SlatorPod

#190 Where the ‘Translator Still Feels Like a Translator’ with Bureau Works’ Gabriel Fairman

November 10, 2023 Slator
SlatorPod
#190 Where the ‘Translator Still Feels Like a Translator’ with Bureau Works’ Gabriel Fairman
Show Notes Chapter Markers

Gabriel Fairman, Founder and CEO of Bureau Works, joins SlatorPod to talk about the potential of generative AI in translation management.

Gabriel shares the origin story of Bureau Works, where over the years his perspective shifted towards viewing translation as an information management challenge, leading Bureau Works to transition into a tech-enabled business.

Gabriel discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by large language models, touching on issues of cost, workflow integration, and the potential for a more interactive and fluid translator-computer relationship.

Gabriel rejects the idea of comparing language models like GPT to human translators, viewing them as aids to improve the human experience rather than alternatives.

Gabriel Fairman explains the flexibility of Bureau Works' UI, which aims to optimize productivity and a sense of authorship, in contrast to the repetitive and frustrating nature of traditional machine translation post-editing.

BWX is concentrating on simplification in 2024, introducing features like the learning terms tool, and aiming to integrate translation seamlessly into various tools and simplify project creation and management.

Intro
Overview of Bureau Works
Bureau Works' Origin Story
Service Offering
Impact of Large Language Models
Winning the Innovation Challenge at LocWorld
Bureau Works' User Interface
Linguists' View of AI
Old Paradigm Versus New Paradigm
Cost of LLMs
Why is Translation so Hard?
Building the Tech Stack
Competitive Pressure
Where the Role of the Linguist is Going
How Translation at University is Changing
Machine Translation Quality Estimation
Competing with Well-Funded Companies
Roadmap Going Into 2024