LocWorld49 Malmö Main Conference Program

In this session, we will offer several quick and dynamic presentations covering topics and ideas too interesting to ignore!

Appreciative Inquiry 101 – Kit Brown-Hoekstra (Comgenesis)
Appreciative inquiry is a strengths-based approach to leading change that values the best of what is, envisions the possibilities of what could be, and answers how might we… create a better system. By changing the questions we ask, we can create more generative solutions to the challenges we face. Combined with other design methodologies, appreciative inquiry can be a powerful tool that engages the entire organization.
Takeaways: Attendees will get an understanding of how to change the questions we ask to a more generative approach to system design and change management; knowledge of several case studies showing the power of appreciative inquiry in business results; a basic understanding of the framework and methodology for appreciative inquiry; and resources for further exploration.

Myth Busting Translation Review Cycles — A Quality Riddle – Dominique Puls (tsd, a SeproTec Company)
Translation quality keeps you up at night — and in the back of your mind this question, “How will it resonate with my target audience”? Are your on-site teams struggling to work with the content you provide? Let’s bust some of the myths out there about content perception, quality, and relevance.
Takeaways: Attendees will hear about do‘s and don’ts of in-country review cycles; biases and how to avoid them; and receive a cookbook for quality reviews.

Novel Approaches to Localization Using Large Language Models – Olga Beregovaya (Smartling)
The introduction of state-of-the-art large language models (or generative or foundational models), such as GPT3 (now 4), BLOOM, WU Dao, and several others, is likely to be both the most impactful and opportune change for the entire global content transformation industry. However, since the technology is very new, there are a lot of unknowns about how to implement this next-generation language AI technology in the translation processes. We have identified four main ways this technology will improve an AI-enabled global content delivery platform: optimize the source content for translatability, driving down translation costs and increasing efficiency with the quality at the source approach; enhance the quality of machine translation output by both correcting grammar errors introduced by terminology application and improving the overall output fluency and relevance; introduce a new approach to creating synthetic data for machine translation engine training, including long-tail languages and multilingual translation models; and verify semantic relevance of translated and/or post-edited content by employing sentence embedding approaches, thus optimizing the language quality assurance cycle. In this session, we will feature industry experts who will be talking about practical applications of large language models, based on the real-life implementation and experimentation experience, and business outcomes that these innovative approaches bring about.
Takeaways: Attendees will learn what ways large language models can be implemented in global content platforms — real-life scenarios; practical positive outcomes of such implementation; and future opportunities large language models create for both technology/services providers and buyers.

From Asylum Seeker to Interpreter: The Success Story of Basel – Nancy Hähnel (Acolad)
Join us for an inspiring presentation about the life and career of Basel, a professional interpreter whose path was shaped by the geopolitical crisis in his home country of Syria. His journey from an asylum seeker to a language expert is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Language became Basel’s launchpad to a brighter future and a key element behind migrant relief efforts in the Netherlands. In this presentation, we will talk about how two elements were woven together — the program that supported Basel’s integration into Dutch society and the service that Acolad and Basel delivered to the Dutch government. Through his story, we will explore the importance of language and communication in a globalized world. This presentation is essential for anyone interested in the interpreting profession, cross-cultural communication, or the challenges and opportunities facing refugees and immigrants. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the life and career of a remarkable interpreter.

Speaking Your Customers Business Language — A Customer Outcome-Focused Approach – Rodrigo Cristina (Argos Multilingual)
Does the localization industry really speak its customers’ business language? This is the starting point for a short presentation on the paradigm shift that needs to occur from a delivery focus to a customer-outcome focus approach. As providers of highly complex professional services, localization professionals need to be able to understand our customers’ industries and business goals. While helping our customers pursue and reach these organizational goals, the industry, and its players must be able to help its customers measure the positive impact that localization has on their top and bottom lines, and their customer and associate engagement.
Takeaways: Attendees will learn about a mindset shift enabling localization professionals to focus on customers’ success rather than their own, and understand what value means for our customers.