“翻译界哈佛”倒闭：有学生哭了两晚 AI冲击下译员何去何从？

Core Viewpoint - The Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS), a leading translation school, announced the closure of its on-campus graduate programs by summer 2027, attributing the decision to financial and structural issues, with a significant impact from the rise of AI in the translation industry [1][2]. Industry Impact - The translation industry is undergoing a profound structural transformation due to AI, with many professionals feeling the pressure to adapt or risk being left behind [1][4]. - The adoption rate of Machine Translation Post-Editing (MTPE) has surged from 26% in 2022 to nearly 46% in 2024, indicating a shift towards technology-driven translation methods [2]. Financial Implications - The cost of translation using MTPE is significantly lower than pure human translation, with estimates showing a reduction from over 200,000 yuan for 100,000 words to between 120,000 and 150,000 yuan, while the turnaround time decreases from one month to about two weeks [3]. Educational Adaptation - Educational institutions are responding to industry changes by introducing new programs that integrate technology, such as dual degree programs in translation and computer science [6]. - The demand for professionals skilled in AI translation tools is increasing, with 80% of top translation companies already deploying generative AI tools [6]. Job Market Trends - A survey by the UK Writers' Association revealed that over one-third of translators have lost jobs due to AI advancements, with more than 14% reporting reduced income [5]. - Companies are increasingly valuing candidates' technical skills and adaptability over traditional language qualifications in the hiring process [6]. Quality and Creativity Concerns - Despite the efficiency of AI, many industry professionals express concerns about the loss of nuanced translation quality, particularly in creative contexts where human translators excel [7][9]. - The unique qualities of human translators, such as emotional depth and cultural understanding, remain irreplaceable in certain translation tasks [9][10].