The role of language specialists in AI-dubbing workflows. Redefining skills and competencies

Abstract

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is transforming workflows and creating new scenarios within the language services industry, demanding the development of new skills and competencies among professionals. This position paper provides an overview of the evolving profile of language specialists in AI-mediated dubbing and voice-over processes. It examines client expectations, specific tasks assigned to translation and language professionals, and the implications for training programs and curriculum development. To this end, an AI dubbing linguist competence profile is proposed, informed by tool experimentation, stakeholder conversations, and observations of industry dynamics from practitioner, trainer, and researcher perspectives. This profile aims to offer insights to language service providers (LSPs), tech developers, academic trainers, and both aspiring and practicing language professionals seeking to navigate this evolving landscape. By identifying the nuanced, creative, and cross-disciplinary responsibilities of linguists in AI-driven workflows, the paper aims to dispel any misconceptions that such solutions diminish the role of the linguist/translator. Instead, it points to an expanded and more nuanced professional profile requiring multi-layered expertise across domains, positioning linguists as key contributors to these hybrid dubbing processes.