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Published Dec 29, 2025 ⦁ 5 min read
How AI and Human Editors Improve Book Translation

How AI and Human Editors Improve Book Translation

Introduction

On International Translators Day 2025, a groundbreaking live-stream event gathered voices from across the globe to celebrate the vital role of translation and localization in our interconnected world. This extraordinary 15-hour marathon connected professionals, ambassadors, and thought leaders across 20 countries, showcasing the evolving landscape of the industry and fostering a sense of unity within the localization community. This article captures the essence of the event, highlighting key insights, industry trends, and inspiring messages shared by representatives worldwide.

The World of Translation: A Global Network of Communities

Localization and translation extend far beyond linguistic services - they form the backbone of global communication and cultural exchange. This live stream underscored the power of community through lock lunches - informal gatherings of localization professionals designed to build connections, share insights, and empower individuals in the industry. From the bustling streets of New York to the serene landscapes of South Africa, lock lunch ambassadors shared their stories, challenges, and opportunities.

Connecting the World: Highlights from Ambassadors

Asia and Australasia: Setting the Stage

  • Sydney, Australia: The event kicked off with Sydney-based professionals reflecting on localization’s role in bridging cultures. With a strong focus on community building, ambassadors emphasized the need for collaboration to navigate evolving challenges.
  • Jakarta and Surabaya, Indonesia: Ambassadors highlighted the importance of human nuance in translating cultural context. Machine translation post-editing (MTPE) was explored as a tool to complement, rather than replace, human expertise, particularly for creative projects like novels and marketing localization.
  • Istanbul, Turkey: The Istanbul chapter of lock lunch demonstrated how such gatherings foster professional growth and cross-border collaboration. Ambassadors noted their efforts to integrate translation education and foster connections among newcomers and veterans alike.

Europe: Enriching Connections Across Borders

  • France (Strasbourg and Cannes): Ambassadors in France showcased the strength of grassroots localization communities, sharing how initiatives like terminology workshops and LinkedIn optimization sessions foster professional development.
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands: Despite some technical glitches, Amsterdam’s lock lunch emphasized the importance of inclusivity and the exchange of ideas among industry professionals.
  • Italy and Denmark: From Italy’s vibrant gatherings in Rome to Denmark’s inspiring stories of industry disruption, European ambassadors highlighted the resilience and adaptability of localization professionals across the continent.

The Americas: Driving Innovation and Collaboration

  • New York City, USA: Happy hour lock lunches in New York provided a dynamic space for professionals to discuss emerging technologies like AI and their implications for the translation industry.
  • Bogotá, Colombia: Colombia’s contributions highlighted the growing role of localization in Latin America, showcasing innovative approaches to translating diverse content for global audiences.
  • Denver, USA: The Denver community underscored the collaborative spirit of localization professionals, sharing their experiences and learnings through regular gatherings that feel more like family reunions than professional events.

Africa: Harnessing Technology for Growth

  • Cape Town, South Africa: African ambassadors celebrated the role of AI in democratizing access to information and supporting the preservation of endangered languages. They discussed how technology can level the playing field for smaller communities and emerging markets.
  • Accra, Ghana: The Ghanaian community reflected on the growing opportunities for localization professionals in Africa while acknowledging the need for ongoing education and skill development.

The marathon revealed critical trends shaping the future of localization and translation:

1. The Role of AI and Technology

Artificial intelligence has undoubtedly transformed the industry. While some professionals expressed anxiety about AI replacing traditional roles, the overwhelming sentiment was that AI should be viewed as a powerful tool that complements human expertise. For example:

  • Machine Translation Post-Editing (MTPE): Widely regarded as an efficient way to handle large volumes of content, MTPE is becoming a standard practice for many.
  • AI Integration: Companies like Smartling and Automated showcased how AI-driven solutions are enhancing workflow automation, quality control, and linguistic consistency.

2. Human Expertise at the Core

Several ambassadors and thought leaders emphasized that human creativity, cultural intuition, and emotional intelligence remain irreplaceable. As Brian Murphy, CEO of Smartling, put it: "AI won’t replace translators, but translators who don’t use AI might find themselves at a disadvantage."

3. Upskilling and Adaptability

The need for continuous learning emerged as a recurring theme. Translators were encouraged to explore emerging fields such as video game localization, AI prompt engineering, and terminology management.

4. Localization as a Cultural Bridge

From translating advertising campaigns to preserving indigenous languages, localization professionals are cultural custodians, ensuring that global content resonates with local audiences.

5. Building Resilient Communities

Events like lock lunch play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration, encouraging knowledge exchange, and creating a support network for industry professionals. Whether it’s through workshops, networking sessions, or informal gatherings, such initiatives create a sense of belonging in an increasingly digital world.

Key Takeaways

  • AI is a tool, not a threat. Embrace AI technologies to enhance productivity and streamline workflows without losing sight of the human touch.
  • Upskilling is essential. Invest in training for emerging fields such as AI prompt creation, terminology management, and MTPE to stay competitive.
  • Community matters. Engage with localization networks like lock lunch to build connections, share knowledge, and find support.
  • Human creativity prevails. Despite advancements in AI, cultural adaptation and creative problem-solving remain uniquely human strengths.
  • Think globally, act locally. Localization is not just about language - it’s about cultural context. Translators are critical in bridging the gap between global ambitions and local realities.
  • Celebrate diversity. From African languages to niche dialects, every culture deserves representation in the global conversation.
  • Stay curious and adaptable. The future of the industry depends on our ability to evolve alongside technology and market demands.

Conclusion

The International Translators Day 2025 live stream was more than a celebration - it was a testament to the resilience, creativity, and community spirit of localization professionals worldwide. With AI and technology continuing to reshape the industry, translators, linguists, and project managers have an unprecedented opportunity to redefine their roles and expand their impact. By embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing lifelong learning, the localization industry can look forward to a future that is both dynamic and inclusive.

Happy International Translators Day to all the professionals who make global communication possible!

Source: "I spent 15 Hours talking about Localization and survived!" - Jan Hinrichs, YouTube, Oct 28, 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bcmQTUQ0G8