The Impact of the Metaverse on the Translation Industry

A year after Facebook famously changed its name to Metaverse, the world is still figuring out how digital technologies like VR, crypto, social media, gaming, and live streaming will blend together in this new reality. As far as we can tell, it seems as though we can expect to see the Metaverse having quite a significant impact on the translation industry since there’s a heavy focus on multilingualism.

Although much of the tech infrastructure that Meta will operate on is still being developed, we expect to see it rise as an additional, virtual reality dimension to our globalized society. And since it’ll be an inclusive, global virtual reality, it’ll naturally drive the need for translations and interpretations as multilingual communities get together.

Understanding the Metaverse

Since it is still being developed, it’s hard to accurately paint a picture of exactly what the Metaverse is. What we know for sure is that Meta is the collaborative work of a variety of organizations, all working to create a 3D global web to bring business, information, and communication tools together.

Those that use the Metaverse will use VR technology to work and play online with their avatars. These avatars will also represent you in virtual events and help you interact with Meta apps. According to a master in design for virtual reality, with a distinctly creative and technological focus, VR fosters new ways of designing, learning and interacting based on ground‑breaking narratives. 

Meta in the Making

Facebook giant Mark Zuckerberg is arguably the biggest investor of Meta, but other giants like Nvidia and their Omniverse platform are also working on some of the frameworks that’ll power Meta tech. Other developing brands like Epic Games Inc., Microsoft Corp, and Roblox Corp are also onboard, busy developing platforms for the Metaverse.

There has also been a rise in specialist consultancies focused on helping companies move into the Metaverse. Naturally, we’re expecting to see a variety of payment providers and cryptocurrencies involved in Meta since the need to facilitate cross-border transactions will be a natural need for a project of this scope and magnitude.

A Linguistic Shift as the Metaverse Rises

Virtual worlds and other platforms like Metaverse are designed with adults in mind. Adults that all speak a multitude of languages. And one of the most obvious ways to deal with the inevitable language barrier here is the use of language translation and interpretation services. These might be offered via on-screen text in the virtual space of Meta, but we’re excited to see how translation features will be implemented.  

Translation Processes and Augmented Reality

There is, however, a catch when it comes to real-time language translations in this virtual reality. Delays will be inevitable since proper translation takes time, and one also has to consider the impact of computer processing times.

Will there be waiting periods involved in having your conversations translated or even interpreted in the Metaverse? Will users need to download an interpreting app if they don’t speak English as their native language? Or perhaps, more importantly, will Meta offer its users access to on-demand interpreters and translators?

Because if so, the Metaverse concept and its new technologies could create a bright new window of opportunity for linguists across the world.

Human and Machine Translation Processes Supporting a Virtual Reality in a Digital World?

Machine translation has already impacted the human translation industry. When AI-powered translations are rolled out to offer linguistic support in the augmented reality of the Metaverse, translation will play a critical role in the platform’s success. Yet, machine translation cannot be used as a standalone solution to break through the language barrier as it isn’t nearly as accurate as human translations, especially when it comes to sensitive matters like cultural nuances and humor.

The simple fact of the matter is that human translations will be necessary for Meta's augmented reality events. The accountability and trust factor that comes with human professionalism is the only way to bridge the language barrier accurately and reliably in this digital world.

It’s safe to say that the Metaverse will affect the human translation and interpreting sector, but AI and human translations will complement each other, so it will not be a zero-sum equation. The probability of virtual remote interpreting flourishing in the Metaverse is sky high. We expect a dramatic rise in the demand for real-time remote interpreters to facilitate communication in this virtual world. However, since technology still needs to catch up, all we can do for the time being is speculate about the Metaverse world.

Final Thoughts

Language is intrinsically linked to technology, and the Metaverse's virtual world is a perfect opportunity for society to start realizing this. The dynamic of translations in the Metaverse will likely be something we’ve never seen before, but as technology keeps evolving, so do innovative language solutions!

From virtual remote interpreting and video conferencing to cryptocurrency trading and gaming localization, there are endless opportunities that come with the rise of the Metaverse. What’s evident at the moment is that Meta will be a global, multilingual space that’ll help people connect in new, meaningful ways, and to ensure that nothing gets lost in translations, the Metaverse will be reliant on professional human translation services to break through language barriers as it leads the way into the future!