‘Ang mga translation app ng AI ay salat pa rin’

KWF says AI can help preserve languages but cannot yet capture context and nuances.

While the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino has recognized artificial intelligence as a tool for language preservation, the agency said AI remains limited when it comes to translation work.

In a July 23 press briefing attended by radar and other media, the KWF said AI can help expand access to Filipino and indigenous languages, but cannot yet replace human translators who understand context, meaning, and linguistic nuances.

The KWF previously said AI should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a threat, with the technology serving as a research tool for strengthening Philippine languages. The agency is also part of the Department of Science and Technology’s Pinoy AI project, where it contributes language data to help build a Filipino-language corpus for AI systems.

However, KWF commissioner Benjamin Mendillo Jr. said AI translation tools still fall short in capturing the full meaning of texts.

“Kung susubukin at susubukan ninyo ang mga translation app ng AI ay salat pa rin ito,” Mendillo said. “Iba pa rin ang semantika at paghinuha [ng AI] sa kontekstong tinuturan nito. Siguro mailalatag niya ang balangkas, subalit kakapusin nito sa lalim-dunong at husay ng isang tagasalin.”

Among the KWF’s responsibilities is translating public documents, government proceedings, and reference materials into Filipino languages. It also maintains a division dedicated to translation work.

Many AI models now offer translation services, either for free or through paid subscriptions. While these tools can provide direct translations, users have also raised concerns over errors when context, tone, and cultural references are not properly considered.

Still, despite highlighting AI’s limitations, the KWF is supporting the technology as a tool for language preservation, but noted that it will not displace katutubos.

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