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London Book Fair highlights global literary collaboration, role of AI in translation

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      China

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      London Book Fair highlights global literary collaboration, role of AI in translation

      2025-03-14 15:18 Last Updated At:15:37

      The London Book Fair (LBF), one of the world's premier publishing events, concluded on Thursday, during which industry leaders highlighted the importance of international collaborations and discussed emerging trends, particularly the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in literature.

      During the three-day event, more than 30,000 publishing professionals and 1,000 exhibitors across the world showcased flagship titles, signed deals, and engaged in discussions on key industry topics.

      This year, over 50 Chinese publishers and book trade companies presented over 4,000 high-quality titles, showcasing co-publishing results or exploring new international cooperation partnerships. They also held 40 activities, including book launches, copyright signings, and reader seminars, underscoring China's commitment to global literary dialogues.

      Amid the bustling aisles packed with publishers, literary agents and authors, a perennial question loomed: can AI faithfully translate literature? While technology has reshaped many industries, its role in rendering high-end literature across languages remains contentious.

      Among the attendees was Liu Zhenyun, a celebrated Chinese author whose works have been translated into multiple languages. For Liu, the challenge of taking Chinese literature global goes beyond mere words.

      "For Chinese literature to go global, it's all about perspective - whether you see China, or a Chinese village, through the world's eyes or view the world from a Chinese village. The two are worlds apart. I believe 'going out' is essential - first as a person, then as a writer. A writer's perspective must broaden, as must their view of the world," he said.

      Liu's comments highlight a key tension: translating literature is not just about linguistic accuracy but also about cultural and contextual understanding.

      While Chinese literature boasts a rich tradition, it has struggled to capture a truly global audience. Translation remains one of the primary barriers. Technological advancements are beginning to challenge this status quo. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek are being used by some publishers to experiment with literary translation, offering the promise of speed and cost efficiency. With the ability to process vast amounts of text, AI is seen as a potential disruptor in an industry that often struggles with the high costs and time-consuming nature of human translation.

      However, the use of AI in literature has sparked resistance from traditionalists. Translator Jack Hargreaves articulated these concerns.

      "I welcome AI in many ways and for many uses and functions and applications, but I don't think it necessarily has a beneficial place in literature. I think it's going negative and would detract a lot from the joy of reading in a way, and also the joy of creating. Convenience isn't necessarily going to improve things. It's not an essential quality that leads to a better experience always," he said.

      Despite its growing sophistication, AI remains limited when it comes to the nuances of literary translation. The recent Chinese edition of Blades of Grass: The Story of George Aylwin Hogg, launched at this year's London Book Fair, exemplifies these challenges. Translating the story of a British humanitarian working in wartime China required more than linguistic skill. It demanded an intimate understanding of both historical context and cultural nuance. These are areas where human translators still hold a decisive edge over machines.

      Yet, the appeal of AI in translation is undeniable. Forecasts suggest that the global AI translation market could grow to 6 billion U.S. dollars by 2031, driven by advancements in natural language processing and the increasing demand for cross-border communication. Still, for many, literature is more than just words. It's art -- crafted not just for meaning, but for feeling.

      London Book Fair highlights global literary collaboration, role of AI in translation

      London Book Fair highlights global literary collaboration, role of AI in translation

      Next Article

      Chinese FM proposes five points on proper settlement of Iranian nuclear issue

      2025-03-15 00:02 Last Updated At:02:17

      Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi outlined five key points for the proper resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue during his meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov Sergey Alexeevich and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi in Beijing on Friday.

      The Russian and Iranian deputy foreign ministers were in Beijing to attend a meeting chaired by Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu on the same day. Following the meeting, China, Russia, and Iran jointly issued a statement reaffirming that political and diplomatic engagement, along with dialogue, remains the only viable and practical approach to addressing the Iranian nuclear issue.

      Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, described the meeting and its outcome as an important step in the right direction.

      Unilateral sanctions will only escalate tensions, while dialogue remains the only viable solution, Wang emphasized.

      Wang's five-point proposition is as follows:

      First, stay committed to peaceful settlement of disputes through political and diplomatic means, and oppose the use of force and illegal sanctions.

      Second, stay committed to balancing rights and responsibilities, and take a holistic approach to the goals of nuclear nonproliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

      Third, stay committed to the framework of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as the basis for new consensus.

      Fourth, stay committed to promoting cooperation through dialogue, and oppose pressing for intervention by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

      Fifth, stay committed to a step-by-step and reciprocal approach, and seek consensus through consultation.

      Ryabkov and Gharibabadi expressed their gratitude to China for hosting the meeting, commended its constructive role, and reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue and cooperation on the Iranian nuclear issue.

      Chinese FM proposes five points on proper settlement of Iranian nuclear issue

      Chinese FM proposes five points on proper settlement of Iranian nuclear issue

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