By Konstantinos Menyktas
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has already transformed many industries, and interpreting is no exception. What once seemed like an exclusively human skill is now being challenged by AI-driven solutions, sparking both concern and uncertainty among professionals who fear that they might lose their job in the near future. But is that really the case?
Will AI truly replace human interpreters, or will it simply reshape the profession? Perhaps the impact will be limited to specific fields and types of meetings, while human expertise remains irreplaceable for nuanced and high-stakes communication. The future of interpreting may not be about replacement, but about evolution, as interpreters, alongside translators, might retrain and assume new roles within their field. In any case, their expertise is irreplaceable.
Concerning the profession of interpreting, AI offers indeed opportunities and challenges:
1. Advantages and Limitations of AI in Conference Interpreting
AI-powered interpreting systems provide real-time translations during conferences and meetings, offering low-cost services, as organizers do not have to engage two interpreters. They can handle multiple languages simultaneously, making them ideal for large, multilingual events. However, these systems may struggle with contextual nuances, cultural references, and idiomatic expressions potentially leading to misunderstandings and many mistakes. On the contrary, human interpreters excel in understanding the nuances of language and culture, ensuring accurate and culturally appropriate results.
2. Legal Liability and Accountability
The use of AI in interpreting raises questions about legal liability. If an AI system produces an inaccurate translation that leads to a misunderstanding or harm, determining liability becomes complex. Should the blame fall on the AI developers, the event organizers, or the end-users? Current legal frameworks are still evolving to address these issues, emphasizing the need for clear guidelines and accountability measures.
3. Potential for Errors and the Importance of Quality Assurance
While AI systems are continually improving, they are not infallible. Errors in translation can occur, especially in specialized fields with complex terminology. To mitigate risks, employing professionals to oversee and validate AI-generated interpretations is an emerging profession. These experts ensure the accuracy and reliability of translations, bridging the gap between AI capabilities and human expertise.
In addition, in the event of a glitch, system failure, or power outage, a skilled professional must always be present to step in immediately, ensuring seamless communication—especially in important meetings and conferences where accuracy and reliability are very important.
4. Speaker Considerations: Clarity and Pace
For AI interpreting systems to function effectively, speakers must articulate clearly, maintain a moderate pace, and minimize strong accents. These factors help AI process and translate speech more accurately, reducing the likelihood of errors. But can we really expect every speaker, whether native or non-native, to speak flawless English or any other language? Will they always speak clearly, without interruptions, without trailing off mid-sentence, or without overlapping voices in a heated discussion or a Q&A session?
And what about colloquial expressions, metaphors, proverbs, and humor? These nuances remain a major challenge for AI.
Does Technology Serve Humans or Vice Versa?
The integration of AI into interpreting services makes me think about the dynamic between technology and humanity. While AI is cost-effective, it is the human touch that ensures empathy, cultural sensitivity, and ethical considerations. Striking a balance where technology serves to enhance human capabilities, rather than replace them, is important.
Professionals in the field must take an active role in this transition, ensuring that technological advancements align with human values and human communication needs, rather than compromising them.