From the gap to the bridge: Will artificial intelligence break down the language barriers? Smart translation, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing technologies, has transformed communication between peoples and cultures. After decades of relying on dictionaries and rigid grammar rules, machine translation has evolved from statistical models to neural machine translation based on deep learning, making it more capable of understanding context and conveying meaning accurately. Thanks to tools like Google Translate and DeepL, it is now possible to translate texts, conversations, and images instantly, opening opportunities for trade, education, tourism, and personal communication across multiple languages. Despite this progress, challenges remain, particularly with specialized texts that require high accuracy, the conveyance of cultural or literary style, and the support of less widely spoken languages. The best solution lies in human–machine collaboration, where algorithms provide speed and the ability to process massive amounts of content, while human translators add sensitivity, cultural identity, and final precision. Through this partnership, AI can move closer to bridging the language gap, leading to a more open world with communication free of cultural and linguistic barriers, enabling access to global content with unprecedented speed and accuracy, and enhancing opportunities for learning and innovation. Translation today plays a central role in sharing knowledge, allowing communities to access the latest scientific studies and economic and knowledge reports, and enabling researchers and decision-makers to exchange expertise. With these tools, information is no longer limited to a single language but is available to all, raising awareness and strengthening the impact of local capabilities. For sustainable development, modern translation supports environmental and social projects by transferring knowledge of best global practices and facilitating cooperation between nations and institutions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It is not only a means of linguistic communication but also a strategic tool for building more knowledgeable, innovative, and sustainable societies. Investing in this field, whether through technology or developing translators’ skills, is a vital step toward a future built on comprehensive knowledge, enabling every society to participate effectively in creating global solutions to sustainable challenges. |