In 2024, the MTPE Training SIG expanded its focus from machine translation post-editing to embrace AI's transformative potential in translation and localization. Recognizing the need to bridge the gap created by rapid AI advancements, the SIG rebranded as the MTPE Tr-AI-ning SIG. This shift aims to unify all stakeholders—translators, academics, LSPs, buyers, and AI translation engineers—around a comprehensive handbook integrating AI Translation Training. By consolidating insights from various perspectives, the initiative seeks to demystify AI's role in the industry, providing essential principles and guidelines to navigate this new landscape while cutting through the hype.
The MTPE Tr-AI-ning SIG is dedicated to creating a comprehensive framework for AI Translation Training that addresses the evolving needs of the translation community. Our main objectives are to:
Our roadmap includes:
• Conducting workshops and webinars to share knowledge • Gathering feedback from practitioners to refine our resources • Regularly updating the handbook to reflect the latest AI advancements
Through these efforts, we aim to empower translators and organizations to use AI effectively, ensuring a future where technology enhances—rather than replaces—human expertise.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our Group Representatives for their unwavering support of this initiative. Their active participation and dedication ensured that the voices and ideas of all GALA members were heard, contributing significantly to the creation of our Common MTPE Training Handbook. As a token of our gratitude, we'd like to share a few words about each representative:
Cristina Anselmi is the Machine Translation Lead at Electronic Arts Inc., spearheading EA's efforts in Machine Translation technology and implementation within the localization department. Since 2012, she has been immersed in the video game localization industry, managing a diverse array of multilingual projects—from small mobile games to expansive MMORPGs and several AAA titles. Cristina's passion for localization, combined with her enthusiasm for new technologies, drives her to continually seek innovative ways to apply automation. Her goal is to optimize time and increase speed without compromising quality. She firmly believes that machine translation is the key to achieving this in the near future.
Diego Cresceri is CEO & Founder of Creative Words, a Language Service Provider based in Genoa, Italy.
After graduating in Translation and Interpreting from the University of Genoa, Diego worked as a translator, Project Manager, and Chief Operating Officer at a local translation agency before founding Creative Words. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of ELIA, the European Language Industry Association.
At Creative Words, Diego oversees the company's strategy and growth. Passionate about sharing knowledge, he frequently conducts workshops and seminars on innovation, artificial intelligence, and machine translation at universities, training schools, and language associations both nationally and internationally. In his spare time, Diego cherishes moments with his two children.
Parthena Charalampidou studied English Language and Literature at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and holds an MA in Language and Communication Sciences, specializing in Translation Studies. Her PhD dissertation focuses on Translation and Website Localization, with research interests centering on semiotic, rhetorical, and cultural approaches to translation. She is particularly passionate about website localization and the application of technology and corpora in translation. For the past two years, she has been conducting postdoctoral research on university website universalization, examining how Greek universities project themselves in cyberspace through English translations of their websites. Parthena has experience as a freelance translator and is a member of scientific associations for translation and semiotics. She has presented at national and international conferences, and her research has been published in various scientific journals, volumes, and conference proceedings.
Jessica Yaacoub heads the translation department at Bromberg & Associates and oversees the implementation of new technologies and tools company-wide. Fluent in Arabic (her native language), French, and English, Jessica's passion for languages led her to earn a linguistics degree, which she applies daily in her work. A few years ago, Jessica began working with machine translation, gaining hands-on experience as a post-editor. She has since managed teams of post-editors and spearheaded the integration of machine translation into her department's workflow.
Fernando Velasco Lozano is a seasoned Data Scientist with over a decade of experience in the tech industry, specializing in cutting-edge Machine Learning solutions. His expertise covers a broad spectrum of projects, from Computer Vision to Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Deep Learning. Fernando's strong leadership skills have enabled him to successfully guide development teams through complex Machine Learning projects, consistently delivering top-notch results on tight schedules. His adaptability and cool-headed approach under pressure allow him to inspire his team and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Driven by a passion for using technology to create positive change, Fernando continually seeks new challenges where he can apply his technical prowess and leadership acumen to solve complex problems and push the boundaries of innovation in Machine Learning.