Linguists find new purpose in the age of AI

In his latest blog, part of a series expanding on ‘Don’t Waste the Crisis: How AI Can Help Reinvent International Geneva’, Dr Jovan Kurbalija explores how linguists shift from fearing AI to embracing a new era of opportunity. Geneva, home to over a thousand translators and interpreters, has felt the pressure as AI tools like ChatGPT began automating language tasks.

Yet, rather than rendering linguists obsolete, AI is transforming their role, highlighting the enduring importance of human expertise in bridging syntax and semantics—AI’s persistent blind spot. Dr Kurbalija emphasises that while AI excels at recognising patterns, it often fails to grasp meaning, nuance, and cultural context.

This is where linguists step in, offering critical value by enhancing AI’s understanding of language beyond mere structure. From supporting low-resource languages to ensuring ethical AI outputs in sensitive fields like law and diplomacy, linguists are positioned as key players in shaping responsible and context-aware AI systems.

Calling for adaptation over resistance, Dr Kurbalija advocates for linguists to upskill, specialise in areas where human judgement is irreplaceable, collaborate with AI developers, and champion ethical standards. Rather than facing decline, the linguistic profession is entering a renaissance, where embracing syntax and semantics ensures that AI amplifies human expression instead of diminishing it.

With Geneva’s vibrant multilingual community at the forefront, linguists have a pivotal role in guiding how language and technology evolve together in this new frontier.

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