Limit of AI in Language Translation

Translation tools are a double-edged sword

Translation tools help you understand and communicate in different languages with just a few clicks. But what is the limit of AI in language translation? Their convenience is undeniable. Frequent use of these tools interrupts the natural flow of thought and communication and diverts attention. Read the Japanese Version of this article here（日本語版記事） (the content is not identical).

Related: Why Learn A Language Despite AI

Why Translation Tools Disturb Attention

Attention is limited, and attention is interrupted each time you switch tasks. When this happens frequently, the overall attention span decreases. Depending on the type of task, switching between tasks can reduce productivity. Using translation tools increases cognitive load because they force frequent task switching.¹

Three disadvantages

1: Interruptions: Interruption of flow

Each time a translation tool is used, conversation and work are temporarily interrupted. Frequent interruptions make smooth and consistent communication difficult and can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunication.

2: Prolonged Conversation

The use of translation tools tends to prolong conversations. Pausing to translate individual parts of a conversation can extend the entire conversation. This creates problems, especially in situations where quick decisions need to be made.

3: Switching tasks: Cognitive burden

Using a translation tool in a conversation requires switching from interacting with another person to using the tool. This frequent switching puts a strain on the brain and diverts attention. For example, a study by the Economist Intelligence Unit found that language barriers lead to delays, inefficiencies, and lost business opportunities. It is important to balance the use of translation tools and effective communication skills.

What are the specific impacts?

Conversations become less interesting (boredom):

Frequent use of translation tools can detract from the appeal of a conversation. Interruptions to the natural flow of the conversation can make it choppy and difficult to share interesting topics and feelings. For example, frequent use of a translation tool while talking with a foreign friend can disrupt the tempo of the conversation and make the conversation seem tedious (for both listener and speaker).

You will want to stop the conversation (cognitive strain):

Frequent use of translation tools can make both parties feel burdened to continue the conversation. Especially in important business situations or situations where quick decision-making is required, interruptions for translation can cause stress and increase the desire to end the conversation quickly. As a result, you may feel burdened or bored and want to end the conversation quickly.

Thinking that they have understood most of what is being said, and they stop the conversation even though they do not understand:

Additionally, feeling burdened or bored, they may often want to stop the conversation because they “mostly understand. However, this “general understanding” often actually includes misunderstanding or incomplete understanding. It may lead to misunderstandings. For example, you may misinterpret an important point in a business meeting, only to discover later that you made a serious mistake. As these misunderstandings accumulate, they can have a negative impact on the relationship of trust.

For example, using translation tools when traveling also imposes boredom and cognitive burden on the listener (e.g., the traveler). Therefore, there is an incentive to obscure further or end the conversation. Therefore, before traveling, it is advisable to learn the minimum necessary phrases, etc.

Proficiency in Foreign Languages

The task switching of bilingual speakers (e.g., switching from Japanese to English speech) has different characteristics compared to monolingual speakers who use translation tools. Bilingual speakers have unique cognitive advantages when switching languages

Superior ability to switch tasks:
Bilingual speakers often have better task-switching abilities than monolingual speakers. Frequent language switching in daily life improves cognitive flexibility and executive functioning. Studies show that bilinguals can manage multiple tasks more efficiently and switch with less cognitive cost (Bialystok et al., 2012).

Less reliance on external tools:
Bilingual speakers do not rely on external translation tools for language comprehension and production in different contexts. This reduces the cognitive load associated with switching between tasks. They can communicate smoothly in a foreign language without interrupting the flow to use a tool.

Language switching (e.g., from Japanese to English conversation) is automated:
For skilled bilingual speakers, switching languages is often an automatic process. The brain’s increased ability to manage two language systems simultaneously allows them to switch languages without conscious thought. This automatic process minimizes cognitive effort and prevents attention dispersion (Costa et al., 2008). Language proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking is directly related to the ability to process information smoothly. High language proficiency allows for the natural use of language without constant translation in the mind.

Extensive practice is necessary to increase fluency in a foreign language. This includes acquiring a rich vocabulary, understanding grammar, and becoming familiar with cultural and other aspects of the language. Frequent use of translation tools makes it difficult to develop these skills fully

It is crucial to employ strategies that reduce cognitive load and increase attention span to reduce the cognitive costs associated with translation tool use. Knowing the cognitive costs of switching between tasks and minimizing unnecessary interruptions is essential. Dedicated time will help maintain focus and reduce mental fatigue. Also, using contextual cues to understand unknown words and phrases minimizes the need for constant translation.

The Future of Translation Technology

As technology continues to evolve, so do translation tools. The future of translation technology promises more sophisticated and accurate translations and may reduce the cognitive load associated with their use. However, we continue to be wary of the impact these tools will have on our attention and cognitive resources.

Advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning have led to a growing number of translation tools that understand context. These tools better understand foreign languages and provide more accurate translations. This may reduce some of the cognitive load associated with translation, but it does not eliminate it entirely. Cognitive effort is still required because of the need to use multiple languages and tools.

Conclusion: Finding Balance

While the convenience of translation tools is undeniable, over-reliance on them reduces attention span and efficiency. To improve English language skills, it is important to reduce the use of translation tools and adopt strategies to maintain focus.

The ultimate goal is to take advantage of the benefits of translation tools while not allowing them to rob you of your attention.

References

1. American Psychological Association. (2006). Multitasking: Switching costs. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/research/action/multitask
2. Bialystok, E., Craik, F. I., & Luk, G. (2012). Bilingualism: Consequences for mind and brain. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 16(4), 240-250.
3. Costa, A., Hernández, M., & Sebastián-Gallés, N. (2008). Bilingualism aids conflict resolution: Evidence from the ANT task. Cognition, 106(1), 59-86.
4. Chuderski, A. The relational integration task explains fluid reasoning above and beyond other working memory tasks. Mem Cogn 42, 448–463 (2014). https://doi.org/10.3758/s13421-013-0366-x
5. Sweller, J., Ayres, P., & Kalyuga, S. (2011). Cognitive Load Theory. New York: Springer.
6. Economist Intelligence Unit. (2012). Competing across borders: How cultural and communication barriers affect business. Retrieved from https://eiuperspectives.economist.com/strategy-leadership/competing-across-borders
7. Roger, Timothy, and James D. Smith. “Task-Switching Training on Cognitive Flexibility and Neurological Efficiency.” PLOS ONE (2020). https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0230562.
8. Anderson, John R., and Lynne M. Reder. “Investigating the Role of Cognitive Control in Task-Switching: An ERP Study.” PLOS ONE (2020). https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0245066.

1. Studies have shown that switching tasks can reduce productivity by up to 40%. This phenomenon is attributed to the cognitive costs associated with changing tasks. This includes the time lost to readjust to the new task and the reduced quality of work produced during this transition period.
   For example, a study by Chuderski A, 2020, highlights the adverse effects of multiple tasks on cognitive performance. Repeatedly shifting attention between tasks imposes a sizeable cognitive load, leading to increased errors and reduced efficiency.
   
   Other studies (Roger, Timothy, and James D. Smith, 2020; Anderson, John R., and Lynne M. Reder, 2020) have also analyzed the cognitive and neural costs of task switching in detail and shown its effects on cognitive control and neural efficiency ︎. ↩︎