Guernésiais AI translations 'could be wrong'

An expert in Guernésiais, Guernsey's native language, has shared concerns about the ability of artificial intelligence (AI) to translate reliably.

Teacher Yan Marquis said there was limited data on the language, no standardised spelling and cultured nuance.

All these things could mean that AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot and Chat GPT often produced inaccurate translations, he said.

He added that, with fewer people speaking the language, there was also a risk incorrect AI translations would become a more common sight.

Marquis says: "AI is fantastic. You look at some of the results for a translation to English, it's very impressive.

"But the thing about Guernésiais is there are not the resources there to analyse the language and paint a picture of it.

"People are becoming more reliant on AI and, at the same time, there are less speakers. Both those things together mean that incorrect translations will not be noticed."

There is a tool that the Guernsey Language Commission has that can be used for free.

Marquis says: "It isn't instant - and people often want an instant reply - but it is worth waiting.

"I am pleased that people often come to me with translations for tattoos and birthday cards.

"It's nice people want that personalised local touch, but I have seen some instances where the translation has been wrong due to AI. It's a shame it didn't get checked.

"I have not seen anything that I am happy with or I am impressed with in terms of translations as the resource just isn't there.

"It's very hard unless you know someone who speaks the language."

AI uses already exciting information to provide answers and, where it does not have any, it can "hallucinate".

AI hallucinations are instances where AI models, particularly large language models (LLMs), generate false, misleading, or illogical information while presenting it confidently as fact.

These errors often stem from limitations in training data, pattern recognition errors, or lack of grounding in real-world knowledge, often blending fabricated details with accurate information.

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