The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the localization industry at an unprecedented pace. As companies work to stay ahead, the future of linguistic talent is coming sharply into focus, and one thing is clear: human expertise remains essential, even as tools and workflows evolve, and translation companies need to make sure they retain such talent. 

Bridging the Gap Between AI Innovation and Human Expertise 

AI and Machine Learning (ML) engineers and language professionals are both navigating a rapidly evolving landscape, yet they often do so in isolation. Language professionals are adapting their professional identities to stay relevant in an AI-driven landscape, but frequently lack visibility into how their input can be leveraged and what is expected of them. Conversely, engineers may not fully appreciate just how much they can rely on linguists’ specialized knowledge to improve their development processes. Stronger collaboration and greater transparency are needed to maximize the impact of both groups. But how do we bridge this gap for the benefit of translation companies and their clients? 

Survey Insights: The Language Professionals’ Perspective 

In November 2024, Welocalize surveyed over 300 language professionals spanning 63 countries, comprised of 56% employed by translation agencies and 44% working as freelancers, to capture how the industry is evolving and how individuals are adapting to the changes. 

Key Findings: 

Job Security and Adaptation: 78% of respondents do not plan to change careers or alter the services they offer, while only 7% are considering a substantial shift. This shows remarkable resilience and adaptability in the face of change. 

Biggest Impact: 42% cited financial impact as the main consequence of industry changes, with a reduction in the demand for standard translation and a growing demand for new services such as post-editing and AI output evaluation. For a significant number of respondents (10%), AI has improved efficiency. 

Adaptation Strategies: Most professionals are adapting by expanding their service offering and undertaking training, especially to become familiar with new technologies and AI-related workflows. 

Support Needed from Translation Companies: The majority expressed a desire for training to keep up with technological change, as well as increased work opportunities to offset financial pressure. Flexibility, recognition of human contribution, and technical assistance were also highlighted. 

The AI/ML Engineers’ Perspective: Why Human Linguists Matter 

While AI continues to evolve, engineers rely on language professionals as the “source of truth” for accuracy and quality in localization outputs. Linguists offer essential context, translate subjective quality judgments into actionable rules, and ensure that datasets are meaningful.  

The following are key examples of roles and tasks that cannot be filled by a machine alone: 

• AI Output Evaluation: Human review remains critical for scrutinizing AI-generated translations and ensuring quality. 

• Data Labeling: Accurate, nuanced label assignment improves how AI systems learn and handle language. 

• Asset Preparation: Human curation of machine-friendly glossaries and style guides streamlines integration with AI systems. 

• Iterating for Improvement: Linguists identify patterns and systemic issues to drive iterative model enhancement. 

Simply put, linguists’ tacit knowledge is irreplaceable in building, improving and maintaining trustworthy AI localization systems. 

On Training: What Matters Most? 

During our presentation at AMTA 2025, audience questions focused strongly on what linguists should train on. Our recommendation, backed by insights from our engineering team, is that language professionals focus on two main areas: 

1. Basic Machine Learning Principles: This foundation helps linguists understand why patterns are so critical in AI development and how their insights can directly shape more effective language models. 

2. Hands-on Experience with Large Language Models (LLMs) and Prompting: 
   By experimenting directly with LLMs, linguists can better grasp the variables and levers that affect model outputs, empowering them to contribute to iterative, value-adding AI workflows. 

These skills will not only future-proof language professionals’ careers but will also deepen the collaborative bond between them and their AI/ML engineering colleagues. 

Moving Forward: Evolving Roles, Unchanging Value 

Change can feel daunting, but our survey suggests that both linguists and companies are embracing new roles and skills. Most are not abandoning the profession; they’re expanding their capabilities, keen to collaborate with engineers, and open to shaping the future together. 

To attract and retain top talent, localization companies should: 

• Invest in ongoing professional training 

• Offer linguists opportunities to participate in emerging AI-driven tasks 

• Recognize and reward the specifically human value brought to the field 

As AI reshapes the localization industry, the most successful companies will be those who skillfully blend innovation with human expertise. By bridging the gap between engineers and linguists, we can meet the evolving needs of global content and ensure a bright future for linguistic talent worldwide. 

Ready to elevate your multilingual content with cutting-edge AI solutions? Contact Welocalize today to learn how we can help!