and medical translations.