The translation industry is evolving at a rapid pace due to technological advancements, globalization, and the rising demand for multilingual communication. As businesses expand across borders, the need for accurate, high-quality translations is more critical than ever. In 2020, several key trends are set to shape the industry, revolutionizing how translations are done. From the demand for new languages to the rise of voice search, video translation, and globalization, the translation industry is undergoing a massive transformation. Let’s explore the four key trends that will define the industry in 2020 and beyond.
1. New Language Demand
Rising Demand for Chinese (Mandarin)
As the global economy continues to evolve, so does the demand for different languages. In 2020, one language stands out as the most sought-after: Chinese (Mandarin). With nearly 1.2 billion native speakers, Mandarin is the most spoken language in the world and the second-most used language online, following English at 25.4%.
According to Ethnologue, China’s economic growth has driven an increasing need for Mandarin-speaking professionals, making it a key language for business, trade, and global expansion. Business Wire also highlights how China’s booming tourism industry has fueled the demand for speech-to-speech translation. Countries such as India, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand are experiencing a surge in Chinese-speaking visitors, creating an urgent need for businesses to offer Chinese translation services.
Furthermore, AGATO reports that the number of companies looking for Mandarin-speaking employees has increased by 35% compared to previous years. As China cements its position as a global economic powerhouse, Mandarin translation services will become more valuable than ever. Businesses that fail to accommodate this shift risk missing out on a massive market.
Role of Speech-to-Speech Translation
With new language demand comes the need for advanced translation technologies. To meet this rising demand, speech-to-speech translation tools are being developed to facilitate seamless communication. New AI-powered systems can now instantly translate spoken words into multiple languages, making business interactions smoother and more efficient. Companies that invest in cutting-edge translation solutions will have a competitive advantage in the global market.
2. Voice Search
Growth of Voice Search Technology
Traditionally, users would type their queries into search engines, but now voice search is taking over. Smartphones, AI-powered assistants, and smart devices have made it easier than ever to search the internet simply by speaking a command. Voice search technology is not only more convenient but also faster and more intuitive, making it an increasingly popular method of searching among people of all age groups.
Studies predict massive growth in voice search usage. According to ComScore, by 2020, 50% of all online searches will be conducted through voice search. Additionally, a Gartner study anticipates that 30% of all web browsing will be done without a screen, as voice-based AI assistants become smarter and more responsive.
Development of Speech Translation Systems
With the rise of voice search, the demand for real-time speech translation is growing rapidly. One of the most innovative developments in this field is JANUS, a speech translation system developed by Dr. Alexander Waibel and his team. Waibel has also created Jibbigo, the first commercial speech translator for iPhones, and a real-time simultaneous speech translation system for lectures.
Additionally, in May 2019, Google AI announced Translatotron, a groundbreaking system designed to translate speech directly from one language to another while preserving the original speaker’s voice. This AI-driven innovation is a significant step toward Google’s long-term vision of end-to-end speech-to-speech translation, making real-time multilingual conversations a reality.
3. Video Translation
Rise of Video Content Consumption
The rise of digital content has led to an explosion in video consumption. From short-form content on YouTube to long-form content on Netflix and Hulu, videos are now the dominant form of online engagement. This shift has fueled a massive demand for video translation, as businesses and content creators seek to reach global audiences.
According to the Cisco Visual Networking Index (VNI):
- By 2021, 1 million minutes of video will be streamed or downloaded every second.
- The world will consume 3 trillion minutes of internet video per month.
- Video content will represent 80% of all internet traffic.
Increasing Demand for Video Subtitling & Dubbing
With such a significant increase in video consumption, businesses must adapt their content to multiple languages. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that videos are accessible to a global audience. Studies show that 85% of Facebook videos are watched without sound, making subtitles essential.
This growing demand for video translation, subtitling, and dubbing presents a huge opportunity for the translation industry. Businesses that invest in multilingual video content will have a greater chance of expanding their reach, improving engagement, and boosting conversions.
4. Globalization
Impact of Globalization on the Translation Industry
As businesses continue to expand into international markets, the need for multilingual services has skyrocketed. Companies are realizing that localized content is crucial for success in global markets.
Annual enterprise spending on translation services is expected to reach USD $56.18 billion by 2021, driven primarily by globalization and digital transformation. Businesses that fail to localize their content risk losing potential customers to competitors who speak their language.
Growth of Multilingual Business Services
A study by Sri Sharma from Net Media Planet reveals that companies witness a 20% increase in conversions when they translate landing pages and advertisements. Additionally, websites that fully localize their content experience a 70% rise in engagement, demonstrating the power of multilingual marketing.
As more companies recognize the benefits of translation and localization, the industry is expected to grow at an exponential rate, making translation services a necessity rather than an option.
Get Professional Translation Services
As the demand for language translation and localization continues to rise, businesses need professional and reliable translation solutions. Lingual Consultancy Services offers expert language translation in over 250 languages, covering all major Indian, Asian, European, Latin American, and African languages. Whether you need document translation, website localization, or video subtitling, we have you covered!
