UNESCO, in collaboration with Translation Commons, is hosting an online event to celebrate International Translation Day. The theme for this year, “Trust in Indigenous Translation,” explores multiple dimensions of trust, including confidence in the accuracy and cultural sensitivity of translations, ethical handling of Indigenous knowledge, and the reliability of technologies used, especially artificial intelligence. The event underscores the necessity of respecting Indigenous autonomy throughout the translation process. Achieving this trust calls for transparent practices, active involvement of Indigenous communities, clear ethical guidelines, and the protection of both moral and material rights of communities and language professionals. Building such trust is fundamental to preserving, revitalizing, and promoting Indigenous languages and ensuring the accurate representation of their cultures and knowledge systems.
The webinar will examine how the roles of Indigenous language professionals are evolving in response to technological advancements, particularly the growing influence of AI. It will highlight the indispensable value of human expertise in maintaining the cultural, spiritual, and linguistic integrity of translations.
A key focus will be the ethical challenges of integrating AI and digital technologies into Indigenous language translation. Discussions will include topics like data ownership, privacy, bias in AI systems, and the importance of community-driven frameworks for technology use.
The event will encourage best practices for community-based translation and validation. It aims to foster inclusive dialogue, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous leadership and participation in language-related projects.
Another important objective is to raise awareness about the moral and material rights of Indigenous translators and interpreters. This includes advocating for fair compensation, professional recognition, and institutional support for their contributions.
The webinar will also address the right of Indigenous peoples to access cultural and linguistic resources. It will stress the importance of interpretation and translation services in essential areas such as legal systems and healthcare.
Additionally, the event will promote innovative, intergenerational methods for preserving Indigenous languages in the digital era. Through shared case studies, it will showcase the vital role of human translators in safeguarding linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.
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