Translated co-founder Isabelle Andrieu discusses the company’s origins, its preparations for the AI era, and the future it envisions for its many clients and translators. She also offers advice to language service professionals — build your ability to adapt — and leads by example.

The booming language services market benefits from operational automation to assist with complex manual workflows. Translation business management systems (TBMSs) provide the intelligent infrastructure to automate client, vendor, and finance management, enabling efficient scaling and meeting enterprise compliance needs.

AI is supposed to be a productivity accelerator, enabling linguists to do more work more quickly. But what happens when AI-driven workflows cost more time and frustration than human-driven translation?

The author discusses the “pilot-to-production gap” in adopting AI to support multilingual content. Scaling AI requires integrating it into existing translation infrastructure, maintaining human oversight, and consistently applying terminology and translation memory to ensure quality and trust.

As a company focused on improving wellbeing in the business world, we asked the question: Could AI do the same for us? Thanks to intelligent automation, we were able to do just that.

The language industry’s future depends on recognizing that AI requires a human architecture of trained professionals. Linguists and governance experts provide essential accountability, nuance, and oversight that AI cannot replace, and eliminating these roles would destabilize the system.

Despite being technically and grammatically correct, AI-generated text reads as empty because it performs only one of six functions of communication. The author examines AI content’s lack of substance from a translator’s perspective and suggests ways reclaim communication as an act of thought and relationship.

Language access, which is a civil right, cannot be fully automated by AI, especially in high-stakes situations like legal or medical settings. Human professionals are indispensable because they provide judgment, cultural leadership, agility, and governance and manage the complexity, trauma, and ethical responsibility that AI cannot handle.

In this episode, we sit down with Aimee Ansari and Chenge Maruziva to discuss how this integration brings together Tarjimly’s real-time interpretation mobile platform with CLEAR Global’s deep expertise in translation and voice data. We explore what it means to combine a community of over 200,000 volunteers across the social impact sector. 

In this episode of Localization Today, Matt Grotenstein (VP of North America at GTE Localize) reflects on how the industry is shifting under the pressure of AI, changing buyer expectations, and new go-to-market realities. From moving away from traditional sales toward conversation-led relationships, to rethinking localization as an operating system for global expansion, this conversation explores what’s actually changing—and what isn’t—in how companies scale across markets.

Since 2004, TAUS has played many roles in the language industry. Driving all of its changes has been a mission of transforming translation from an exclusive service into an ordinary infrastructure feature. This article recounts how the organization adapted to meet the needs of a complex industry and concludes by presenting its next step towards achieving its founding vision.

With AI fueling unprecedented content growth, the impulse to translate it all is understandable. Localized minimalism — a concept that draws inspiration from minimalism movements but adapts them to the linguistic and ethical context — can help vendors, project managers, and brands replace volume with value.

When industry-standard metrics indicated high localization quality and yet his client expressed frustration and dissatisfaction, the author developed a more nuanced method of measuring localization quality — one that included user experience and stakeholder confidence along with linguistic accuracy.

“Influence” is broader than metrics, encompassing natural forces, intellectual authority, and procedural changes. The author traces the word’s meaning from its Latin origin (influentia, a flowing in) and cosmological roots to its modern, monetized definition as “influencer.”

In this episode, we sit down with Giulia Silvestrini, Head of Global Interpreting at Acolad, to discuss what it takes to oversee interpreting operations at one of the world’s most complex events and how AI is currently being used to expand language access without replacing the irreplaceable nuance of human experts.

This conversation moves past the hype to offer a practical framework for responsible AI adoption. Our panel discusses how to assess organizational readiness, spot critical gaps in vendor demos, and ensure compliance for both spoken and signed languages.

An ASL version is also available on YouTube.

Belen and Marina also break down what to expect at the first-ever AI ThoughtCon taking place from March 30 through April 1. 

Tune in to hear open insights on surviving technological shifts, why modern associations must focus on peer benchmarking, and why building a resilient community requires members to give just as much as they get.

In this episode, explore and learn how professionals use CAI tools to enhance their performance, the moral value of expanding language access, and why ignoring the rise of machine interpretation is the biggest risk of all.

Having immigrated from Iran to Austria, learned multiple foreign languages, and developed diverse skills from translation to AI, Fatemeh-Shirin Asgari knows the value of perseverance and adaptability. She now leads digital language initiatives for Austria’s national railway system. In this interview, she shares the story of her unconventional career path and her greatest lessons learned along the way.

While AI translation tools can generate hallucinations, the good news is that there are many practical ways to detect and mitigate them. This article delves into the reasons behind the problem and the techniques that can be used to address it.

By Anika Schaefer

This article explores the linguistic theories that laid the foundation for natural language processing, confronts the ethical risks of allowing machines to speak on our behalf, and presents a new vision for socially responsible AI language models.

For Kathy Mok, head of internationalization and localization at OpenAI, the present challenge centers on not only what AI technology can accomplish, but also how humans will shepherd it into a tool that enables genuine communication and trust-building.

The author explains why current machine translation post-editing (MTPE) workflows cause mental exhaustion and emotional detachment. She proposes practical steps towards making MTPE more meaningful and sustainable to the benefit of all stakeholders.

In today’s localization industry, leaders who shape how AI is governed and embedded into systems are disproportionately male. The author of this article argues that if women continue to be excluded from AI governance, the industry risks developing flawed and biased systems.

It’s easy to assume that script digitization is always a means of liberation and access. But for some minority scripts, digitization would be unhelpful or even harmful to the people who use them. The author of this article calls for caution as the language services industry rushes to create digital fonts for every writing system on Earth.

We explore why comprehensive data is critical for attracting investment, understanding market trends, and breaking down information silos. Whether you're a boutique agency or a global enterprise, discover why participating in this year's survey is essential for the entire ecosystem.

This conversation moves beyond the hype to practical production strategies, examining the shift from subtitling to game localization and ethical AI dubbing. Taras warns against the industry settling for lowered quality thresholds and explains why his team focuses on workflows where linguists act as decision-makers who sculpt raw data.

We explore why the industry must "think ambitiously" about AI, moving from simple translation to complex governance, and how enterprises will soon integrate localization directly into tools like Slack or Teams, keeping the human in control.

This article describes why Saudi Arabia approaches artificial intelligence (AI) in translation as a question of design, focusing less on speed and more on accountability. The author explains the need to prioritize human judgment as the country develops its AI-enabled translation systems.

Saudi Arabia’s Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission (LPTC) is charged with providing institutional support to linguists through certification, training, and mentorship programs. This article outlines the LPTC’s major initiatives and goals for the future.

In Saudi Arabia, translation and interpreting education is being reshaped by workforce policy, with curriculum reform and graduate employability increasingly treated as measurable institutional obligations. This article delves into how some of the country’s universities are tackling this transformation.

Language access in Saudi Arabia has evolved through a sequence of policy interventions that have positioned language as a functional pillar of broader institutional transformation. By integrating language access into governance structures and public service design, these policies aim to better serve non-Arabic speakers and to provide employment opportunities for Saudi nationals.

Founded in 2019, the Saudi Arabia Translation Association (SATA) serves as a hub for the nation’s linguists, linking professional practice to the wider cultural landscape. Through educational resources and outreach activities, the organization aims to empower translators to be active agents in the production of meaning.

In Saudi Arabia, translation has moved from an auxiliary service to a defining element of a broad national transformation, reflecting a change in how culture and knowledge are understood in the Kingdom. This article outlines the Saudi translation sector’s new structure and its role in strengthening the country’s presence on the global stage.

By Amer Qobti

Fueled largely by its young population and the multibillion-dollar National Gaming and Esports Strategy, Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming a global gaming and esports hub. The author details the essential role that localization plays in driving this growth.

The conversation digs deep into the future of the profession, specifically the urgent need for women to move beyond support roles and lead in R&D and product development. She discusses the new "We Shape AI" initiative, addressing critical gender and cultural biases in Large Language Models (LLMs).

In this episode, we discuss the ALC’s critical advocacy work against irresponsible AI legislation, the convergence of sign and spoken language sectors, and why connecting with 80% of the world’s non-English speakers is the ultimate meritocracy.

By Uma Kulkarni

Women in Localization (WL)’s 2025 Kudos and STAR Award winners are some of the organization’s most standout volunteers. In this article, WL celebrates their indispensable contributions that inspire excellence and help propel the organization forward.

By Mimi Moore 

This article recounts the establishment, rapid growth, and future goals of the AFLC conference, which was co-founded by Avishta Seeras and Ady Namaran Coulibaly to address the lack of African voices in global language spaces.

As Verizon’s head of localization, Megan Sharp ensures its customers receive the same service quality no matter where they live or what language they speak. In this interview, she discusses the career path that led her here, her predictions for the future of localization management, and what motivates her to do her best work every day.

By Domenico Lombardini
The author argues for using history and data to evaluate AI’s impact as objectively as possible, including acknowledging the tradeoffs it brings. He concludes by advocating for revamped linguistic training programs that equip young people with tools to compete on value, not price.

The author argues that providing language access more evenly throughout the world depends on recognizing it as a civil right, co-designing solutions with communities most affected by language barriers, and providing stable funding and business models for language access work.

By Jonathan Otis

Compared with the wider mergers and acquisitions market, the language industry stands out for its moderate growth, fragmented markets, and global footprint. In 2025, much of the localization business saw steady returns while operating largely out of the limelight.

By Veronica Hylak

The article lists the top 10 AI developments in 2025, arguing that this was a year of plateau in AI innovation. The focus shifted from infinite growth to making technology usable, dependable, and aligned with human work.

Noting how AI is transforming the software-as-a-service (SaaS) industry, the author offers seven best practices for SaaS localization workflows — emphasizing that success isn’t about simply accumulating tools, but about fundamentally redesigning processes.

We talk about the billions of people who still can’t access English-only content, why post-editing hasn’t delivered the promised efficiencies, how quality prediction changes the economics of multilingual publishing, and what this all means for linguists, workflows, and buyers who want to stay in control of their data rather than hand everything over to a single model provider.

Explore how new roles are emerging for language professionals in data management and AI training, and get an exclusive preview of the Language Intelligence 2025 event in Vienna, a conference focused 100% on practical use cases from diverse industries.

By Scott Swanson

For sports fans who are Deaf or who speak a language other than the primary one used in the stadium, the sensory richness of a live game is diminished without dedicated support. The author challenges sports organizations to embrace comprehensive language services in order to truly connect with their entire fan base.

The author argues that future AI interpreting systems will learn from not only human-generated examples, but also their own experience interacting with environments, generating data, and discovering solutions beyond existing human knowledge.

African language service providers don’t need to catch up — they can leap ahead. The author argues that Africa’s specialized language models, culture of collaborative entrepreneurship, and emphasis on human-centric design can launch the continent to the forefront of the localization industry.

As an outdoor sports enthusiast and lover of languages, Martina Russo eventually combined her two passions into a specialized localization agency for action sports brands. She and her team strive to ensure their clients speak authentic lingo regardless of regional differences; after all, when lives can depend on choosing the right gear and following accurate instructions, quality counts.

By Martina Russo

The quickly evolving nature of action sports language poses unique challenges for translation professionals who must capture not only literal meaning but also cultural context and authentic community voice — all while upholding the technical precision that ensures clarity and safety. The author, who is profiled in this issue, details innovative translation and localization strategies that can also be applied to other industries with quickly evolving vocabularies.

Despite some unique challenges, sports localization offers many intriguing possibilities for language companies going forward, particularly in emerging sports. This article provides an overview of some of the most exciting opportunities in today’s sports localization landscape.

In a multilingual nation like India, language can function as both a celebratory performance of identity and a mechanism for exclusion. The author highlights intensifying linguistic conflicts across India in the age of mass media and argues that linguistic politics must be conducted with care, sensitivity, and an awareness of India’s deep pluralism.

Alice Mazzilli practices a graffiti-like visual art form called jamigraphy — or jamming with calligraphy — that combines writing, painting, music, and movement. This article tells her story while exploring the value and beauty of imperfect handwriting.

We dig into connected workflows (one source of truth instead of silos), the rise of the orchestrator role, and lessons Gridly carried from gaming into SaaS, fintech, and edtech. 

We explore where to embrace automation and where human expertise, cultural nuance, and true creativity must always lead. This is an essential guide for anyone looking to build a sustainable and successful future in the language industry.

When expanding into new markets, brands that introduce centralized control over multilingual content grow with greater consistency and confidence. This article presents an actionable plan for developing a localization framework that gives brands direct control over messaging, enabling them to communicate technical and design differentiation that justifies premium pricing globally.

Based on his experience helping technology startups build localization programs, the author shares common pitfalls that emerging companies often encounter when localizing their products — and presents strategies for avoiding them. He concludes with a call to language service providers to appeal to emerging businesses early in their development.

By exploring how different linguistic traditions frame human relationships with the natural world, the authors illustrate how language influences our views on sustainability and argue that embracing multilingualism has tangible impacts on how environmental challenges are addressed.

By Jose Palomares

Originally from Peru, Karla, Karina, and Kathy made their way to the United States and eventually reached the top of the localization industry. This is their story: one of resourcefulness over resources, of lifting while climbing, and of proving that sometimes the most revolutionary act in business is refusing to succeed alone.

Universal design aims to create environments and products that are usable by as many people as possible, regardless of age, size, ability, disability, or background. The authors argue that universal design in video games should be an intrinsic part of creating an excellent user experience rather than an afterthought.

The author discusses the role of AI in Indigenous language access, arguing that AI has little practical value for Indigenous language interpretation largely because Indigenous and other low-resource languages lack the massive datasets needed for AI to function effectively for interpretation and translation.

Prompted by his own experience of co-authoring an article with AI, the author explores a “fourth type of translation” — that between human and machine. He considers the protocols for AI collaboration: At what point does assistance cross into ghostwriting? When does augmentation become abdication?

She reflects on her 30+ years of experience in the industry, the importance of in-person events in a post-pandemic world, and the Finnish concept of SISU as the theme of this year’s conference. Explore what makes regional events different from global gatherings, the role of cultural diversity in shaping the agenda, and why business in the Nordics sometimes starts in the sauna.

We unpack why the Wave matters now, how AI, orchestration, and quality scoring are driving hyper-personalized, multimodal experiences, and what enterprises can do in the next 90 days to turn multilingual content into measurable growth. Georg and Jason also dig into partner ecosystems, transparent roadmaps, and automation outcomes—plus where agentic workflows really stand.

Ankush also previews Adobe’s Globalization Summit 2025—Accelerating the Globalization AI Ecosystem—a free, invite-only, tech-forward gathering for product leaders, engineers, linguists, LSPs, and AI innovators (Nov 12–13, Noida/Delhi, with virtual access). If you’re building or buying GenAI for global content, this one’s for you. Details and interest form in the show notes.

You’ll hear when this method outperforms classic CAT (blogs, social, email) and when it doesn’t (UI), how vector-based memory differs from TMs, how MT/LLM suggestions pair with human authorship, and why quality shifts from fidelity to effectiveness in the AI era.

The author presents a case study from ride-hailing app inDrive, detailing how the company addressed a problem with its Spanish-language localization strategy. After analyzing peer apps and gathering user feedback, inDrive was able to successfully adjust its messaging for Latin America and Spain.

The authors detail a method for determining whether texts are human-written or AI-generated.  The approach combines computational analysis, linguistic expertise, and a weighting system to provide a probability assessment rather than a binary classification. This nuanced approach is valuable in professional contexts in which content authenticity has significant implications for quality assurance, compliance, or intellectual property.

The author examines the underlying reasons behind the ASL interpreter shortage — from insufficiently long training programs to “education deserts” — and suggests strategies for creating a more robust pipeline and setting diverse students up for success.

The traditional service-oriented model of language service providers (LSPs) is becoming outdated as clients increasingly expect sophisticated technological ecosystems, including machine translation and analytics platforms. To thrive in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), LSPs need to redefine themselves as technology companies rather than just service providers.

The author argues that — in the age of artificial intelligence — translators can survive and thrive by utilizing technology to boost efficiency and embracing new roles as linguistic architects, curators of meaning, and cultural mediators.

The author argues that writing by hand (versus typing) leads to increased learning, greater creativity, and even better health — benefits that we are in danger of losing in our haste to adopt digital tools.

By fusing language with handwriting, audio, video, sensor data and beyond, and by moving from sequential “chain‑of‑thought” to real‑time “learn‑by‑doing” reasoning, the project aims to shatter today’s context, reasoning and continual‑learning limitations in LLMs—and push toward truly grounded, human‑level AI.

In this conversation, we explore where this matters most (high-volume content, real-time chat, regulated use cases), how QE reshapes workflows after MT, and why language access still demands human oversight in sensitive domains. They close with what’s next: lighter, task-focused models, more agent-style automation, and a broader definition of quality that favors fitness-for-purpose over perfection.

They explore why linguistic accuracy alone no longer suffices, how downstream signals like engagement and conversion should influence localization strategies, and what it takes to turn AI-driven volume into truly resonant experiences. Craig also demystifies the emerging world of agentic AI, offers advice for today’s linguists, and shares how teams can bridge the gap between language technology and real-world business impact.

In this interview, Giulia Greco discusses her decision to leave corporate localization management to become a consultant — a path that comes with uncertainty, but also offers freedom, agency, and new opportunities for impact.

Executive Order 14224, signed in March 2025, declared English as the official language of United States federal agencies. The author calls for language service providers to publicly oppose the order and to become fierce advocates for language access policies and standards.

By Yasir Tehsin

The author argues that AI voices, in no matter the language, are sorry substitutes for humans when it comes to narrating audiobooks — asserting that they pose a threat to the future of literature.

By Jorge Russo dos Santos and Agustín Da Fieno Delucchi

Unlike traditional localization, which adapts content from a source language, a new methodology developed by Trilogica Global simultaneously creates content in multiple languages and cultural contexts. The authors argue that this approach represents not just an incremental improvement in localization technology, but a fundamental reimagining of global communication.

Georg also discusses the enduring role of human expertise alongside AI, the shift toward hyper-automation and personalization, and why “planting your AI trees today” is critical for any organization that wants to thrive in tomorrow’s content landscape.

They break down the three-tier framework (raw AI output, creative, highly technical) and the 30-point scoring system across five weighted criteria they applied—sharing the full methodology behind how they narrowed a “zoo of technologies” into a definitive top 10.

You’ll also hear about runner-up tools and notable products that didn’t make the list but deserve your attention.

Learn why UX and “least clicks” matter, how AI agents are reshaping workflows, and which standout solutions (Modelfront, memoQ AGT, DeepL, SmartCat, Boostlingo, and more) are poised to disrupt pricing models and the future of language tech.

In the United States, global business is precarious due to the Trump Administration’s fluctuating tariffs and unpopular foreign policies. Two leaders in the American language sector weigh in on the impacts of tariff uncertainty, emerging budget constraints, and targeted consumer action.

By Giovanna Patruno

Global brand storytelling lies at the intersection of linguistics, cultural anthropology, and marketing strategy. Success requires more than just good translation; it demands a deep understanding of how languages shape perception and how stories resonate across cultural boundaries.

A web globalization consultant describes the top five most common website and app localization mistakes to avoid in order to increase user engagement and create a positive user experience. These include underlocalization, overlocalization, and use of inappropriate photographs.

Quebec is often regarded as the birthplace of artificial intelligence (AI). This article explores AI’s effects on the language industry in Canada and features an interview with the Quebec AI Institute (Mila)’s interim scientific director, Laurent Charlin.

By Dominique Bohbot

As a special operating agency, the Translation Bureau supports the Canadian government in its efforts to serve citizens in both official languages, as well as indigenous, foreign, and sign languages. This article discusses the organization’s important role in Canada and highlights its vision for the future.

By Dominique Bohbot

This article provides an overview of Canada’s regulatory environment surrounding language. The author explains the importance of bilingualism in Canada and illustrates how various laws impact education, business, and demand for translation and interpretation.

The Canadian translation industry is a quality-driven sector that is navigating the challenges and opportunities of technology while maintaining a strong focus on human expertise and rigorous standards. This article describes the industry’s unique structure and its strategies in the current technological and economic landscape.

Indigenous linguistic vitality is currently a large-scale undertaking in Canada. This article discusses the legal context, grammatical complexities, educational offerings, and technological challenges affecting Canadian indigenous language learning, access, and services.

The author interviews a third-generation stone carver about creating calligraphy in the hardest material possible. Their conversation touches on history, art, and the future of manual craftsmanship in the United States.

They discuss the nonprofit, open-source structure that unifies text encoding across devices and platforms, delve into the technical foundations of ICU, CLDR, and ICU4X and how developers integrate these libraries for formatting, localization, and bidirectional text, and examine the Digitally Disadvantaged Languages Working Group’s efforts to onboard under-represented scripts.

The conversation also covers the Adopt a Character funding program, the volunteer-driven community engagement model, the new Unicode Technology Workshop as a forum for hands-on collaboration, and their shared vision for achieving seamless, universal language support in digital communication.

Dr. Hasso also explores the role of school boards, policy changes, and teacher preparation programs in creating truly inclusive learning environments.

Finally, she previews her fourth book (due December 2025) and offers actionable advice for educators, parents, and policymakers committed to fostering equity and excellence for every multilingual student.

Successful localization of cover art requires understanding cultural differences to attract local players. In this article, the author analyzes different regions’ cover art for two games, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Carmageddon.

By Rodrigo Fuentes Corradi

The author discusses the importance of strategic account management for language service providers (LSPs) in the face of AI advancements, arguing that account management is often overlooked and underutilized, despite being crucial for organic growth and customer loyalty.

Adapting game elements like character design, storylines, and themes to fit cultural norms can significantly increase engagement. The authors detail the Tiny Minies app’s local culturalization strategies for the Middle East and North Africa region, a fast-growing gaming market with a substantial Arabic-speaking population.

Video game developers create fictional languages to enhance world-building, immerse players, and foster communities. Tamara Tirják, head of localization at Frontier Developments, discusses considerations when developing these languages, focusing on the Planco language from Planet Coaster and Planet Zoo.

The author shares his impressions on how games travel across language and culture, drawing comparisons among make-believe games, board games, and video games. He asserts that game localization is not duplication, but rather a strategic reenactment and even a form of diplomacy.

Teresa dives into Malt’s hybrid workflow—immediate machine translations followed by human review—explains key KPIs like error-free requests and time-to-market, and shares why translators remain indispensable for cultural nuance. She also discusses how to build strategic partnerships with stakeholders, balance orchestration versus one-stop processes, and position localization as a driver of long-term global growth.

Carol unpacks common misconceptions, the importance of centering limited English proficient individuals in policy and practice, and the need to shift from transactional interpreting to structural inclusion.

A meaningful conversation with Marleen Julien (Creole Solutions), Junior Mesamours (JR Language Services), and Websder Corneille (Indiana University), moderated by MultiLingual CEO Eddie Arrieta. 

We explore how localization teams can leverage LARA’s new Team Plan and API to enhance both internal workflows and enterprise-wide communication, and how the rise of agents could automate not just translation, but localization project management itself.

Philippine cultural advocate Kristian Kabuay describes his artistic journey from the United States to the Philippines and back, and from graffiti to martial arts to batok, a traditional tattooing practice that incorporates body, identity, and language.

Although generative AI has made remarkable strides in language processing, its struggle with Indian dialects highlights the deep-rooted challenges of data scarcity, code-switching complexities, and low digital representation of regional languages.

By Helena Batt

TED has partnered with Panjaya to help make TED Talks accessible to a global audience. Using AI-powered video adaptation and expert-in-the-loop translators, the company is dubbing its TED Talks in multiple languages.

The year’s best products span various use cases; some focus on speed, others on adaptability. Advocating for a pricing model that reflects the level of human involvement, the context, and the intended use of a translation, the authors classify these tools using a three-tiered system depending on whether the output is raw AI, creative, or highly technical.

We discuss the rebranding decision, the evolution of data services, real client use cases, and the internal cultural changes required to support such a pivot. Veronique also reflects on the strategic role of language in AI adoption, the challenges of bias and data quality, and the core values—openness, resilience, and transparency—that drive Datamundi’s vision for the future.

She discusses founding the first professional association for translators and interpreters in Macedonia, the role of community and standards in shaping her career, and the lessons learned along the way. Hristina reflects on the evolving relationship between technology and language work, emphasizing the enduring importance of cultural sensitivity, human interpretation, and customer service.

We discuss the importance of community in the language industry, the challenges facing small and mid-sized LSPs, and the launch of Kangaroo, a new QA tool developed by Ludeo Studios. Whether you missed the event or just want to hear more about the people and passion behind it, this conversation offers a look into what makes our industry more than just business.

From the early challenges of building BeLazy to today’s focus on supply chain innovation, István shares his perspective on why visualizing data flows, embracing interoperability, and understanding real-world use cases are critical to success. We also explore how BeLazy is pivoting to meet changing market demands, how mapping workflows can reveal hidden opportunities, and why resilience and experimentation are key to staying ahead.

Viviana reflects on the outcomes of the recent SIG session at GALA, where participants gamified future use cases for interpreting technologies, and explores how regulation, trust, and context continue to define where—and when—human interpreters are essential.

Moderated by Eddie Arrieta (Multilingual Media), the discussion features Bruce Adelson (attorney and former DOJ official), Bill Rivers (language lobbyist and chair of SAFE AI), Mila Golovine (MasterWord CEO), and Giovanna Carriero Contreras (AAITE). The panel explores legal frameworks, symbolic impacts, real-world effects on hospitals and schools, and what professionals and communities can do to protect civil rights in uncertain times.

In this interview, Michael Mulé of the U.S. Department of Justice discusses the historical framework of language access in the United States, common counterarguments, and the use of automatic translation technologies in language access contexts. Interviewee Deema Jaradat provides key takeaways and shares some closing thoughts.

On March 1, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order declaring English the official language of the United States. The author reflects on the degree to which the executive order will reshape language access in the United States and how these changes might affect language service providers.

This author discusses the challenges and complexities of managing change in regulated industries, particularly medical device manufacturing, highlighting the reasons for the perceived slowness of these industries to adapt and emphasizing the need for regulatory scrutiny, risk management, and patient safety.

Machine translation engines often struggle to produce accurate, consistent, and culturally sensitive output in Arabic. In this article, the author argues for improving the technology through corrective and preventive measures to enhance its efficacy for Arabic.

For clinical trials involving linguistically and culturally diverse patient populations, successful eConsent implementation goes beyond simply digitizing consent forms. A successful implementation strategy includes regulatory compliance, data privacy, and cultural sensitivity.

Although AI can enhance language services in regulated industries such as healthcare, legal services, government, and education, human expertise remains essential to ensure accuracy, safety, and compliance in critical situations.

The author discusses the often misunderstood profession of interpreting, focusing on the psychological landscape of interpreters, the pressures they face, and why they may be perceived as difficult, unresponsive, or even arrogant.

In this episode of Localization Today, Eddie Arrieta sits down with Gabriel Karandyšovský, industry researcher and consultant at Gabe’s Lab and Argos Multilingual, to explore the AI Maturity Model—a framework designed to help localization teams understand where they stand in their AI journey. From AI-Aware to AI-Transformed, Gabe walks us through the five stages, the reasoning behind the model, and how companies can assess their current stage in less than 20 minutes.

We also discuss how different teams adopt AI at different speeds, the evolving roles within localization, and the real-world value of mapping progress.

The author explores questions related to literary translation quality in Catalonia and greater Spain, urging the publishing and localization industries to consider the social and cultural costs of excluding minority languages.

Like mental health, pregnancy, and parental leave, menopause is a workplace issue that should be openly discussed to ensure that stigma or a lack of accommodations doesn’t result in industries, economies, and society as a whole losing some of its most seasoned, insightful, and resilient minds.

The author presents her research on service diversification in the marketing translation sector and proposes a new differentiation model based on a broader definition of translation that clearly encompasses related services.

Francesca Di Marco, Head of Internationalization at Pinterest, discusses her journey into the field of internationalization, which was influenced by her upbringing in Italy and her academic background in Japanese history. She emphasizes the importance of understanding culture, history, and language in building global communities.

Through broader accessibility of digital technology along with newly established international initiatives, marginalized language communities now have a path towards bridging the digital divide that keeps billions in poverty. In this article, the author argues that the language industry is uniquely positioned to play a major role in this transformation.

Long-standing principles and practices of terminology as a discipline are perfectly suited for developing the semantic resources necessary for various natural language processing (NLP) applications, including generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). To ensure that their contributions are leveraged, terminology managers need to shift the focus of their work from “terminology for translators” to “microcontent for applications.” 

Why would anyone handwrite a newspaper? The Musalman — a four-page Urdu paper that has been written, every day, by hand ever since it was founded in 1927 — suggests that the act of writing by hand (and its sister act, the act of reading handwriting), incorporates far more than the mere transmission of information.

The conversation explores how MosAIQ’s agentic approach breaks down translation into dynamic steps, the importance of measuring productivity and quality, and why innovation requires questioning long-held assumptions about tech stacks and processes.

Throughout the discussion, Erik emphasizes a clear message: no matter how advanced AI becomes, the human touch remains essential — as the ultimate fact-checker and truth-teller in localization.

He also reflects on Manga Arabia’s role in Vision 2030: empowering over 120 regional creators, publishing millions of chapters online and in print, and inspiring the next generation of storytellers to draw their own futures.

Over the course of their conversation—set against Saudi Arabia’s visionary push into language education—Adam shares his first impressions of the Kingdom, the new online master’s program he directs, and the career pathways that today’s translators, interpreters, and LSP professionals must navigate in an AI‑driven landscape.

In this episode, Marleen Julien Souverain, CEO of Creole Solutions, shares the inspiring journey of building a company dedicated to Haitian Creole language access. She dives into the challenges of working in Haiti, the power of language in economic development, and why quality, resilience, and adaptability are key to success in the language services industry.

The Voyager space probes’ Golden Records — which carry the voices and sounds of Earth into space for any extraterrestrial who might one day find them — exemplify the ultimate edge case in translation and localization. How do you convey meaning when you can’t assume anything about your audience — not their language, their cognitive processes, or even their sensory capabilities?

She also recounts her path from practitioner to entrepreneur and educator, offering practical advice on balancing cultural nuance, technological tools, and professional ethics in a rapidly evolving industry.

They discuss how Saudi Vision 2030 has reshaped the localization landscape, from the establishment of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission to the launch of programs like Tergem and the Certified Translator exam.

Sarah reveals how ITI is equipping both new graduates and seasoned practitioners with the technology, business skills, ethics and accreditation needed to thrive as translators and interpreters in an age of AI and cultural complexity.

In this interview, the organizers of Global Language Advocacy Days discuss their dedication to creating a world where language is valued as a fundamental right — central to identity, community, and access to essential services.

Traditional localization roles are morphing to meet the demands of an AI-powered, omnichannel world. In this article, the authors argue that successful localization professionals will find ways to meld their linguistic and cultural expertise with technical literacy to maximize the power of AI.

Remote work has cemented itself as a highly desired workplace perk across industries. Moving into 2025, the biggest outstanding question is whether employers will continue their quest to kill remote work in the cradle.

From rigorous training to high-stakes environments, Mimi explores the challenges and rewards of interpreting in diplomacy, emphasizing the indispensable human element in a field where technology can't yet replicate the emotional intelligence and nuance required.

This year was marked by relentless technological acceleration driven by artificial intelligence. Veronica Hylak identifies the eight biggest takeaways from 2024’s many AI updates, including their major impacts on data privacy, online search, intellectual property, and energy use.

Mark Saba’s Native Experience Marketing offers a refreshing approach to global marketing — one centered around the idea of authenticity. Saba’s framework provides a roadmap for marketers who are ready to leave behind outdated models and embrace a more inclusive way of communicating with the world.

Globalization experts from Microsoft share advice for effectively and ethically using generative artificial intelligence for translation and localization. They recommend evaluating cost, speed, and quality when compared to alternative technologies, as well as using context-aware techniques and responsible AI principles to improve translation quality.

After a significant slowdown in 2023, the language sector’s M&A landscape rebounded this year, with nearly every language service provider that generates over $50 million annually completing at least one acquisition. This deal-making boom reflects not only the economic, political, and technological tides influencing industries worldwide, but also specific forces driving LSP consolidation.

This year, MultiLingual magazine was crowned with an APEX Award for Publication Excellence, a top awards program for independent publishers. The magazine’s former publisher reflects on how the winning issue was produced and what the award means for the publication’s devoted staff and readers.

The author reflects on the slow pace of technological progress in the interpretation space, from the advent of simultaneous interpreting in 1945 to the dawn of remote work in 2020. Now, with the emergence of AI-based machine interpreting, he urges both individual interpreters and language service providers to embrace these new, innovative solutions.

In his book, discover stories like the revival of the Ahom script in India, once thought lost, now a symbol of pride and resilience for its people. Saving these alphabets isn't just preserving words—it's safeguarding the voices of entire communities.

The author recounts his career journey from missionary to interpreter to company founder — and how he came to learn about indigenous languages and communities along the way. Now committed to providing language services to underserved populations, Norton encourages readers to look beyond their narrow surroundings to adopt broader perspectives on language access.

Unicode CEO Toral Cowieson works at the heart of the international coalition that keeps technology working for everyone. The group’s text encoding standard guarantees that the characters and scripts displayed on your digital devices function properly in your language of choice. MultiLingual spoke to her about this essential work that makes the world go around.

US college and university enrollments in courses for languages other than English fell 16.6% from 2016 to 2021. Moore and Fischer explore some reasons for the decline in language learning, offer a few solutions, and extend a call to action to the localization industry to start turning the tide.

Bamboo carving is a traditional writing technique of the indigenous Mangyan people of the Philippines. Tim Brookes describes how ancestral poetry is inscribed onto the plant, highlighting the culture’s connection with nature and spirituality.

Sticking with an outdated translation management system can hold a company back. The authors explain the benefits of migrating to a more modern platform and outline the necessary strategies and steps for a successful switch.

The Mayan civilization may have vanished, but its linguistic heritage endures. Today, up to 22 ancient Mayan languages are still spoken in Guatemala and beyond, though their survival remains precarious. Ewandro Magalhães describes the challenges facing native speakers and efforts to provide language services to those in need.

For 20 years, Sjur Nørstebø Moshagen has led an effort to develop language technology tools for the indigenous Sámi languages of Northern Europe. While the project has produced many important tools, the limitations of commonly used hardware and software negatively affect their ease of use. Moshagen ends by proposing an “open language” model similar to the idea of open source.

While the traditional Ranjana script is recognized and respected in Nepal, most people can’t read or write it due to centuries of restriction and oppression. Now, thanks to local efforts at teaching calligraphy, it’s making a comeback.

In the course of their work, translators and interpreters often encounter tragic situations that cause them emotional distress. Pham Hoa Hiep discusses adaptive coping strategies and calls for better support mechanisms for language professionals.

Tim Brookes’ book, Writing Beyond Writing, is at once an historical overview of scripts, a memoir about carving endangered scripts, a manifesto that takes aim at the dominance of the Latin script, and — perhaps most vitally — a clarion call to save the scripts used by marginalized peoples around the world.

They discuss the challenges of navigating a multinational organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, the evolution of the language services market, and the critical role of resilience and innovation in driving growth.

When it comes to adopting AI, Ewandro Magalhães advises a balanced approach: taking it slow to avoid overpromising, but also keeping an open mind to possibilities. He argues that, ultimately, speaking openly about our fears and hopes will help us determine ethical ways to move forward with AI.

Lessons from 20 years of website dos and don’ts

By John Yunker

For 20 years, John Yunker has benchmarked the websites of the leading global brands in the annual Web Globalization Report Card. In this article, he highlights the best practices that resonate as strongly today as they did two decades ago.

By Nathalie Greff-Santamaria

Translation and interpreting are central to the Olympic and Paralympic Games to facilitate communication among athletes, coaches, spectators, and journalists from around the world. Nathalie Greff-Santamaria, head of Paris 2024 Language Services, delves into the tools and techniques her team employs to provide these much-needed services in a complex, high-stakes environment.

In the months after ChatGPT’s release in late 2022, Shirley Yeng often woke up at night worrying about the relevance of her localization business. Here, she tells the story of how she overcame her fear of a changing industry and learned to embrace the promises of AI.

Veronica shares her secrets for staying informed in the fast-paced world of artificial intelligence, and her thoughts on the recent Apple Intelligence launch. You'll also learn about her favorite AI tools and how the future of the translation industry is being shaped by AI advancements.

“Allegorical distance” is the amount of effort required for a player to perceive the real-world inspiration behind an allegory in a game. Kate Edwards gives examples of short, medium, and large allegorical distances and urges game developers to intentionally determine the distance that best serves their narrative and players.

Video game translators were never meant to be ghostwriters. Diego Perez argues that the significant amount of uncredited work not only hinders translators’ bargaining power, but also undermines their moral rights as creators of derivative work. This article analyzes the current state of translator credits in gaming and suggests ways to achieve better crediting practices.

Three decades ago, the work of translating popular Japanese video games for Western audiences often fell to just a few people using rudimentary technology. In this article, Rasmusson explores the ups and downs of game localization in the ‘90s and how this chaotic period influenced the industry moving forward.

The integration of AI into video and computer game localization is transforming how developers approach their work and how players experience gaming. Mimi Moore explains AI’s impact on inclusivity, indie developers, real-time localization, and game quality across languages and cultures.

With GenAI in its nascent stage, language companies that use this emerging technology are in uncharted territory. In this article, ten of the most influential companies in the industry explain how they are leveraging GenAI to improve outcomes for their teams and customers.

How can language professionals help improve healthcare for LGBTQ+ individuals? Adriel Maroni argues that using gender-neutral terminology, allowing for self-identification, and exercising open-mindedness goes a long way towards fostering inclusive and culturally competent care.

Bridget Hylak reflects on the reasons for the deep divisions in the language industry — providing context, perspectives, and examples from both sides — and encourages linguists and technology experts to reconcile.

Through her work advancing the Saudi translation and publishing industries, Dr. Hailah Alkhalaf aims to share the country’s diverse cultural heritage with the world and help foster understanding between nations.

Prior to the introduction of LLMs, NMT defined the computer-assisted translator’s toolset. And to some degree, it still does. But many in the industry have recently taken steps to promote LLMs to the new default. In this article, leaders from six of the world’s most influential language companies share their perspectives on the best approach to automated translation.

In the annals of interpretation, few names shine as brightly as Andre Kaminker. Savant, trailblazer, and linchpin in the world of international communication, Kaminker’s life was a testament to the art and science of language — a craft he mastered with a blend of genius and unmatched techniques.

Content marketers are asking themselves: should they continue to create content in one language and then localize it for many markets, or should they leverage generative AI to produce customized content for each market in the local language? Kajetan Malinowski weighs in.

By analyzing the frequency of letters in an Arabic text, ninth-century scholar Abu Yusuf al-Kindi established a framework for identifying patterns that laid the groundwork for both cryptography and machine translation.

This year marks 70 years since the first public demonstration of MT, which arguably sparked the language AI revolution that we see today. On January 7, 1954, a team from Georgetown University and IBM automatically translated 60 Russian sentences into English.

After reading the Globalization Strategy Playbook, Inés Rubio San Martín and Satoko Yuda were inspired to utilize data analytics to refine their company’s globalization strategy. Now a year into the project, they share their progress and the successes and challenges they’ve faced along the way.

How can localization teams demonstrate the vital role of languages in a company’s success? Pascale Tremblay argues that language professionals can leverage the increasing importance of emerging technologies to their advantage.

A linguist studying a newly developed script in Africa noticed that people’s willingness to learn it depended on whether they grew up monoscriptal — using only one writing system — or polyscriptal. Tim Brookes ponders the reasons for this difference and asks for perspectives from readers.

In the diverse region of South Asia, the interaction between languages, multilingual identities, and linguistic nationalism creates a fascinating tapestry.

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This episode is not just about translation; it's about the power of language in connecting humanity, providing crucial information during crises, and the significant role of the language industry in these humanitarian efforts.

Nataliya, steering Task Force with offices in Ukraine and Poland, shares her contrarian, yet profoundly insightful views on the adoption of artificial intelligence. She highlights not just the technological and financial aspects, but also the ethical, legal, and environmental implications that companies must consider before fully embracing AI.

Dive deep into the origins of LocWorld, starting from its inception in 2003, the exponential growth, and the unexpected boom of attendees right from their first event. The discussion delves into the evolution of the industry, especially highlighting the transformative role of technology, like machine translation, over the years.

But it's not all about business! Donna and Ulrich share heartfelt insights on how organizing LocWorld has impacted them personally, their philosophy of authenticity over marketing hype, and the enriching global perspectives they've gained along the way.

Throughout the interview, Martyna sheds light on how this model fosters innovation, strengthens relationships between buyers and vendors, and encourages companies to continually strive for excellence. The conversation also pivots to the role of AI in localization, emphasizing the need for a balance with the human element, which remains crucial in this domain.