Ohio Honyaku Group Spring Meeting Report

[John Stroman]

Ohio Honyaku Spring 2025 Meeting Report Date & Time: March 8, 2025, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM Location: Whetstone Branch, Columbus Metropolitan Library, 3909 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 Attendees: Carl K., Allyson S., Carolyn B., John S., Toshio L.

1. Free Discussion • Sustaining Work in a Changing Market: A veteran translator shared strategies for maintaining a steady workflow amidst decreasing demand for professional translators. He emphasized targeting government-related clients with regulatory requirements and substantial budgets, noting that opportunities remain in these sectors. He also highlighted the importance of specializing and identifying clients who require that expertise. Additionally, for U.S.-based translators, he recommended securing payments in U.S. dollars due to the current weakness of the Japanese yen. • Evolving Roles and Compensation: Some members observed that the market's demand for entry-level translators has diminished. With the rise of AI tools, translators are increasingly engaged in editorial roles as translation reviewers. However, concerns were raised about inadequate compensation for such tasks, which can be as time-consuming as original translations. • Trial Translations and Work Samples: The group discussed whether trial translations are becoming obsolete and if there's a shift towards requiring samples of completed work not restricted by non-disclosure agreements.
2. Presentations • AI and Machine Translation Tools: John S. presented on Japanese to English computer-assisted translation using AI and machine translation (MT), clarifying the differences between these technologies. He introduced ChatDico, an AI portal that integrates multiple AI engines, including ChatGPT, Anthropic Claude, Gemini, and DeepSeek. The platform features input and output fields, customizable prompts based on document type and formality, a user glossary input, and buttons for each AI engine to facilitate simultaneous output comparisons. John also discussed DeepL's free desktop application and its distinctions from generative AI translation in terms of process and output. He demonstrated these tools by translating a straightforward Japanese passage and comparing the English outputs, highlighting variations in vocabulary choices and occasional comprehension errors. The presentation concluded with a discussion on the pros and cons of computer-assisted translation and a brief Q&A session. • AI Translation Limitations: Inspired by John's presentation, members discussed AI translation's shortcomings, such as inconsistency, difficulty in capturing nuances, and "hallucination" (introducing content not present in the source text). A member experienced in working with AI noted that AI-generated content has identifiable characteristics and is often easier and less frustrating to correct compared to human-generated content. The consensus was that integrating AI can enhance the value translators bring to their work.
3. Group Focus and Membership 
4. • Professional Focus: Members reaffirmed the desire to maintain a focus on professionals working with the Japanese language, encompassing not only translators and interpreters but also others who facilitate language bridging for clients. • Member Benefits: The group identified networking opportunities, advice, and guidance on various aspects of translation work as key offerings for potential members. Several members have also received client referrals through the group. • Expanding Online Presence: Discussions included exploring new platforms beyond the current website (ohiohonyaku.com), such as Discord or a website forum, to enhance member engagement.

• Regular Meeting Dates: The group will try to meet on a more regular schedule, such as the second Saturday on a quarterly basis. 4. Next Meeting • Date & Time: June 14, 2025, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM (cleanup by 2:00 PM) • Location: Whetstone Branch, Columbus Metropolitan Library Prepared by Carl K.

John Stroman

Cross-posted to JAT Chat Forum

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