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Artificial Foreign Languages – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Cato — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 18:00:00 +0000

It has been barely a year since ChatGPT’s introduction, and it has already made significant disruptions across various sectors, causing widespread concern about the future of employment, particularly in the field of foreign languages translation. Generative AI models have become exceptionally skilled at translating text with high accuracy, especially for commonly spoken languages. Companies like Hey Gen are pushing the boundaries even further.

Currently, they can take a video of an individual speaking in their native language, replicate their voice, translate the speech automatically into any desired language, and synchronize the lip movements so that it appears as if the individual is genuinely speaking the selected language. This advancement marks just the beginning. Soon, we may be able to have our spoken language translated into another language of our choosing, synchronously and in real-time. Such technology is poised to have a substantial impact on sectors like translation, interpretation, and voice acting, among others and we can mainly categorise it into 2 categories:

Conversational generative AI – These are models that can now replicate and simulate human conversational dynamics to a strikingly realistic degree.
Deepfake technology – This refers to audio-visual technologies capable of cloning voices and facial appearances with remarkable fidelity.

In the example below I use the HeyGen service to clone my voice and lips and then translate a message in 10 languages. Whilst in English and Latin Languages it is fairly proficient, it clearly lacks the right intonation for others, but nevertheless does a pretty good job. Out of the 10 languages I tested, can you tell which is organic? (only one is) Let me know in the comments.

Good guess! And it is pretty amazing, although it’s still not perfect. Whilst it does a pretty good job with English and Latin-based Languages, it struggles with others, such as Hindi, Japanese, Korean or Mandarin.

However, my current concern extends beyond the capacity of the “Language industry” for reinvention to the broader implications such technology may have for humanity. To fully grasp the potential impact, let us consider the good, the bad and the ugly of the technology that is unfolding before us.

The Good

Let’s assume for a second that we do get to a point where we can fully rely on these algorithms to translate with an accuracy of 99%. If that is the case, it will mean these algorithms will become masters of intercultural communication and will truly understand converging or diverging points of cultures across the world.

Communication and Connectivity

On the one hand, A.I. translation/interpretation is extremely exciting as it’s promising to break down linguistic barriers across the globe. Personal and business interactions could be massively improved and aided by this technology to improve accessibility. Having easy access to realistic voice and video syncing allows, in turn, for authentic-feeling conversations, preserving individual identity and expression across languages.

Let’s imagine an international conference that uses AI-driven interpretation with deepfake technology, enabling speakers to present in their native languages. The audience, sees and hears the presentation in their own languages, with the speaker’s voice and facial expressions accurately preserved in real-time.

Cost Efficiency and Reach

Traditionally translating and localising content for business has only been reserved for the privileged sector. This new technology drastically reduces the costs extending the reach of smaller educational, informational, and entertainment media on a global scale.

Cost-effective scaling of content localization, and maintaining the original tone, nuance, and facial expressions can empower grassroot organisations across the world.

Let’s imagine a small start-up creating an educational app that uses AI to localize its content in multiple languages, including interactive videos with lifelike avatars of educators speaking fluently in the user’s native language. This allows them to reach a global market without the prohibitive costs of traditional localization methods.

Cultural Exchange and Preservation

The current A.I. technology can be used to facilitate richer cultural exchange and enhance the learning experience by providing personalised accurate translations and cultural representations based on the learner’s preferences. The technology could be leveraged to preserve endangered languages and dialects, providing a platform for cultural education through lifelike simulations of native speakers.

Let’s imagine an educational series featuring classes with the last native speakers of a dying language. A.I. and deepfake technologies could be used to create avatars that speak and express themselves in that language. The content could then be made accessible to a global audience, providing an immersive educational experience, and aiding in the preservation efforts of the language and culture.

The Bad

What if we can’t fully trust that an algorithm will convey the right message in the given language, especially when it comes to important communication scenarios that could threaten lives? How do we best manage this risk going forward?

Conflict amplification

In high-stakes situations, mistranslations or misrepresentations by algorithms could lead to severe consequences. Let’s imagine an international crisis where a diplomatic message is translated by an AI system, but it inaccurately conveys the tone or a key phrase, leading to a misinterpretation that escalates tensions. The nuance of human emotion and cultural context is lost, potentially triggering a diplomatic incident or conflict.

Unhealthy translations

Mistranslation by AI in medical contexts could lead to incorrect treatments, misdiagnosis, and severe health risks. Imagine a patient with a rare allergic reaction being treated in a hospital where the staff relies on AI for translation due to a language barrier. The AI system incorrectly translates the patient’s description of their symptoms and allergy information, leading the medical team to administer a drug that causes a severe allergic reaction instead. The lack of precise and nuanced understanding by the AI in translating medical terminology and patient-specific information could result in life-threatening situations or fatal outcomes.

The misuse of deepfake and voice cloning technologies can lead to violations of privacy, consent issues, and the potential for fraud and character defamation. Any individual’s likeness and voice can be cloned without consent to create a video that falsely shows them making derogatory or harmful statements in virtually any language available.

The Ugly

Language is an intricate tapestry of cultural nuances, historical context, and geographical boundaries. It is so much more than words—it is a portal to understanding people’s worldview. A firm trust in the capabilities of AI to navigate these complexities threatens to heavily dilute this rich exchange. By delegating the task of translation to algorithms, we risk the commodification of communication, stripping it of the empathetic and human elements essential for deep intercultural understanding.

Where does this trend leave us humans, as communicators? Will we become mere bystanders in the narrative of intercultural dialogue? As algorithms take the wheel, guiding us through conversations and cultural exchanges, we stand to lose the very essence of what makes communication human: the shared effort to bridge gaps, the mutual exchange of perspectives, and the intrinsic desire to connect beyond words.

Let’s imagine (or not) a world where humans no longer engage in the painstaking but rewarding process of language learning and cultural immersion. The consequence is not just the loss of linguistic skills but a collective atrophy in our ability to discern and appreciate the rich tapestry of human cultures.

In an ironic twist, the technological advancements designed to bring us closer together may instead foster greater division. If linguistic subtleties and cultural contexts are lost in automated translation, the superficial understanding that results could reinforce stereotypes and widen gaps in cultural comprehension. Countries, cultures, and communities might find themselves encapsulated within digital bubbles, interacting through a filter that distorts rather than clarifies and isolates rather than unites.

This potential for increased separation poses a sobering question: Are we engineering a world where the very tools that could unite us across continents also create invisible walls between us? The risk is a segregated global village, where the common language is one of convenience rather than connection, leading to a mosaic of cultures that stand side by side yet are worlds apart.

In this homogenized, algorithm-driven world, the risk of manipulation by those who control the technology becomes a stark reality—a dystopian future where language is no longer a tool for understanding but a mechanism for control.

The Way Forward

Establishing robust ethical guidelines for the development and use of AI in language translation and deepfake technologies can help mitigate misuse. This could include standards for transparency, such as requiring disclosures when a voice or image has been synthesized, and ensuring that A.I. developers respect user consent and privacy. There are several mitigation strategies we should keep in mind going forward:

Education and Public Awareness

Increasing public awareness about the capabilities and limitations of AI and deepfake technologies can help people critically evaluate the authenticity of digital content. Educational programs can teach individuals how to spot deepfakes and understand machine translations’ nuances.

Multilayered Verification Systems

Implementing verification systems that can detect manipulated content and mistranslations is crucial. These systems can use a combination of AI algorithms designed to recognize patterns indicative of fakes and human oversight for nuanced verification.

Regulatory and Legal Measures

Governments could introduce regulations that hold developers and users of AI and deepfake technologies accountable for malicious use. Legal measures could provide recourse for individuals who are harmed by these technologies.

Human-AI Collaboration

Encouraging a collaborative model where AI aids human translators and communicators rather than replacing them can leverage AI’s efficiency while retaining human insight. This synergy can ensure cultural nuances and subtleties are not lost in translation.

Technological Advancements in Detection

Investing in the development of more sophisticated AI that can detect deepfakes and translation errors is critical. As deepfake technology evolves, so too must the tools designed to detect and combat it.

Professional Training

For translators, interpreters, and communication professionals, training should evolve to include skills for working with AI tools effectively and ethically, as well as strategies for ensuring accurate and culturally sensitive translations.

Crisis Management Protocols

In critical communication scenarios, like international relations or healthcare, protocols should be in place to manage any AI-related misunderstandings swiftly. Such protocols might involve immediate human intervention and cross-verification methods.

International Education ChatBots – A Step by Step Guide

Andrew Shimura — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 09:03:00 +0000

In the fast-evolving landscape of AI technology, chatbots have emerged as a reliable tool in enhancing user experience through prompt responses and summarizations. Leveraging a knowledge base in chatbot development has significantly reduced the chances of disseminating incorrect information. One such service that stands tall in this endeavor is MeetCody.ai. In this guide, we will walk you through the seamless process of creating a knowledge-based chatbot using MeetCody.ai, a platform where you can start for free and experiment with up to 100 bot interactions.

Step 1: Sign Up and Get Started

Begin your journey by signing up on the MeetCody platform. Getting started is absolutely free, and allows for up to 100 interactions with your bot.

Step 2: Customise Your Chatbot

Once registered, it’s time to give your chatbot a unique identity. You can:

Name your bot
Provide a detailed description
Mention the company affiliation
Outline the behavior instructions for unanswered queries
Choose it’s personality (from a variety of pre-made templates such as creative, factual, instructive etc)

Step 3: Harness the Power of Advanced Mode Settings (optional)

Taking your chatbot building experience to the next level, the Advanced Bot Builder of MeetCody.ai offers a rich set of features that allow for a finely-tuned, customized chatbot creation. Let’s delve deeper into these advanced settings and understand how to utilize them to their full potential:

Prompt Setting

The ‘Prompt’ setting is your tool to carve out the personality and operational guidelines for your bot. Imagine crafting a job description for a new employee; this is where you define the bot’s nickname, job profile, tone, and other parameters.

Sample Prompt:

“You are Globe Trotter, a friendly and expert Study Abroad Adviser for NTU. Your mission is to assist NTU students in exploring opportunities to study at one of our esteemed partner universities abroad. Maintain a professional yet student-friendly attitude, answering queries with the utmost accuracy and helping students navigate their options comfortably. Focus not just on providing information on partner universities but also offer support in understanding the technology and tools that can aid their study abroad journey. Remember, you are here to make the process of studying abroad smooth and enriching for every student.”

Relevance Score

The ‘Relevance Score’ is a critical parameter in determining the accuracy of Cody’s responses to user queries. It gauges the similarity between the query and the information available in the knowledge base. Adjusting this score can balance precision and context understanding in Cody’s responses.

Token Distribution

Understanding ‘Token Distribution’ is pivotal in managing the computational constraints of the GPT model utilized by Cody. Here, you define how tokens — the units into which user inputs are broken down — are distributed across various functions such as understanding the query (Context), referring to chat history (History), and generating the response (Response Generation).

Optimizing Token Distribution:

Context: Allocate a larger portion to ensure higher accuracy.
History: Utilize to add depth to the understanding of user queries based on previous interactions.
Response Generation: Allocate tokens to ensure the linguistic quality of the generated responses.

Persistent Prompt

The ‘Persistent Prompt’ feature ensures Cody consistently adheres to the defined personality and operational boundaries, guiding it to provide relevant and goal-aligned responses over time.

Reverse Vector Search

Ideal for businesses employing Cody for employee training, ‘Reverse Vector Search’ enhances the contextual understanding of the bot by integrating previously generated AI responses with new user

Step 4: Upload Your Knowledge Base

Meetcody.ai enables you to upload a wide array of file formats such as Word, PDF, or PowerPoint (each up to 100 MB) or even links to text-rich websites to form the knowledge base. This knowledge base will be the foundation of your chatbot’s intelligence.

Step 5: Set the Behavior Instructions

Define how strict your bot should be in referencing the knowledge base. You have the liberty to:

Allow it to strictly adhere to the knowledge base
Enable it to make educated guesses to fill in the gaps (note that this might risk providing incorrect information)

Step 6: Incorporate a Default URL

A standout feature of MeetCody is the provision to set a default URL that the bot can refer users to in case it fails to find an answer within the knowledge base.

Step 7: Test Your Chatbot

Before deploying your chatbot, ensure to test it rigorously to ascertain its efficiency and accuracy.

Step 8: Share Your Chatbot

After successful testing, your chatbot is ready to be shared. You can easily share it using a link or embed it on a website to enhance the user experience.

Case Study: Nottingham Trent University

To provide a clearer perspective, here’s how I utilized MeetCody to create a chatbot for the Nottingham Trent University:

Knowledge Base: Uploaded the university’s public international partnerships documents
Chatbot Behavior: Set to strictly adhere to the information in the documents
Default URL: Configured to direct users to NTU Global in case of unanswered queries

Conclusion

Meetcody.ai is paving the way for creating highly specialized chatbots that can aid both internal and external users in comprehending intricate processes and policies, thereby reducing the workload on human personnel. Embark on your chatbot creation journey with MeetCody today and revolutionize the way you interact with your audience.

Try Cody here

What are the benefits of using AI in student exchange programs?

Andrew Shimura — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 16:20:00 +0000

Student exchange programs are an excellent opportunity for students to experience different cultures, languages, and education systems worldwide. However, managing such programs can be a daunting task, and one of the most pressing challenges is selecting the right students for exchange. In recent years, many educational institutions are turning to AI-powered technologies to streamline and improve the student exchange process. In this article, we discuss the role of AI in student exchange programs and explore how it can enhance the exchange experience for students, teachers, and administrators.

AI-Enabled Application Process

Traditionally, student exchange programs involve a lengthy and cumbersome application process that requires students to submit multiple documents and meet various requirements. However, with AI, the application process can be streamlined and made more efficient. AI-powered chatbots can help students navigate the application process, answer their questions, and provide personalized guidance. In addition, AI algorithms can analyze student data and match them with suitable exchange programs based on their interests, academic performance, and other criteria.

Enhanced Selection Process

AI can also improve the selection process for student exchange programs. By analyzing student data, such as academic performance, extracurricular activities, and language proficiency, AI algorithms can identify the most suitable candidates for exchange programs. This can help ensure that students are matched with programs that align with their interests and goals, and that they have the necessary skills and qualifications to succeed in the program.

Improved Exchange Experience

AI can also enhance the overall exchange experience for students. For example, AI-powered chatbots can provide students with real-time language translation, making it easier for them to communicate with their host families and fellow students. AI algorithms can also analyze student data and provide personalized recommendations for cultural activities and events based on their interests. This can help students make the most of their exchange experience and gain a deeper understanding of the host culture.

Conclusion

AI is transforming how we manage and deliver education, including student exchange programs. By streamlining the application process, improving the selection process, and enhancing the exchange experience, AI is making it easier for students to participate in exchange programs and gain valuable international experience. As AI continues to evolve and improve, we can expect even more innovative applications in education and beyond.

Enhancing the Student Exchange Application Process

The student exchange program is an exciting opportunity for students to experience different cultures, learn new languages, and gain a global perspective. However, the application process can be time-consuming and complex, both for students and administrators. Fortunately, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) can streamline the application and selection process, making it more efficient and effective.

Streamlining Application and Selection

One of the biggest challenges in the student exchange program is managing the large volume of applications and selecting the most suitable candidates. AI can automate this process by using algorithms to analyze and sort through applications based on specific criteria such as language proficiency, academic achievements, and cultural background. This reduces the workload for administrators and ensures that the selection process is fair and transparent.

Moreover, AI can also help in identifying potential candidates who may have been overlooked in the traditional application process. By analyzing data from various sources, such as social media profiles and academic records, AI can identify students who have the potential to excel in the exchange program, but may not have applied due to lack of information or awareness.

Personalized Recommendations for Exchange Programs

Another benefit of AI in the student exchange program is providing personalized recommendations for exchange programs based on students’ interests, academic performance, and language proficiency. AI algorithms can analyze student data to identify the best exchange programs that meet their unique needs and goals. This ensures that students are matched with exchange programs that align with their interests and aspirations, increasing the chances of a successful and fulfilling exchange experience.

Moreover, AI can also provide students with information about the host country, including its culture, history, and customs. This can help students prepare for their exchange program and make the most of their experience abroad.

Efficient Document Management and Verification

Managing and verifying large volumes of applications and documents can be a daunting task for administrators. AI can help in this regard by enabling efficient document management and verification. It can automate routine tasks such as cross-checking documents, verifying information, and processing transcripts. This reduces the workload for administrators and ensures that documentation is accurate and up-to-date.

Furthermore, AI can also help in detecting fraudulent documents, ensuring the authenticity of the application and preventing any potential issues during the exchange program.

In conclusion, AI has the potential to revolutionize the student exchange program by streamlining the application and selection process, providing personalized recommendations, and enabling efficient document management and verification. This can help in creating a more efficient, effective, and fulfilling exchange experience for students and administrators alike.

Improving Language Learning and Cultural Adaptation

Learning a new language and adapting to a new culture can be a challenging experience for many people. Fortunately, advancements in technology have made it easier for individuals to learn new languages and adapt to new cultures. In this article, we will explore some of the ways in which technology is being used to improve language learning and cultural adaptation.

AI-powered Language Learning Tools

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the way we learn languages. AI-powered language learning tools can optimize the learning process by providing personalized feedback and adapting to learners’ performance. These tools use machine learning algorithms to understand and respond to students’ queries, making language learning more efficient and effective.

For example, chatbots can be used to practice conversational skills in a foreign language. These chatbots can simulate real-life conversations and provide instant feedback to help learners improve their language skills. Language learning apps, on the other hand, can provide a more comprehensive learning experience by including features such as grammar lessons, vocabulary quizzes, and pronunciation exercises.

Virtual Reality and Cultural Immersion

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies are being used to enhance cultural immersion and facilitate cross-cultural experiences for exchange students. VR technologies provide students with virtual tours of foreign cities, allowing them to explore and experience different cultures in a more immersive way.

For example, a student studying in Japan can use VR technology to explore the streets of Tokyo and experience the local culture firsthand. This can contribute significantly to a student’s cultural immersion experience, enabling them to understand the local customs and traditions better.

AI-driven Cultural Adaptation Support

Adjusting to a new culture can be overwhelming, especially for exchange students who are far away from home. AI-powered tools can provide support for students to understand the local culture, customs, weather, and transportation systems. This can help students adapt to their new environment more quickly and easily.

For example, an AI tool can provide students with information about the local weather conditions, helping them prepare for the climate in their new location. AI tools can also provide information on local customs and traditions, such as how to greet people or what to wear to certain events.

In conclusion, technology has made significant advancements in language learning and cultural adaptation. AI-powered language learning tools, VR and AR technologies, and AI-driven cultural adaptation support are just a few examples of how technology is being used to enhance the learning experience for individuals studying abroad. These tools can help individuals learn new languages and adapt to new cultures more easily and effectively.

Facilitating Better Communication and Collaboration

Communication and collaboration are essential for exchange students to succeed in their academic pursuits, especially when they are studying in a foreign country. Fortunately, with the advent of AI-powered communication and collaboration tools, exchange students can now communicate and collaborate with ease, regardless of their language proficiency levels.

AI-enhanced Communication Platforms

AI-powered communication platforms are designed to facilitate communication among exchange students, teachers, and administrators. These platforms use natural language processing algorithms to translate messages in different languages, ensuring smooth communication among exchange students, teachers, and administrators. With these platforms, exchange students can communicate with their host institution, teachers, and peers without worrying about language barriers.

Moreover, AI-powered communication platforms can also provide exchange students with access to various resources, such as academic materials, course schedules, and campus news. This can help exchange students stay informed and up-to-date on their academic progress and campus activities.

Real-time Translation Tools

Real-time translation tools are AI-powered tools that can translate speech, text, and documents into different languages in real-time. These tools can facilitate communication among exchange students with different language proficiency levels, ensuring that everyone understands the conversation, regardless of their language ability.

Real-time translation tools can also be used in academic settings, such as during lectures and group discussions. With these tools, exchange students can follow the lecture or participate in the discussion without worrying about language barriers.

Collaborative Learning Environments

Collaborative learning environments are essential for exchange students to develop their collaborative skills and work effectively with their peers. AI-powered collaborative environments such as collaborative workspaces, discussion forums, and virtual classrooms can facilitate student collaboration across borders, enabling them to work together on projects in real-time.

These collaborative environments can provide exchange students with access to various resources, such as project management tools, document sharing platforms, and virtual whiteboards. This can help exchange students collaborate effectively and efficiently, regardless of their geographic location.

In conclusion, AI-powered communication and collaboration tools are essential for exchange students to succeed in their academic pursuits. These tools can facilitate communication and collaboration among exchange students, teachers, and administrators, regardless of their language proficiency levels. With these tools, exchange students can communicate effectively, collaborate efficiently, and succeed academically.

Conclusion

AI-powered technologies have the potential to transform student exchange programs by improving the application, selection, and overall exchange experience. AI can also enhance language learning, cultural adaptation, and communication and collaboration among exchange students, teachers, and administrators. As technology advances, it’s essential to continue exploring the diverse applications of AI in education and how it can benefit students worldwide.