Why study modern languages and interpreting in college today?
In an age dominated by artificial intelligence, does it still make sense to study languages in college? According to Professor Giovanna Rocca, the answer is definitely yes. In an article published in "Corriere della Sera", Rocca explains why language training and interpreting remain essential
In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) promises to revolutionize every field, Giovanna Rocca, IULM professor and Dean of the Faculty of Interpreting and Translation, delivers a loud and clear message from the pages of Corriere della Sera:"AI can never completely replace humans."
"There is no doubt," Rocca explains, " that studying languages is still needed and there is still a need to choose an education in the field of interpreting and translation language services." Although artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing rapidly, Rocca stresses the importance of human expertise in the field of languages and interpreting. While recognizing the advances in AI, it is imperative that these technologies must be seen as complementary tools rather than substitutes."What is needed is the ability to relate to AI programs, learning how to use and leverage them to enhance one's professional skills," Rocca says. An integrated approach that allows professionals to improve their skills by taking full advantage of the potential offered by technology.
Studying interpreting and translation today does not only means gaining a technical mastery of a language, but also developing a deep understanding of cultures and their nuances. This is crucial in a globalized world where the ability to mediate between different cultures is essential. Therefore, language learners must be prepared to interact with technology effectively, using AI to enhance their performance without sacrificing cultural sensitivity and human interpretation skills. This combination of technical and humanistic skills is a significant competitive advantage in the modern job market. As Rocca points out in conclusion, "to master a foreign languages is a competitive advantage that opens up numerous professional opportunities in a variety of fields," and this is even more true when combined with a critical and knowledgeable ability to use the technological tools at hand.
For more details, read the full article in the Corriere della Sera.