Say it with technology? The evolving role of technology in human-centric interpreting workflows
Sabine Braun, Centre for Translation Studies | Surrey Institute for People-Centred Artificial Intelligence
Throughout the modern history of interpreting, technology has played a significant role in the evolution of the profession. However, its role and impact on different interpreting workflows has often stirred controversy. For example, distance interpreting was initially positioned as a solution to logistical challenges of meeting linguistic demand, overcoming physical building constraints and reducing travel time and costs. It promised improved access to qualified interpreters and the ability to provide interpreting services across geographical boundaries. Yet, interpreters have consistently highlighted the difficulties associated with this modality of interpreting. Nonetheless, advances in technology and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic have led to an expansion of distance interpreting in recent years, including interpreting in a range of fully virtual and hybrid event configurations. While some recent research suggests that interpreters’ perceptions of distance interpreting may be evolving, the underlying factors and conditions fostering positive perceptions still require more nuanced analysis.
Similarly, the growing array of technologies used to support interpreters, including AI-powered real-time assistance through automatic speech recognition and machine translation, presents both opportunities and challenges. An expanding body of research in this area indicates mixed initial results. It suggests, for example, that the integration of AI tools in interpreting workflows may increase interpreters’ cognitive load and highlights several underexplored factors that may influence the effectiveness of computer-assisted interpreting. At the same time, such tools have the potential to support interpreters in settings where interpreter training is underdeveloped and/or time pressure is high.
As communication and interpreting platform providers increasingly explore machine interpreting and automated language access tools such as captions and subtitles as alternative ways of delivering language support, the convergence of mature communication/interpreting platforms and AI-powered language technology creates many opportunities for enhancing human-centric interpreting workflows, with the potential to benefit all stakeholders. However, achieving this synergy requires a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the factors that impact interpreting quality and user experience in these workflows.
This presentation will provide an overview of recent and ongoing research at the intersection of various interpreting-related technologies in different settings of interpreting and identify future directions for research and development in this exciting and rapidly evolving field.