China’s web novel industry is experiencing a significant boost in global popularity, thanks to the advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) translation. A recent report from Tencent-backed China Literature reveals an impressive 40% increase in overseas sales in 2022, amounting to 4.06 billion yuan (about $572 million). This leap is largely attributed to generative AI technologies that have revolutionized the translation process, making Chinese web novels more accessible to international readers.
Thanks to Generative AI, sales of web novels soared by 40% in 2022
Previously, translating these novels into different languages was a time-consuming and labor-intensive task. Now, AI-powered tools have streamlined this process, enabling quicker and more efficient translations. This technological advancement has opened doors for Chinese content to be enjoyed in over 40 countries and regions, translated into more than 20 languages. The report, presented at the second Shanghai International Online Literature Week, underscores the significant role of AI in boosting the global reach of Chinese online literature.
Despite these advancements, the quality of AI translations has received mixed reviews. Some readers have criticized the translations for poor grammar and readability, indicating that while AI has made translations faster and more accessible, there is still room for improvement in terms of quality. Nevertheless, many readers appreciate the effort and acknowledge the improvement over time, especially in making these stories available in multiple languages.
China Literature’s initiative to invest more in AI translation technology aims to enhance the quality of translations further. They plan to extend their reach by translating more works into languages like English, Spanish, and Portuguese, among others. This strategy aligns with the company’s observation that over 80% of WebNovel’s readership belongs to Gen-Z, a demographic known for its diversity and global outlook. As technology continues to evolve, it’s expected that AI will play an even more pivotal role in bridging the gap between different cultures and languages in the literary world.
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(Via)
