对AI的文字润色

除了进行事实核查之外,我们也希望大家学习对AI的文字进行润色,或者是要求AI自己进行润色。当然有些读者可能会感到意外,文字的优美流畅几乎是当前所有大语言模型共同的优点,区区人类的我们要如何进行润色呢?

不过我们从日常阅读的角度考虑的话,AI文字的典雅优美恰恰是个问题。设想一下,如果每一篇中文文章都在用红楼梦的语言,美则美矣,是不是也会有过犹不及的问题呢?

这个视频其实很有意思:当AI整理出鞭辟入里的观点,用古典优雅的语言表达出来的时候,到底是说出了我们想说而没说的话,用更优雅准确的语言说出我们本来词不达意的话,还是说出我们看到也会为之一愣:“这啥?”的话?换而言之,我们是希望AI从成为我们表达自己更有力的工具,还是干脆希望AI代替我们?

如果是前者,那么我们当然会期望读者能够同意,最终呈现在读者面前的,是作者本人的意思,而不是AI的意思。那么润色就必不可少,润色既是为了作者,也是为了读者。

不过对AI的润色本身可以借助AI来完成。利用语言的难度或者经典表达者的风格,可以帮助我们对AI的产出加以控制。我们做了这样一个实验,要求AI用不同的语言去做同段描述:

假设你是一所本地中学的校长,即将进行一次开学典礼的简短致辞,这所学校有十多年的历史,在最近一年里获得了出色的成绩,而新学期有许多新同学的加入,希望你的讲话能够对大家有所激励。

chatgpt的直接产出是这样的:

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, and dear students,

Welcome to the start of another exciting academic year at our distinguished school, a beacon of excellence for over a decade in this community. Last year, we celebrated remarkable achievements, thanks to the dedication of our talented faculty and the hard work of our exceptional students.

To our new students, I say: you’re joining a family that not only values academic success but also fosters creativity and resilience. Remember, the road to knowledge is like a trip to the library—quiet, but full of adventures waiting to be discovered.

Let us embark on this journey together, with enthusiasm and a sprinkle of humor, as we aim for even greater heights this year.

如果用高中生级别的语言,这段话会改成:

Hello everyone,

Welcome to a new school year at our amazing school! For over ten years, we’ve been known for excellence, and last year was no exception with our fantastic achievements.

To our new students, welcome to the family! You’re joining a place that values hard work and creativity. Remember, learning is like an adventure—exciting and full of discoveries.

Let’s start this journey together, aiming high and enjoying every moment!

如果是小学生英语:

Hello everyone,

Welcome to a new school year at our wonderful school! We’ve been doing great things for over ten years, and last year was really special.

To all the new students, welcome! You’re joining a fun and friendly place where we love to learn new things. Remember, learning is like a big adventure!

Let’s have an amazing year together!

我们会看到用词和句子结构的复杂度上是有一些变化的。读者还可以尝试让AI用Trump style或者Obama style来进行润色,会有意想不到的惊喜。

作为参考,我们推荐给大家这本薄薄的小书——“The Elements of Style”《写作风格的基本元素》。数十年来,它一直被认为是英文新闻和散文写作领域的入门经典。很多新闻学院或者文学院,开学第一门写作课就推荐这本书给学生。这本书教授了英文写作的一些最基本的原则和规范。其中一个根本的原则就是,如何用尽量平实简洁的语言,最简单的语法和句法、段落结构,把复杂的事情说清楚。通过和AI的润色互动,相信你会对这点很快有更深刻的理解。