Published on May 8, 2026
In the realm of publishing, translation has long relied on human expertise and nuance. Literary translators like Yoann Gentric have dedicated their careers to capturing the essence of texts and conveying cultural subtleties. This established norm faced disruption as artificial intelligence technologies rapidly advanced and began entering the market.
In February 2022, while translating Dana Spiotta’s novel “Wayward,” Gentric decided to explore the capabilities of AI. Curious about the technology’s potential to replace human translators, he tested DeepL, an AI-powered translation engine that boasts superior accuracy over its competitors. The experiment challenged the belief that only humans possess the skills needed for complex literary translation.
Gentric’s experiment revealed that while AI translations can be swift, they often lack the emotional depth and contextual understanding that experienced translators provide. The AI struggled with intricate phrases, demonstrating that human intuition remains vital in capturing the essence of a narrative. As technology continues to evolve, the qualities that make literary translators indispensable are becoming clearer.
The implications of this shift are significant. While some fear job losses, others see a future where humans and machines coexist. The need for nuanced translations suggests that, for now, trained professionals will likely remain a crucial part of the translation landscape in Europe, even as AI technology develops further.
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