Interpreting: The Role of Human Expertise in an AI-Driven Future

Interpreting is one of the fastest-growing sectors within the language industry. Increasingly, human expertise is being combined with cutting-edge technologies to add value across organizations.

The rapid technological advancements during the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in significant growth in over-the-phone interpreting (OPI), video remote interpreting (VRI), and remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI), alongside the expansion of hybrid settings—where remote participation is enabled in meetings that have an onsite component.

Experts project that the demand for interpreting services will continue to rise at an annual rate between 7% and 12%, driven largely by growth in healthcare, public administration, and sectors like justice and education.

As organizations embrace technology for their meetings, hearings, appointments, and consultations, the reliance on traditional in-person interpreting services has diminished, giving way to more efficient technological solutions.

To explore the forces driving the increased demand in interpreting services, Our Head of Interpreting Solutions, Giulia Silvestrini, shares her insights into the future trends of interpreting.

1. Accelerating Technological Impact

Technology is transforming the delivery and accessibility of interpreting services. Advancements, such as software-based solutions, now allow users to listen to interpretation or access AI-driven live captions using their own devices, providing seamless multilingual communication.

2. Continued Market Growth

Despite a mixed global economic outlook, most experts predict continued growth in the interpreting sector, particularly with the rising demand for technology-based interpreting solutions. Higher levels of adoption and awareness suggest that these innovations are here to stay.

3. Expanding Use Cases

The interpreting field is diversifying beyond traditional uses, now encompassing live captioning and AI-based interpreting. The expansion of these technologies is helping make interpreting more accessible, reducing costs, and facilitating broader applications for a variety of settings and budgets.

4. Improving Accessibility Through Innovation

Constant innovation in interpreting tools is addressing diverse language needs and making services more affordable and accessible. The rise of remote interpreting during the Covid-19 pandemic and the increasing use of live captioning and AI interpreting are key examples of how new technologies enhance reach and usability.

5. Tailored, Purpose-Driven Solutions

With the growing range of interpreting solutions, choosing the right option requires a "fit-for-purpose" approach. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and services must be designed in collaboration with stakeholders to meet their specific needs and expectations.

6. The Unmatched Value of Human Expertise

Despite advancements in AI, human interpreters remain irreplaceable. The cultural sensitivity, empathy, and judgment of professional interpreters are essential for conveying meaning effectively across languages. In sensitive or high-stakes situations—such as emergency services—trained human interpreters are crucial for ensuring accurate and impactful communication.

7. Addressing the Role of AI in Interpreting

Like other industries, the use of AI in interpreting raises important ethical concerns regarding accountability. While AI may be suitable for certain tasks, it's not without its limitations, particularly in capturing nuance, emotion, or humor in live communication. Understanding these challenges is essential as AI continues to evolve.

8. Harmonizing Human and AI in Interpreting

As AI continues to drive progress in interpreting, it is essential to integrate these innovations into broader strategies while keeping human expertise at the forefront. The evolution of interpreting should include clear guidelines, safeguards, and thorough testing to ensure the quality of service. A collaborative approach between organizations, interpreters, and language experts is crucial to achieve the goal of effective multilingual communication.

In the evolving landscape of interpreting, technology and human mastery must coexist to deliver the best possible results for multilingual engagement.