Dutch Publisher to Test AI Translation on Commercial Fiction
Veen Bosch & Keuning (VBK), the largest publisher in the Netherlands and recently acquired by Simon & Schuster, is diving into uncharted territory. They’re embarking on a trial using artificial intelligence to translate a select number of books into English.
Vanessa van Hofwegen, VBK’s commercial director, emphasizes this is a limited experiment, focusing on less than 10 commercial fiction titles. "No literary titles will be used," she clarifies. "This project is purely experimental, reserved for books where English rights haven’t been sold and are unlikely to be sold in the future."
The decision to limit the experiment to commercial fiction has sparked debate within the literary community. Michele Hutchison, recipient of the 2020 International Booker prize for her translation of The Discomfort of Evening, voices concern. "Assuming these books are simply formulaic and devoid of creative elements feels dismissive towards both authors and readers," she argues.
Hutchison also questions the quality of AI-generated translations, even with human post-editing. "While the surface might appear smooth, the result is likely to feel bland and lack the nuances a human translator brings," she cautions.
David McKay, a literary translator specializing in Dutch, echoes these concerns. "Removing the human translator opens the door to inaccuracies and misleading translations, ultimately disserving readers," he warns. McKay acknowledges publishers’ desire to leverage technology for efficiency but labels VBK’s approach as "reckless." He suggests that authors published by VBK should be worried about how these AI translations could impact their work and reputation.
The experiment itself raises questions about the efficacy of AI in literary translation. If VBK ultimately finds the need to involve human translators or editors to refine the AI output, it could highlight the inherent limitations of this approach.
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we have an intriguing guest with us, Dr. Martin Verhoeven, an expert in artificial intelligence and translation technology. We’ll be discussing a fascinating initiative recently announced by Veen Bosch & Keuning, the largest publisher in the Netherlands, which is testing AI translation for commercial fiction. Welcome, Dr. Verhoeven!
Dr. Martin Verhoeven: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this innovative approach to publishing.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. VBK has decided to use AI to translate a select number of commercial fiction titles into English. What does this mean for the publishing industry, in your opinion?
Dr. Verhoeven: This is a significant move, especially considering the traditional role of human translators in preserving the essence and nuances of a text. Using AI for translation can increase efficiency, but it does raise questions about quality and cultural sensitivity. If this trial succeeds, it could be a game-changer for how publishers approach international markets.
Editor: Vanessa van Hofwegen, VBK’s commercial director, highlighted that this is a limited experiment, focusing on less than 10 titles and explicitly excluding literary works. Why do you think they’ve chosen this approach?
Dr. Verhoeven: It makes sense for them to start with commercial fiction, as these books often have a more straightforward narrative than literary titles, which can be laden with subtleties, metaphors, and unique cultural references. By limiting the scope, they not only mitigate risks but also allow the technology to be evaluated and refined based on concrete examples before extending it to more complex texts.
Editor: That’s a good point. AI translation can sometimes produce awkward results, especially with idiomatic expressions. How do you think VBK can ensure that the translations remain engaging for English-speaking audiences?
Dr. Verhoeven: Incorporating a feedback loop with readers can be incredibly beneficial. They could engage with beta readers or focus groups during the trial to gather insights on the translations’ readability and engagement level. Additionally, a hybrid approach—where human editors refine AI-generated translations—could maintain the book’s voice while leveraging AI’s efficiency.
Editor: It sounds like this could be a promising collaboration of human and machine. What do you think are the potential risks of relying on AI for translations, especially in capturing cultural nuances?
Dr. Verhoeven: One concern is that AI lacks a true understanding of context, culture, and emotional depth. It can miss the subtleties that a human translator would catch, leading to translations that feel flat or even misrepresentative of the original work. This could alienate readers who might feel that the translation doesn’t resonate with their cultural context.
Editor: That’s a crucial aspect to consider. Do you think other publishers will follow suit if VBK’s trial proves successful?
Dr. Verhoeven: Absolutely. If they can demonstrate that AI can produce high-quality translations while maintaining reader engagement, we might see a shift in how publishers worldwide approach localization. It could lessen the costs associated with translation and even speed up the process, allowing for quicker releases in overseas markets.
Editor: Fascinating insights, Dr. Verhoeven. Before we wrap up, what do you think the future holds for AI in the publishing industry?
Dr. Verhoeven: The future is definitely optimistic and transformative. Beyond translations, AI could begin to assist in various stages of the publishing process, from writing assistance to content curation. However, it is essential for publishers to approach these technologies thoughtfully, ensuring that the human touch is not entirely lost in the process.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Verhoeven, for your valuable perspectives. We look forward to seeing how this trial unfolds and its broader implications for the publishing industry.
Dr. Verhoeven: Thank you for having me! It was a pleasure to discuss this exciting topic.