In an increasingly interconnected world, the capacity to communicate across language barriers is crucial, and AI is revolutionising the translation sector by breaking down language barriers and making global communication smoother.
According to Cognizant, an information technology services and consulting company, artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly important in the translation services industry, translation tools and software are now more refined than ever before, making it easier for individuals and businesses to communicate effectively.
Audace Niyonkuru, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Umuganda, an AI and open data company that aims at enabling access to information in local African languages, explained how AI translator tools have impacted the efficiency of the translation sector.
"The speed at which translation can be done now is way faster and easier than in the old times, the answers come at the fastest speed and access to multiple languages was made easier than the ground multilingual expertise that was available before,” he said.
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Niyonkuru said the integration of AI translator tools into various sectors of tourism and education is transforming the way tasks are accomplished and significantly boosting productivity.
"AI has revolutionised education by eliminating linguistic barriers, providing equal access to knowledge regardless of language proficiency. Students from diverse backgrounds can now engage with online educational materials more effectively, fostering a more inclusive and accessible learning environment,” he said.
He added: "AI has changed the tourism industry, breaking down language barriers for travellers who come to Rwanda, with AI translation tools, tourists can explore new destinations and immerse themselves in local cultures with ease, enhancing their travel experiences.”
Niyonkuru also said that AI translation tools have transformed trade by removing language barriers for importers and exporters, facilitating seamless communication across borders, and making Rwandan trade more efficient and accessible.
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"With AI-powered translation tools, businesses can now communicate effortlessly across borders in multiple languages, enabling smoother transactions and fostering greater collaboration in the global marketplace. This advancement not only benefits Rwanda’s trade sector but also enhances efficiency and accessibility for businesses worldwide, driving economic growth and prosperity for all stakeholders involved,” he said.
Musa Ukwizera Mukasa, 29, who travels to China for business, and extends support to fellow Rwandans navigating the complexities of cross-border commerce, said before the innovation of translator tools, he had limited knowledge of the Chinese language, and it hindered trade.
"Before translator tools, the business faced hurdles, particularly with non-English speakers, despite some Chinese that I speak, communication barriers were common,” he said.
"But with these tools, the landscape has changed now, I can easily converse with my Chinese counterparts, regardless of their English skills. It revolutionised business, making communication efficient and negotiations smoother.”
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Despite the benefits these tools offer, new projects are being developed for it to work even better, Niyonkuru said, like the implementation of a new project that will ensure effective integration into the country’s technological landscape and address potential obstacles.
"Our new project aims to develop a Kinyarwanda translator software tailored specifically for sectors like tourism and education, it will be an open-source platform, ensuring accessibility and ease of use for all to enable the access of information in local African languages. This initiative aligns with Google’s ‘No Language Left Behind’ project, emphasising inclusivity and empowerment through technology,” he said.
"Despite the potential of AI translator tools to revolutionise communication, access remains a significant barrier for many local communities. Illiteracy further compounds this challenge, limiting the full engagement of individuals with these transformative technologies,” he added.
Niyonkuru also said that as developers, primary challenges persist in research innovation and access to essential tools for advancement. Overcoming these hurdles is crucial to unlocking the full potential of AI translator technologies and ensuring their widespread benefit to society.