CIPG VP expounds on development of translation in China

As to talent development, he said that, although the total number of translation professionals has become huge as more and more universities set up related majors, there remains a shortage of medium-and-high caliber translators and interpreters as well as those proficient in multiple or non-universal languages.

The rise of machine translation added to the urgency of improving the ability of translators and interpreters. "Some simple translating jobs may soon be endangered, but machines are unlikely to beat competent translators and interpreters who are able to convey the exquisite beauty of language," he insisted.

Speaking of the application of artificial intelligence in language services, Gao said notable achievements have been made by some Chinese companies and institutes, but their research and development efforts remain too fragmented to form any benefits of synergy.

He called for policy or market-based guidance helping to facilitate coordination among different companies and institutes to promote the development and application of emerging technologies related to language services.

In addition, much work remains to be done to further standardize the language services market and promote overall standardization.

"China began to formulate industrial standards and specifications later than developed countries, but we have been moving rapidly to catch up. We must not ease up on our efforts to build a comprehensive system of standards and specifications, and improve the existing ones in response to the changing situation," he said.

The TAC released three sets of industrial standards and specifications at the conference, namely, "Requirements for Translator and Interpreter Training," "Guidelines on Procurement of Translation Services—Part 2: Interpretation" and "Code of Professional Ethics for Translators and Interpreters."

Affiliated with the CIPG, the TAC is the only national association for the translation and interpreting community and has individual members as well as association, institutional and corporate members.

TAC Conference 2019 reviewed the development of translation and language services over the past seven decades since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

The event was also an occasion to build on what has already been achieved, to foster more innovation in translation and language services and offer a platform for international language service exchanges and cooperation.