Podcast: AI in France, translators fight back, musicians' mentor
Artificial intelligence is everywhere in France but who's using it, and how? We also look at its impact on translators and how they're striving to keep humans at the helm. And Nadia Boulanger – the pioneering French composer and conductor who taught generations of musical greats. AI is widely used in France, despite many peoples' misgivings. Tech consultant Frederic Cavazza says adoption is being driven by individuals, rather than a coherent or systemic approach. That results in a paradox: the technology is everywhere, but guidance and confidence in it is lacking. (Listen @2'40'') One field that is heavily impacted by generative AI in France – and the non-English-language world – is translation. Low-cost translation agencies are increasingly using machines to deliver first drafts and relying on humans for ungratifying, poorly paid "post-editing". But translators are fighting back. The En chair et en os collective and the recently-launched STEF union for translators in publishing marked last week's World Translation Day with symbolic strike action. They gathered to find collective ways of keeping humans at the heart of the translation process, including an initiative to "sabotage" the post-editing system. (Listen @17'50'') The story of French musician Nadia Boulanger, a talented composer and the first woman to conduct some of the world's top orchestras. Today she is best remembered for teaching an extraordinary number of the 20th century's most famous musicians, from Aaron Copland to Philip Glass, Burt Bacharach and Quincy Jones. (Listen @10'30'') Episode mixed by Cecile Pompeani. Spotlight on France is a podcast from Radio France International. Find us on rfienglish.com, Apple podcasts, Spotify or your favourite podcast app.