Celebrating the International Translation Day: Éloge Mulumba Highlights the State of the Translation Industry
On Saturday, October 5, 2024, the Association des Traducteurs et Interprètes Professionnels du Congo (ATIPCO) hosted a significant celebration of International Translation Day in collaboration with the École de Traduction et d'Interprétation at the Université Pédagogique Nationale. The event gathered industry professionals around the inspiring theme: “Translation: An Art Worth Protecting.”
One of the keynote speakers was Éloge Mulumba, a sworn translator and expert at the Tribunal de Grande Instance de Kinshasa/Gombe. His presentation, titled “État des lieux de la traduction dans le monde et en RDC,” captivated the audience by providing a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities shaping the translation industry both globally and locally.
In his talk, Éloge began by emphasizing the growing impact of new technologies on the translation sector. He noted that the rise of machine translation and computer-assisted translation tools is revolutionizing how translators practice their craft. While these innovations present challenges, they also offer opportunities to enhance the efficiency and quality of services.
Focusing on the Democratic Republic of Congo, Éloge highlighted the country's linguistic richness, boasting over 430 languages and dialects. However, he also addressed significant obstacles facing translators and interpreters, such as the lack of specialized training and limited access to modern technologies. Despite these challenges, he identified numerous opportunities, particularly regarding national languages, which require tailored translation services.
Éloge employed a striking metaphor to illustrate his point: the replacement of helicopter pilots by drone pilots. He explained that, just as pilots must adapt to technological evolution, translators must also embrace artificial intelligence as an ally rather than an adversary. He emphasized that the future of the profession depends on mastering these new technologies, transforming translators into supervisors of machines.
Éloge Mulumba's presentation not only informed but also inspired attendees to embrace technological advancements in their profession. His call for ongoing training and the adoption of new technologies resonated with the audience, promising a bright future for the translation industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond.
The event served as a pivotal moment for strengthening connections within the translator and interpreter community while underscoring the importance of adapting skills to meet the demands of an ever-changing world.