Signals of Shift in the Language Industry: Are You In or Are You Out?
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Signals of Shift in the Language Industry: Are You In or Are You Out? Renato Beninatto CEO – milengo llc ATA Conference New York 2009 Twitter.com/renatobeninatto #ATA50
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First, translations were handwritten. Then, there were typewriters, computers, and translation memories. Each milestone demanded a shift in the way translation work was done. We are on the threshold of a major paradigm shift where old standards and ideas are being left behind. Translators and language services providers who are ready to make the shift now will stand to profit and grow. Those who like the status quo and accept "the rules" will wonder why they just don't make money like they used to. This will be an engaging presentation that is guaranteed to make you think. You've been warned!
Transcript of Signals of Shift in the Language Industry: Are You In or Are You Out?
Signals of Shift in the Language Industry: Are You In or Are You Out?
Renato BeninattoCEO – milengo llcATA ConferenceNew York 2009
Twitter.com/renatobeninatto
#ATA50
Deodorant Test
How many of you are on Twitter?
Who was born after 1984?
Who used WordPerfect?
Who used 3½” floppy disks?
Who used 5¼” floppy disks?
Who used typewriters?
Who did handwritten translations?
YOU ARE OLD!
Recap from Previous Conferences
Translation is like toilet paper:
• Cheap• Only important when absent
Quality doesn’t matter:
• Good haircut or bad haircut?• Not a differentiator• Human-delivered service• Not all translations equal
Dominant Model: Focus on Catching Errors
Human nature: introduce errors
Unbalanced skills– Translator has more information
than reviewer, when it should be
the opposite
No real teamwork
The blind leading the ignorant
New Model: Do it Right, Always!
Evolution and Innovation
Competitive markets resist innovation.
Companies investing in the existing technologies, processes, and standards don’t think that change will happen and FEEL SAFE with their offerings.
Three dogmas prevented innovation in translations
Dogma #1:Translation memories are an asset.
Dogma #2:More eyes improve quality.
Dogma #3:Fewer translators produce more consistent output.
Resources Don’t Grow In Trees
Translators are scarce
Formation takes time
Demographic and
cultural limitations– Aging population in
advanced economies
– Can’t buy Norwegian
translations in Uganda
Volume
Productivity
Price
Translators
Time
• Can double volume in one year, but not resources.
• Natural environment for automation
Disruptive innovation comes from players outside the industry.
Just as we don’t use typewriters anymore, we won’t use Trados.
Slide on GTT
Just as we got used to using Google for search, we will all use Google Translate.
Predictions
Before 2015, Translation Memory Tools will be
free or irrelevant.
Most large translation projects will be collaborative
in nature, with multiple people working on the
same files, online and in real-time.
Translator productivity will be measured in tens of
thousands of words per day.
Companies that get it: Google, Lionbridge,
Lingotek, Sajan, Elanex.
Biggest loser: SDL
The paradox of the visionary
“The closer your vision gets to
a provable future, the more
your are simply describing the
present. In the same way, the
more certain you are of a future
outcome, the more likely you
will be wrong.”
Wacker & Taylor,
The Visionary’s Handbook
Thank you.
Renato Beninatto
+1 (617) 398-0880
Blog: http://renatobeninatto.blogspot.com
Twitter: renatobeninatto
