Anime Localizers' Woke Translations Spark AI Automation Debate
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Western TV and anime localizers recently criticized for adding "woke" language not in original works, prompting use of AI translation to limit human intervention.
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Funimation merging with Crunchyroll and will use "hybrid" AI localization system with human editing. Fans split on decision.
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Some fans happy about AI, citing examples of ideological biases inserted by human translators. But professional translators criticize AI as incapable of quality translation.
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Particular controversy over alterations by translator Jamie Marchi to make feminist changes not in original work. She defends her translations as inevitable when dubbing into another language.
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Experts say AI translation can be efficient but risks losing cultural nuances. Controversies show need to balance AI and human expertise for accurate and culturally authentic translations.