After Effect Of Covid-19 On Translation Industry

While the pandemic has highlighted the importance of languages, it has also had adverse impacts on the translation industry. With a projected loss of 25 million jobs globally, the translation sector is no exception. However, the impact is layered and complex. Covid-19 has hit some segments of the industry worse than the others. On one hand, as much as 70% of translators (in Wuhan) have done crucial work during the pandemic. But, on the other hand, the distribution of business demand has reduced.

Changes In The Translation Industry Due To Covid-19

The primary changes in the translation sector are with respect to demand. One can observe these changes in different areas.

An estimated 41.3% of firms closed temporarily and 1.8% of firms closed permanently in the United States alone. Thus, one would expect the overall demand to reduce. In a survey conducted by a French company, 57% of the participants thought that the pandemic would cause difficulties in their jobs. CSA, an independent company, conducted related research in approximately 97 countries. It showed that these fears were true.

Another way demand has changed is in its type. Most of the demand after the pandemic has been for digital content. Governments across the world have imposed strict lockdowns and containment measures. Thus, people have turned to over the top (OTT) platforms for entertainment. For example, the paid subscription to OTT platforms has increased by 60% in India. This trend has increased the demand for translation services for entertainment.

Also, the demand from different industries has changed. For example, the demand in the tourism industry has reduced while that in medical services has increased. While demand always varies, Covid-19 has brought a big shift, at least for the near future.

Most firms are going digital. Hence, they have audiences from all over the world. This has helped sustain the translation industry.

Changes In Market Share Of The Translation Industry

The changes in the market have mainly been positive. There are, however, changes between the types of industries. The value of the translation industry actually grew by over 5 billion dollars. This is the data from when the pandemic first hit China. It was valued at $49.6 billion in 2019. This figure changed to $56.18 billion in 2021.

The market expanded by 40% even during the crisis. The demand in the medical sector increased even more, by 49%, due to the pandemic. However, some sectors like travel did not perform well.

Hence, it is one of the industries which held strong during the pandemic. Also, one can expect other sectors of the industry to make a recovery.

The Uneven Impact On Translation Industry

According to the research done by CSA, the impact of the crisis was uneven. Translators had their incomes lowered and the number of job opportunities reduced. At the same time, they did not have many appeals to reduce charges. Further, the pandemic has impacted interpreters more than translators. While translators are more acquainted with working from their homes, interpreters rely on in-person communication.

With its different impacts, Covid-19 has reshaped the translation industry. Thus, those associated with the industry have to make shifts in the way they work. They must be flexible and take on more skills. Those who adapt to the changes quickly will be the ones that thrive.