Localization Today

Interview by Cameron Rasmusson Translated co-founder Isabelle Andrieu discusses the company’s origins, its preparations for the AI era, and the future it envisions for its many clients and translators. She also offers advice to language service professionals — build your ability to adapt — and leads by example.

By Rishi Anand The booming language services market benefits from operational automation to assist with complex manual workflows. Translation business management systems (TBMSs) provide the intelligent infrastructure to automate client, vendor, and finance management, enabling efficient scaling and meeting enterprise compliance needs.

By Pham Hoa Hiep AI is supposed to be a productivity accelerator, enabling linguists to do more work more quickly. But what happens when AI-driven workflows cost more time and frustration than human-driven translation?

By Christine Clay The author discusses the “pilot-to-production gap” in adopting AI to support multilingual content. Scaling AI requires integrating it into existing translation infrastructure, maintaining human oversight, and consistently applying terminology and translation memory to ensure quality and trust.

By Josevi Abad As a company focused on improving wellbeing in the business world, we asked the question: Could AI do the same for us? Thanks to intelligent automation, we were able to do just that.

By Maurizia Gregorio The language industry’s future depends on recognizing that AI requires a human architecture of trained professionals. Linguists and governance experts provide essential accountability, nuance, and oversight that AI cannot replace, and eliminating these roles would destabilize the system.

By Giovanna Patruno Despite being technically and grammatically correct, AI-generated text reads as empty because it performs only one of six functions of communication. The author examines AI content’s lack of substance from a translator’s perspective and suggests ways reclaim communication as an act of thought and relationship.

By Carol Velandia Language access, which is a civil right, cannot be fully automated by AI, especially in high-stakes situations like legal or medical settings. Human professionals are indispensable because they provide judgment, cultural leadership, agility, and governance and manage the complexity, trauma, and ethical responsibility that AI cannot handle.

Language access is a fundamental humanitarian and social justice issue. In 2026, Tarjimly integrated with CLEAR Global to strengthen their shared mission of ensuring people can access critical information in languages they understand. In this episode, we sit down with Aimee Ansari and Chenge Maruziva to discuss how this integration brings together Tarjimly’s real-time interpretation mobile platform with CLEAR Global’s deep expertise in translation and voice data. We explore what it means to combine a community of over 200,000 volunteers across the social impact sector. 

What happens when localization is no longer treated as a support function, but as a driver of growth? In this episode of Localization Today, Matt Grotenstein (VP of North America at GTE Localize) reflects on how the industry is shifting under the pressure of AI, changing buyer expectations, and new go-to-market realities. From moving away from traditional sales toward conversation-led relationships, to rethinking localization as an operating system for global expansion, this conversation explores what’s actually changing—and what isn’t—in how companies scale across markets.

How TAUS has evolved over two decades in pursuit of one visionBy Jaap van der Meer and Anne-Maj van der Meer Since 2004, TAUS has played many roles in the language industry. Driving all of its changes has been a mission of transforming translation from an exclusive service into an ordinary infrastructure feature. This article recounts how the organization adapted to meet the needs of a complex industry and concludes by presenting its next step towards achieving its founding vision.

Replacing volume with value in a human-centered workflowBy Gabriela Kouahla With AI fueling unprecedented content growth, the impulse to translate it all is understandable. Localized minimalism — a concept that draws inspiration from minimalism movements but adapts them to the linguistic and ethical context — can help vendors, project managers, and brands replace volume with value.

How to move beyond error rates and focus on valueBy Cody Connell When industry-standard metrics indicated high localization quality and yet his client expressed frustration and dissatisfaction, the author developed a more nuanced method of measuring localization quality — one that included user experience and stakeholder confidence along with linguistic accuracy.

By Ewandro Magalhães “Influence” is broader than metrics, encompassing natural forces, intellectual authority, and procedural changes. The author traces the word’s meaning from its Latin origin (influentia, a flowing in) and cosmological roots to its modern, monetized definition as “influencer.”

Major international summits like COP30 are often described as temporary cities, requiring massive logistical coordination to keep global negotiations moving. But behind the scenes, there is a critical and often invisible infrastructure: interpreting. In this episode, we sit down with Giulia Silvestrini, Head of Global Interpreting at Acolad, to discuss what it takes to oversee interpreting operations at one of the world’s most complex events and how AI is currently being used to expand language access without replacing the irreplaceable nuance of human experts.

The rise of AI interpreting solutions presents a massive opportunity for global language access, but it also introduces unprecedented risks. In this episode, we are joined by experts from the SAFE AI Task Force and COSET (Coalition for Sign Language Equity in Technology) to break down their newly launched AI Interpreting Solutions Evaluation Toolkit. This conversation moves past the hype to offer a practical framework for responsible AI adoption. Our panel discusses how to assess organizational readiness, spot critical gaps in vendor demos, and ensure compliance for both spoken and signed languages. An ASL version is also available on YouTube.

We welcome Belén Agulló and Marina Pantcheva to discuss the origin and core mission of the AI Localization Think Tank. Born out of a need for independent, agenda-free discussions, this volunteer-led group aims to break down information silos between freelancers, suppliers, and buyers. Belen and Marina also break down what to expect at the first-ever AI ThoughtCon taking place from March 30 through April 1. 

In this episode, we explore the history and legacy of the European Language Industry Association (ELIA). Co-founder Roberto Ganzerli, former President Françoise Bajon, and current President Anu Carnegie-Brown join us to discuss how ELIA grew from a 2005 initiative into a vital pan-European space for language companies. Tune in to hear open insights on surviving technological shifts, why modern associations must focus on peer benchmarking, and why building a resilient community requires members to give just as much as they get.

The demand for real-time language access is surging globally, but how can technology bridge the gap? Claudio Fantinuoli, creator of Interpret Bank and former CTO at KUDO, breaks down the intersection of AI and human expertise in the interpreting booth. In this episode, explore and learn how professionals use CAI tools to enhance their performance, the moral value of expanding language access, and why ignoring the rise of machine interpretation is the biggest risk of all.

Interview by Mimi Moore Having immigrated from Iran to Austria, learned multiple foreign languages, and developed diverse skills from translation to AI, Fatemeh-Shirin Asgari knows the value of perseverance and adaptability. She now leads digital language initiatives for Austria’s national railway system. In this interview, she shares the story of her unconventional career path and her greatest lessons learned along the way.

By Olga Beregovaya and Alex Yanishevsky While AI translation tools can generate hallucinations, the good news is that there are many practical ways to detect and mitigate them. This article delves into the reasons behind the problem and the techniques that can be used to address it.

Why modern language models perpetuate bias and what to do about it By Anika Schaefer This article explores the linguistic theories that laid the foundation for natural language processing, confronts the ethical risks of allowing machines to speak on our behalf, and presents a new vision for socially responsible AI language models.

Interview by Renato Beninatto For Kathy Mok, head of internationalization and localization at OpenAI, the present challenge centers on not only what AI technology can accomplish, but also how humans will shepherd it into a tool that enables genuine communication and trust-building.

By Gabriela Kouahla The author explains why current machine translation post-editing (MTPE) workflows cause mental exhaustion and emotional detachment. She proposes practical steps towards making MTPE more meaningful and sustainable to the benefit of all stakeholders.

By Giovanna Patruno In today’s localization industry, leaders who shape how AI is governed and embedded into systems are disproportionately male. The author of this article argues that if women continue to be excluded from AI governance, the industry risks developing flawed and biased systems.

By Tim Brookes It’s easy to assume that script digitization is always a means of liberation and access. But for some minority scripts, digitization would be unhelpful or even harmful to the people who use them. The author of this article calls for caution as the language services industry rushes to create digital fonts for every writing system on Earth.

The Nimdzi 100 is more than just a ranking; it's a vital pulse check for the language industry. In this episode, we sit down with Marjolein Groot, the project lead for the 2026 report, to discuss what’s new this year. We explore why comprehensive data is critical for attracting investment, understanding market trends, and breaking down information silos. Whether you're a boutique agency or a global enterprise, discover why participating in this year's survey is essential for the entire ecosystem.

Is AI dubbing ready for prime time without human guidance? In this episode, Taras Malkovych, founder of Tapas Localization, joins us to discuss the realities of integrating AI into complex audiovisual workflows. He argues that while AI has made massive strides, it remains a tool that needs to be "led by the hand," specifically to capture the nuances of human emotion, pauses, and natural imperfections that machines often miss. This conversation moves beyond the hype to practical production strategies, examining the shift from subtitling to game localization and ethical AI dubbing. Taras warns against the industry settling for lowered quality thresholds and explains why his team focuses on workflows where linguists act as decision-makers who sculpt raw data.

2025 was the year the industry realized the potential of "Agentic AI." In this episode, Lorcan Malone, CEO of XTM International, joins us to discuss the shift toward agentic workflows where software becomes conversational and autonomous. We explore why the industry must "think ambitiously" about AI, moving from simple translation to complex governance, and how enterprises will soon integrate localization directly into tools like Slack or Teams, keeping the human in control.

By Nuha Alhejji This article describes why Saudi Arabia approaches artificial intelligence (AI) in translation as a question of design, focusing less on speed and more on accountability. The author explains the need to prioritize human judgment as the country develops its AI-enabled translation systems.

By the Saudi Arabia Translation Association Saudi Arabia’s Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission (LPTC) is charged with providing institutional support to linguists through certification, training, and mentorship programs. This article outlines the LPTC’s major initiatives and goals for the future.

By Hani Alotaibi In Saudi Arabia, translation and interpreting education is being reshaped by workforce policy, with curriculum reform and graduate employability increasingly treated as measurable institutional obligations. This article delves into how some of the country’s universities are tackling this transformation.

By Hani Alotaibi Language access in Saudi Arabia has evolved through a sequence of policy interventions that have positioned language as a functional pillar of broader institutional transformation. By integrating language access into governance structures and public service design, these policies aim to better serve non-Arabic speakers and to provide employment opportunities for Saudi nationals.

By Abdulrahman Alsayed Founded in 2019, the Saudi Arabia Translation Association (SATA) serves as a hub for the nation’s linguists, linking professional practice to the wider cultural landscape. Through educational resources and outreach activities, the organization aims to empower translators to be active agents in the production of meaning.

By Abdulrahman Alsayed In Saudi Arabia, translation has moved from an auxiliary service to a defining element of a broad national transformation, reflecting a change in how culture and knowledge are understood in the Kingdom. This article outlines the Saudi translation sector’s new structure and its role in strengthening the country’s presence on the global stage.

Saudi Arabia and the localization of gaming and esports By Amer Qobti Fueled largely by its young population and the multibillion-dollar National Gaming and Esports Strategy, Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming a global gaming and esports hub. The author details the essential role that localization plays in driving this growth.

What began as a search for peers in a male-dominated field has grown into a global powerhouse of over 18,000 members. In this episode, Anna N Schlegel, co-founder of Women in Localization and author of Truly Global, joins us to explore how leadership, community, and visibility have fundamentally transformed the language industry over the last 19 years.  The conversation digs deep into the future of the profession, specifically the urgent need for women to move beyond support roles and lead in R&D and product development. She discusses the new "We Shape AI" initiative, addressing critical gender and cultural biases in Large Language Models (LLMs).

Vamos Juntos association is transforming the language services landscape in Latin America and the Caribbean. We are joined by Carol Velandia, Cristina Barbier, and Indy Vega to discuss the evolution of the association, the power of "coopetition," and the upcoming Vamos Juntos 2026 event in Buenos Aires. 

Inclusion isn't just a social value, it’s a growth strategy. Joshua Pennise, the new President of the Association of Language Companies (ALC), joins us to explain why the industry must shift its narrative from “compliance” to “economic multiplier.” In this episode, we discuss the ALC’s critical advocacy work against irresponsible AI legislation, the convergence of sign and spoken language sectors, and why connecting with 80% of the world’s non-English speakers is the ultimate meritocracy.

In this episode, Sudheen M, President of CITLoB, reveals the massive potential of India’s “language locked” economy. We explore why reaching these untapped consumers requires more than just translation—it requires deep community collaboration and competition. Sudheen shares insights on India's digital infrastructure, the strategic role of associations like CITLoB, and why the physical connections at events like Samvad are becoming a competitive advantage in an AI-driven world.

Meet last year’s awardees, including STAR Award winner Nadja Ruhl By Uma Kulkarni Women in Localization (WL)’s 2025 Kudos and STAR Award winners are some of the organization’s most standout volunteers. In this article, WL celebrates their indispensable contributions that inspire excellence and help propel the organization forward.

The evolution of the African Languages Conference By Mimi Moore  This article recounts the establishment, rapid growth, and future goals of the AFLC conference, which was co-founded by Avishta Seeras and Ady Namaran Coulibaly to address the lack of African voices in global language spaces.

Interview by Cameron Rasmusson As Verizon’s head of localization, Megan Sharp ensures its customers receive the same service quality no matter where they live or what language they speak. In this interview, she discusses the career path that led her here, her predictions for the future of localization management, and what motivates her to do her best work every day.

How the language industry can talk more honestly about AI By Domenico LombardiniThe author argues for using history and data to evaluate AI’s impact as objectively as possible, including acknowledging the tradeoffs it brings. He concludes by advocating for revamped linguistic training programs that equip young people with tools to compete on value, not price.

By Carol Velandia  The author argues that providing language access more evenly throughout the world depends on recognizing it as a civil right, co-designing solutions with communities most affected by language barriers, and providing stable funding and business models for language access work.

Machine translation is about "dynamic prompting" and hybrid workflows. In this episode, we sit down with Ágnes Varga (CTO) and Gábor Bessenyei (Product Manager) from memoQ to discuss their 2025 CODiE Award win for Globalese. We explore how memoQ bridged its MT gap by integrating Globalese, why the industry is moving toward risk-based quality assessment, and why the future of the linguist lies in "data curation" and maintenance.

Language services offered steady consolidation opportunities in 2025 By Jonathan Otis Compared with the wider mergers and acquisitions market, the language industry stands out for its moderate growth, fragmented markets, and global footprint. In 2025, much of the localization business saw steady returns while operating largely out of the limelight.

How the facade finally cracked By Veronica Hylak The article lists the top 10 AI developments in 2025, arguing that this was a year of plateau in AI innovation. The focus shifted from infinite growth to making technology usable, dependable, and aligned with human work.

By Suzanne-Rose Griveau Noting how AI is transforming the software-as-a-service (SaaS) industry, the author offers seven best practices for SaaS localization workflows — emphasizing that success isn’t about simply accumulating tools, but about fundamentally redesigning processes.

Adam Bittlingmayer, CEO and co-founder of Modelfront, unpacks what it really means to use AI to check and gate AI — deciding which machine translations can safely skip human review and which absolutely cannot. We talk about the billions of people who still can’t access English-only content, why post-editing hasn’t delivered the promised efficiencies, how quality prediction changes the economics of multilingual publishing, and what this all means for linguists, workflows, and buyers who want to stay in control of their data rather than hand everything over to a single model provider.