When it comes to translation, sometimes you need to watch a little inspiration to gain a new perspective on the world of language. Here are three inspiring TED Talks about translation that we think you must watch!

Ted Talk #1: Tiffany Watt Smith, The History of Human Emotions

Despite the hype about machine translation, as we know human translators will continue to have several critical advantages over robots. With accuracy being the most significant advantage, an understanding of human emotions of another crucial factor that robots just can’t compete with. Successful marketing in any language depends on understanding humans and their emotions, and marketing translation and transcreation rely on the super power that is understanding human emotions.

Ted Talk #2: Lera Boroditsky, How Language Shapes the Way We Think

How does language shape the way we think? Researchers and academics alive have been occupied with this question for decades. In this TED talk, cognitive scientist Lera Boroditsky describes some of the fascinating ways that linguistic diversity shapes the way people experience life and the world.

This TED Talk also explores why it’s important to preserve endangered languages, which has been a hot topic in the realm of language for quite some time. List in on her talk and find out why language diversity and endangered language preservation is so important to the world.

TED Talk #3: Patricia Ryan, Don’t Insist on English

If you are looking for a compelling defense to the importance of language translation, then this is the TED Talk for you! English teacher Patricia Ryan points out that translation makes it possible for people to communicate and cooperate in different languages, thus allowing people from around the world to contribute their knowledge to fields like science, engineering, and medicine. If we marginalize people due to the fact that they don’t speak English, then we lose their insights and contributions.

She also adds that different languages can offer different (much needed) perspectives on solving problems.

Which one of these TED Talks is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear what you think.