The value of translation in the era of automation: an examination of threats

Starting from Goldberg’s (Antisocial media: Anxious labor in the digital economy, New York University Press, 2018) claim that the symbolic value attached to cognitive professions is threatened by automation, this chapter approaches the threat of automation and translator anxiety from a sociological perspective. The chapter highlights the task of “pattern recognition” in translation as an important factor related to the value of translation. The chapter argues that incompatibility between the nature of the task and Machine Translation (and related automated practices) is causing translator anxiety. This is supported by data from a focus group study that included 22 translation project managers working in Japan. Three concepts are addressed: morality, money, and suffering. The conclusion addresses the fact that the traditional value of translation will not align with the future of the translation industry, and scenarios of translators’ survival are explored.