The rise of AI tools in translation and localization is shifting how customers (and linguists) approach their work. In the first episode of our second season, Jiří Šebek, CEO of Dialect, joins co-hosts Marta G. Coloma and Jan Bílek to discuss the reality behind automation, why clients often have unrealistic expectations, and how the role of language professionals is changing. We also discuss how AI is impacting hiring, project workflows, and customer education.

📝 The highlights 🔗

Who's managing who? 🔗

"Is the text managing you, or are you managing the text?"

This is one of the questions Šebek poses during the conversation, hitting at the core of a controversy that's shaken the day-to-day of translators. As a leader who encourages the use of AI tools to his team, he insists that linguists are still the managers, "not the other way around."

The reality is most translators are already using these systems. The real question is whether we’re using them with intention or just accepting whatever they produce. In his opinion, we shouldn’t fear the tools but master them. Mastery, however, doesn’t come from shortcuts. It comes from education, oversight, and knowing when an output works and when it doesn’t. If clients are relying on AI already, language professionals need to stay one step ahead by not just being fluent in languages, but fluent in the tools. Ignoring them won't help.

The expectations problem 🔗

AI tools are everywhere and, whether we like it or not, and their rise is also shifting how customers approach localization workflows and multilingual expansion. Our co-host Jan Bílek, Head of Product at Localazy, explains he's detected AI has raised the bar for automation, speed, and perceived simplicity.

But the gap between expectations and reality often leads to confusion. Clients may assume AI can handle complex localization tasks solo, when in fact it still needs human oversight, more refined prompting, context and intention to work.

The future is specialized 🔗

The discussion closes with a broader reflection on where the industry is heading. As the need for quick, scalable translation grows, so does the demand for specialists who can guide AI tools, interpret their outputs, and maintain quality.  The conclusion is clear: translators who adapt and specialize will thrive.

🌟 Star quote 🔗

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🎙️ Watch & listen 🔗

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🗞 Additional resources 🔗

Will AI replace translators? | Bridging the Gap Podcast, S01 EP03
The use of LLMs in translation is still sparking intense debates in the localization industry. We meet a linguist specialized in prompting to discuss what are the real capabilities of these models.
LocalazyBridging the Gap
Building a localization-friendly culture | Bridging the Gap Podcast, S01 EP05
No localization team can succeed without support from their peers: multilingual expansion is also an internal effort. We explore why with consultant Michal Kessel and Kelly Murphy from Pentland Firth.
LocalazyBridging the Gap
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💌 Connect with the guest & hosts 🔗

Jiří Šebek

Jan Bílek

Marta G. Coloma

📚 More on the blog 🔗

There's much talk going around about AI and LLMs in localization. We've tested some of these tools directly and assessed their real abilities. Check out our rankings, get tips, and see what tools perform best in Dorota Pawlak's AI series. ⬇️

The great LLM translation war: A comparative of the hottest AI models
Choosing the best AI tool to help you localize is becoming harder every day. With new models popping up everywhere, what should you look at to make a decision? We tested a few to get clarity.
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🚀 About Localazy 🔗

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