Language impoverishment due to AI?

The impact of AI on writing and translating:

Language is constantly changing. Sometimes this occurs naturally, but at other times it’s influenced by technology. With the rise of AI, we observe a clear shift in how texts are written and translated. But does AI only offer advantages, or does it actually lead to language impoverishment?

What is language impoverishment?

Language impoverishment means that a language declines in quality. This can occur because words disappear, sentence constructions become simpler, or nuances are lost.

Consider:

• Replacing rich, descriptive language with simple words.
• Less variation in word choice.
• The disappearance of complex grammatical structures.

This often happens unnoticed. However, if we use fewer words, we may also communicate less precisely. And that is a problem.

AI and writing: faster, but also better?

AI tools make it easier than ever to write texts. Enter a few keywords and you’ll get a blog, report, or email in seconds.

That’s convenient, but it also has drawbacks:

• AI often uses standard phrases and safe word choices.
• Creativity and personality are lost.
• Mistakes and inaccuracies sometimes go unnoticed.

AI excels in efficiency, but not always in quality. A human writer knows how to add nuance and convey emotions. That is something AI has not yet mastered well.

AI in translations: useful, but comes with risks

Automatic translation tools like Google Translate and DeepL are getting better. Yet they cannot translate everything equally well.

Potential problems:

• Literal translations:AI does not always understand the context and translates words without considering differences in meaning.
• Culture-bound expressions:Certain sayings or metaphors can be lost in translation.
• Dull or unnatural sentences:AI often chooses the most ‘neutral’ translation, making texts less lively.

A good translator does more than just convert words. They consider the audience, culture, and tone. AI lacks that human insight.

The role of humans in an AI-driven world

AI is a powerful tool, but it can (still) not function without people. The best texts and translations emerge when humans and AI collaborate.

How?

• Use AI as a tool, but not as a replacement.
• Review and adjustment by an expert to maintain nuance and style.
• Preserve creativity and language sense, so that texts remain vibrant.

Conclusion: see AI as an opportunity, not as a threat

AI is changing the way we write and translate. This brings benefits, but also risks. Language impoverishment looms if we rely too much on AI and lose human nuances.

The solution? Use AI consciously and continue to employ human expertise. Because language is more than just words. It is a means to connect, persuade, and inspire.

Do you want to ensure that your texts or translations retain their impact? Then choose an expert who uses AI wisely, without losing the human touch.