The Linguist

augmenting our capabilities. The hope is that by utilising these tools we can focus on higher-order tasks that require real cultural understanding, where humans remain irreplaceable: context, nuance, humour, creativity, sensitivity, artistry. Rather than a moratorium, what we need is a proactive approach to AI. This could involve: 1 Highlighting the risks with tangible and memorable examples; we can all contribute here via social media. There is great work being done on LinkedIn bringing to life the errors and omissions which AI can generate but skilled linguists can spot and solve. 2 Promoting the ethical use of AI, including care with data and with consequences: in translation, interpreting, language teaching and learning, and linguistic research. 3 Keeping abreast of AI and technological change – updating CPD and maintaining resources for linguists to promote AI literacy, ensuring linguists are better equipped to work with these technologies. As the Chartered Institute of Linguists, we have a natural role in this debate. By engaging with policymakers, our membership, universities and wider stakeholders we can help to shape a future where AI enhances rather than diminishes the role of human linguists; but we cannot do it alone. Working with other bodies, such as the ITI, NRPSI, ATC and international associations, is vital – as well as excellent university research centres working on AI in languages like those at Surrey and Vienna. This is a real focus for us. Ultimately, AI is not a battle to win, or a technology to ban; it is a capability we need to shape. And we are well placed to do so as it is built on what we do best: languages. @CIOL_Linguists AUTUMN 2024 The Linguist 9 FEATURES Christiane Ulmer-Leahey FCIL With such rapid technological advancements, it is challenging to predict how language-related jobs will evolve. For example, will foreign language skills retain their value when AI can translate texts instantly through voice functions? It is important not to passively endure these changes but to actively shape future work Sabine Braun, Surrey University Despite its increasing role in meeting the demand for multilingual and accessible content, 'language AI' lacks understanding of the world, and the social, economic, cultural, political and other factors shaping human language use. It therefore remains unreliable, posing risks to multilingual and inclusive communication. To achieve human-level quality, intelligibility and accuracy, AI needs to go beyond identifying patterns and correlations; it must integrate human experience and knowledge of communication. This requires transformations in research and development, including a greater contribution from humanities-led language and translation studies. Humanities-led research is well placed to shape the integration of AI tools into human translation/interpreting practices. More controversially, perhaps, such research should also pioneer human-centric and inclusive approaches to supplant conventional, risky data-driven methods in developing autonomous language systems (machine translation/interpreting) for situations where language professionals are unavailable or constrained by time and budget. In a highly multilingual society seeking equitable access to information for all, human professionals alone cannot meet all of the demand. Efforts should therefore be made to advance high- quality machine translation/interpreting, especially for 'low-resource' languages, to bridge global and intra-societal AI divides responsibly. However, without safeguards, methods and goals of linguistics professionals. This leads to the idea of a moratorium on development to provide breathing space for professionals to develop solutions. Such a pause could foster the establishment of think- tanks and interdisciplinary collaboration, mitigating long-term negative societal impacts. Historically, technological innovations have presented themselves as a double-edged sword in all sectors, including translation, interpreting and language teaching. These advancements have transformed the workforce but they have not obliterated these professions. Instead, they have adapted and evolved. Progress has initiated the disappearance of certain occupations, but it has also generated new employment opportunities. For example, advanced translation programs, though diminishing the earnings of translators and interpreters, have expanded their roles into new communication contexts that require professional expertise. Similarly, online language learning programs have allowed language teachers to broaden their reach and save time on mundane tasks, enabling them to focus on creative activities. Historical precedents suggest that development cannot be entirely stopped. Even if national and international bodies agreed to temporarily halt the development of language AI, there would be entities that would not comply. Thus, the focus should be on ensuring development progresses with positive and ethical standards. Creating the right framework is paramount. Although past efforts have not always succeeded, continuous attempts are necessary due to the potential destructive power of AI if misused. AI's influence on communication – a fundamental human capability – is profound, impacting the organisation of societal affairs. The economic implications are also significant, raising questions about who benefits from AI's wealth creation, especially when jobs are lost due to automation. The outlook on AI – positive or negative – depends on the broader perspective on life. With the push of a button, it is now possible to destroy the Earth or improve the lives of many people. It is crucial to define the necessary competencies and authority to act in connection with these advancements. Ethical considerations must be addressed through interdisciplinary platforms involving experts from various fields. This has to take place with some sense of urgency without falling into a rushed panic. A comprehensive pause in development is unrealistic; instead, individual projects and questions should be managed independently, allowing time for thoughtful progression. The competition with potential darker forces in AI development remains uncertain, but the hope is that AI will ultimately enhance communication, provide time for creativity, and foster better intercultural understanding.

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