Will DeepL Replace Translators and Destroy their Beautiful Lives?

Will DeepL replace translators shortly?

DeepL Translate is touted as “The world’s most accurate translator”. Since this neural machine translation (NMT) became available, there is an ongoing discussion in the translators’ community: Will DeepL replace translators and destroy the profession altogether? The vast majority of professional translators respond confidently, “DeepL can’t replace all translators. Real professional translators are always in demand!”.

Regardless of how professional they are, their fate is still in the hands of others, specifically the customers.

STo assist customers in reaching a decision on this subject, this post features two examples of DeepL translations. One is extracted from the Japanese Prime Minister’s Press Conference, and the other is an extract from a summary of trade statistics. The first language is spoken and the second is written, which makes it a good comparison for making judgments.

In general, machine translation systems developed by companies outside Japan, such as DeepL, are good at translating into English. For most people, these systems are not recommended for translating into a language that is not your native tongue. However, it shouldn’t be an issue if you are truly fluent in that language.

Since most readers don’t understand Japanese, a reference English translation is added below the original Japanese text. Please keep in mind that this translation was not performed by a native English speaker. This translation is not a literal translation, but rather a means of conveying information and emotions.

Please ake your time contrasting and comparing the following:

Will DeepL replace translators?

Example 1: Japanese Prime Minister Kishida‘s Press Conference

Source: https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/101_kishida/statement/2023/0224kaiken.html

Original Japanese Text

今回の暴挙に伴うエネルギーや食料品価格の高騰で多大な影響を被っている中での日本国民の連帯の姿勢は、ウクライナ国民に必ず伝わっているものと思います。総理大臣としても、心より御礼を申し上げます。先ほど申し上げたとおり、戦況は予断を許しませんが、国際社会の平和と秩序を取り戻すため、引き続き国民の皆様の御理解と御協力を切にお願い申し上げます。

Reference English Translation by a translator

As a result of the reckless aggression, we are experiencing rising energy and food prices. However, Japan remains in solidarity with Ukraine. I am certain Ukrainians appreciate it, and, as Prime Minister, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our people. As I previously stated, Ukraine’s military situation is highly unpredictable. But I’d like to ask the people for their continued understanding and support on this. All in the name of restoring international peace and order.

Then, will DeepL replace translators? Let’s see:

I am sure that the solidarity of the Japanese people with the Ukrainian people, who have suffered tremendous impact from the sharp rise in energy and food prices following the recent violence, has been conveyed to the Ukrainian people. As Prime Minister, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you. As I mentioned earlier, the war situation does not allow for optimism, but I sincerely ask for the continued understanding and cooperation of the people of Japan in order to restore peace and order to the international community.

Example 2: Summary of Trade Statistics (Preliminary) for January 2023

Source: https://www.customs.go.jp/toukei/shinbun/trade-st/gaiyo2023_01.pdf

Original Japanese Text

令和５年１月分については、輸出は自動車、鉱物性燃料等が増加し、対前年同月比＋３．５％の増加となった。また、輸入は石炭、液化天然ガス等が増加し、＋１７．８％の増加となった。その結果、差引額は▲３兆４，９６６億円となった。

Reference English Translation

Exports increased by 3.5% year-on-year in January 2023, driven by automobiles, mineral fuels, and others, while imports increased by 17.8% for the same period, owing to increased imports of coal, liquefied natural gas, and other commodities. As a result, the trade deficit increased to JPY 3,496.6 billion.

Again, will DeepL replace translators? Decide!

Exports for January 2023 increased 3.5% y-o-y due to an increase in automobiles, mineral fuels, etc. Imports increased 17.8% y-o-y due to an increase in coal, liquefied natural gas, etc. As a result, the differential amount was -3,496.6 billion yen.