The Language Engineer: A Transversal, Emerging Role for the Automation Age

Abstract

This paper analyses the role of translators in a rapidly changing industry, which is strongly marked by digitalization and automation, and suggests the skills and competences translators will need to embrace to succeed in some branches of the industry of the (not-so distant) future. This research is based on an in-depth review of language-related positions in the current job market, as well as on recent survey-based research that sought to understand what roles translators are taking up currently, supported by web scraping of LinkedIn job data with Python. In today’s globalised world, language-related services imply and encompass many more positions than translation alone. Different areas of specialisation are proposed, which may lead to successful and sustainable language-related positions in the age of automation by following and implementing the trends of the industry. We analyse industry trends and skills and competences that will play an important role in the (not-so distant) future job market, and suggest a new, highly-technologised, tech-symbiotic role: the language engineer. Language engineers are people with the required profiles to succeed in the automation age, and will be able to commit to the multiple new, transversal language-related positions that appear as a result of recent technological developments. Numerous studies have drawn upon the “benefits” of technology in terms of productivity increase. Current market trends have also resulted in studies questioning the sustainability of the translation profession. Undoubtedly, technology changes our lives, but it’s up to us whether it does so for good or bad. In our relation with technology, we can resist, cooperate or reinvent ourselves. We consider that defending a Luddite position (resistance to technology) will only bring negative consequences for the profession. Therefore, we suggest the role of language engineers, who will not only cooperate with and benefit from technology, but will also see their skills and competences augmented to meet industry requirements and be up-to-date with technological advancements.