The recent decision by Dutch publishing house VBK to experiment with AI in fiction translation has ignited debate.

Some worry it signals the decline of human translators, while others see an opportunity to make literature more accessible worldwide.

As AI continues to advance, the question remains: can it truly capture the nuances of literary translation, or is human expertise irreplaceable?

The Challenge of Translating Fiction

Fiction is more than just words—it carries cultural context, emotional depth, and an author's distinct voice. Human translators excel at preserving these elements, ensuring that the essence of a story remains intact. AI, while increasingly sophisticated, struggles with idiomatic expressions, subtext, and the delicate balance of meaning and style that makes fiction compelling.

However, the potential benefits of AI-assisted translation are significant. A vast majority of literary works remain untranslated due to time and cost constraints. AI could help bridge this gap by generating rough drafts of translations, which human editors could then refine. This approach could speed up the process while maintaining quality.

AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement

One major concern is that AI could reduce demand for human translators, devaluing their expertise. Yet, AI doesn’t have to replace human professionals—it can be a tool that enhances their work. Translators could collaborate with AI by refining machine-generated translations, ensuring that linguistic and cultural nuances are preserved.

This hybrid model could expand access to literature that might never have been translated otherwise, allowing readers worldwide to experience stories from different cultures. In this sense, AI translation could be more of an opportunity than a threat.

The Future of AI in Literature

While AI is far from mastering literary translation, its role in the publishing industry is growing. If used responsibly, AI could help bring more voices to the global stage, making literature more inclusive. The key will be striking a balance—leveraging AI’s efficiency while preserving the artistry of human translation.

As technology evolves, AI-assisted translation could shape the future of global literature, not by replacing human skill, but by complementing it. If done right, this partnership could open doors to a world where every book is accessible to every reader, regardless of language barriers!