The Division of Humanities and Social Sciences (DHSS) held a lecture discussing artificial intelligence (AI) and translation with guest speaker Professor Sun Yifeng, Head of the Department of English at the University of Macau.

Prof Sun Yifeng

Prof Sun discussed how artificially intelligent translating systems cannot accurately translate some ideas and words in different cultures. He provided multiple examples of Chinese concepts that when translated through AIs such as Google, result in translations that are not necessarily accurate to authentic meanings.

Students and staff laughing at some of the funny translations

Students were also curious and inquisitive about the future of translation technology, seeing as how some, if not most, students in the audience were applied translation studies majors.

Students asking about the advancement of translating technology

However, Prof Sun assured them that studying another language and learning its cultural meaning will have a more efficient and accurate outcome.

Reporter/Photographer: Marissa Furney
Editors: Samuel Burgess, Deen He, Étienne Fermie
(from MPRO)