Jana Novak

This morning, I woke up to the familiar sound of my cat, Míša, pawing at the bedroom door. After my routine coffee, I sat down at my desk in my Prague apartment, ready to dive into the novel I’m currently translating. Over the years, my work has seen dramatic changes. When I started translating from Czech into German and English, the demand was high, and the work was plentiful. But now, with the rise of the Internet and sophisticated AI tools, much of the straightforward translation work can be done quickly and efficiently by machines.

At 43, I’ve managed to adapt by focusing on translating novels, where the subtleties and cultural nuances still require a human touch. Additionally, I teach translation at a local school a few times a week, which allows me to share my knowledge with the next generation of translators. AI tools have become an integral part of my work, assisting with initial drafts and helping me find the perfect word or phrase when I’m stuck. They are incredibly helpful and fascinating, yet a bit scary in their rapid improvement.

In the afternoon, I headed to my class, where students eagerly asked about translation challenges and the role of AI in our field. Seeing their mix of excitement and apprehension reminded me of my own journey. Returning home in the evening, tired but satisfied, I reflected on how I’ve found my place in this evolving landscape, balancing tradition with innovation, and it feels just right.