Lost for Words
Global translation firm The Big Word promises its services are "eradicating the final barrier of global communication". But not, it seems, with the help of happy translators.
The firm recently gave translators one week's notice that their pay would be cut by 5 percent. In its email, The Big Word told them the pay cut was due to advances in AI technology and that it was "essential that we adapt to this new reality together".
With logic that even AI would struggle with, the company stated: "We firmly believe that this change will not negatively impact your overall billing." Apparently this is because AI will drive an increase in demand. So translators will have to undertake more work to earn the same amount as they did before the pay cut caused by AI muscling in on their expertise.
The email concluded: "Your contributions remain at the heart of what makes The Big Word a leader in the industry, and we are excited to navigate this new chapter together." Passez le sac à vomi!
Copyright: Private Eye. N 1658, 19th Sep - 2nd Oct 2025. Page 42.
