What are some of the emerging and future technologies that will impact interpreting?

1 Remote interpreting

Remote interpreting is the delivery of interpreting services via phone, video, or web platforms, without the physical presence of the interpreter at the location of the speakers. Remote interpreting has been growing in popularity and necessity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it offers convenience, flexibility, and accessibility for clients and interpreters. However, remote interpreting also poses some technical, quality, and ethical issues, such as connectivity, sound and video quality, confidentiality, and working conditions. Interpreters need to adapt to different modes and platforms of remote interpreting, and ensure they have the appropriate equipment, training, and support to provide effective and professional services.

2 Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, such as learning, reasoning, and decision making. AI has been advancing rapidly and has been applied to various domains, including language and communication. AI-based technologies, such as speech recognition, natural language processing, machine translation, and speech synthesis, have been developing and improving in accuracy and quality, and have been integrated into various tools and applications for interpreting. For example, AI can assist interpreters with speech-to-text transcription, terminology management, quality assessment, and post-editing. AI can also perform automatic or semi-automatic interpreting, such as speech-to-speech translation, voice-over, or subtitling. However, AI is not a substitute for human interpreters, as it cannot capture the nuances, contexts, and emotions of human communication. Interpreters need to be aware of the potentials and limitations of AI, and how to use it as a complementary tool or a collaborative partner.

3 Virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) is the simulation of a three-dimensional environment that can be interacted with by a user through a headset or other devices. VR can create immersive and realistic scenarios that can be used for various purposes, such as entertainment, education, training, and simulation. VR can also be used for interpreting, as it can create virtual environments that mimic real-life settings and situations where interpreting is needed, such as conferences, meetings, courts, or hospitals. VR can enable interpreters to practice and enhance their skills, to experience different types of interpreting scenarios, and to receive feedback and evaluation. VR can also facilitate remote interpreting, as it can connect interpreters and speakers in different locations through virtual avatars and speech. However, VR also requires high-quality equipment, software, and connectivity, and can cause some side effects, such as motion sickness, eye strain, or fatigue. Interpreters need to be familiar with the features and functions of VR, and how to use it safely and effectively.

4 Wearable devices

Wearable devices are electronic devices that can be worn on the body, such as smartwatches, glasses, headphones, or earbuds. Wearable devices can perform various functions, such as tracking, monitoring, communicating, or computing. Wearable devices can also be used for interpreting, as they can provide convenient and discreet access to information, communication, and translation. For example, wearable devices can enable interpreters to receive and deliver speech or text, to access online dictionaries or glossaries, to record or transcribe speech, or to translate speech or text in real time. However, wearable devices also have some drawbacks, such as battery life, compatibility, reliability, and privacy. Interpreters need to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of wearable devices, and how to use them appropriately and ethically.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?