（The following essay is a translation, with the assistance of ChatGPT, of the Japanese blog linked below on this page, following the process outlined below, into English.）
Yesterday, the need arose for me to compose an assertive email in English, claiming something to a foreign client, so I decided to try using ChatGPT (free version). The process was as follows:
- I wrote down the desired content in Japanese, keeping in mind the intention to translate it into English. I estimate it to be around 1,500 to 2,000 characters.
- After excluding proper nouns, I instructed the ChatGPT to "translate it into English." I added a note stating, "This is a letter to a customer." It instantly transformed into English.
- I cross-checked the English translation with the original Japanese text and made revisions to ensure that my intention was conveyed as accurately as possible. As this content represents my own assertions, there was no need to confirm the author's intent.
- I deleted the Japanese text and read and fine-tuned the English version (of course, during the process of modifying the English, I also inserted my own assertions into the English itself).
- I copied the completed English text and instructed ChatGPT to "proofread it." The revised English was instantly generated.
- As a precaution, I reread the final English text and verified its alignment with my original Japanese text (in other words, my assertions).
- I copied the finished English text into an email, included proper nouns, and sent it to the recipient.
The resulting English comprised approximately 700 words. The entire process, from starting to write the original Japanese text to sending the email, took approximately two hours.
(Comments)
- If I had attempted the same task without ChatGPT, I believe it would have taken me nearly half a day (around 6 hours) to complete, considering my own proficiency in English.
- There are occasions when I tasked with Japanese-English translation. In such cases, I typically engage a native translator for the initial translation, while I serve as the project manager, overseeing the adjustments to both the original and translated texts. When comparing that process with the English composition using ChatGPT (as mentioned above), steps 3 and onward align precisely with my translation work. In other words, with the introduction of ChatGPT, if I were to undertake future Japanese-English translations task, I would effectively no longer require a native translator. Consequently, I would be compelled to offer a "corresponding discount" due to the resulting labor-saving effect.
- To produce well-crafted English text, a deep understanding of the English generated by ChatGPT is necessary. Therefore, for individuals who are not proficient in English (and unable to evaluate the English text), there is a risk that they may not be able to create the desired English text. Thus, caution is advised.
- Given that ChatGPT has an overwhelming amount of English data, the translated text from Japanese to English tends to have more "natural" expressions than the translation from English to Japanese (this point may not have received sufficient attention).
- I believe any non-native speaker of English who has had a similar experience to mine would understand, but when it comes to expressing clear intentions or making assertions in English, the most significant challenges lie in accurately transcribing thoughts into written form in English, and then navigating the correct usage of prepositions and articles (both definite and indefinite articles). Eliminating both challenges effectively by initially having ChatGPT translate the text is quite significant. Subsequently, carefully reviewing the resulting English in terms of content, making necessary modifications as required, and finally having the English proofread, will result in an outstanding English text that accurately reflects the original intention.
- ChatGPT is likely to solve one of the greatest challenges for many Japanese researchers who need to write academic papers in English.
*Please note that I am planning to add revisions, feedback, or opinions in the future.
