Core Viewpoint - The closure of the Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS) highlights the significant impact of AI on the translation industry, prompting a structural transformation among translation professionals and educational institutions [4][12]. Group 1: Impact of AI on the Translation Industry - The MIIS, known as the "Harvard of Translation," will cease its offline graduate programs by summer 2027 due to financial and structural issues, exacerbated by a sharp decline in enrollment and the growing influence of AI [4][6]. - The adoption rate of Machine Translation Post-Editing (MTPE) has surged from 26% in 2022 to nearly 46% in 2024, indicating a shift towards AI-assisted translation methods [6][7]. - The cost and time efficiency of MTPE is evident, with translation costs dropping from over 200,000 yuan for pure human translation to approximately 120,000-150,000 yuan with MTPE, significantly reducing turnaround time [7]. Group 2: Responses from Translation Professionals - Many translation professionals are experiencing reduced income due to AI's encroachment, with reports indicating that over one-third of translators have lost jobs due to generative AI, and 14% have seen a decrease in income [11]. - The trend shows a clear shift towards embracing technology, with educational institutions like Shanghai International Studies University introducing dual degree programs that combine translation with business management and AI [13]. - The demand for hybrid talents who can navigate both translation and technology is increasing, as evidenced by 80% of leading translation companies deploying generative AI tools [13]. Group 3: Future of Translation - While AI excels in efficiency, many professionals believe that human translators will still be needed for nuanced and culturally sensitive translations, particularly in creative fields like gaming [15][16]. - The importance of human qualities such as emotional intelligence, cultural understanding, and critical thinking in translation work is emphasized, suggesting that AI cannot fully replace human translators [16][17]. - The stories of students and professionals illustrate a dual narrative: those facing uncertainty due to industry changes and those who have successfully adapted to new roles that leverage technology [8][17].

Core Insights - The number of translation professionals in China is projected to reach 6.808 million by the end of 2024, indicating a continuous influx of talent into the industry [1] - The overall demand for translation services is on the rise, with the scope of services expanding from language translation to content services, including international communication and marketing [1] - Higher education institutions are focusing on cultivating specialized translation talents in various fields such as foreign affairs, industrial engineering, technology and artificial intelligence, and pharmaceuticals [1]