AI in Interpreting: 6 Incredible Takeaways from Our Interview with Boostlingo’s Dieter
Introduction
As we explore the evolving interpreting landscape, it’s clear that significant changes have reshaped the profession in recent years. Advances in technology and shifting societal needs have transformed interpreting from an industry constrained by rigid in-person schedules and outdated phone systems into a hyper connected, tech-driven field.
Today, remote interpreting technology and emerging artificial intelligence are revolutionizing the profession. Dieter from Boostlingo joined us to discuss how AI is reshaping interpreting, why interpreters should embrace these changes, and how professionals can adapt and thrive in this evolving landscape.
1. The On-Demand Revolution
This on-demand capability is not just a convenience; it reflects a larger trend towards instant access in today’s fast-paced world. With the press of a button, clients can find qualified interpreters ready to assist, thereby improving communication outcomes in critical situations.
Dieter recognized the challenges interpreters face daily, particularly regarding scheduling and coordination. Drawing inspiration from the success of ride-sharing apps, he envisioned an on-demand model specifically designed for the language industry. This approach would ultimately lead to the creation of the Boostlingo platform.
“If you can get a car on demand somewhere, you should be able to have language access on demand.”
The necessity of remote interpreting has only grown over the years and has led to significant investments in technology that supports these services. Organizations are now prioritizing secure and reliable platforms that ensure interpreters can work effectively in any setting, whether it’s medical, legal, or business-related.
The pandemic era forced industries, including interpreting, to pivot quickly. Many interpreters had to adapt to virtual platforms, mastering tools such as Zoom or Teams to provide effective communication solutions. This transition has highlighted the importance of digital literacy in modern interpreting practices.
2. The Pandemic’s Impact
Before 2020, around 70 to 80 percent of interpreting was still on-site. COVID-19 changed everything, forcing entire industries to adopt telehealth and virtual solutions overnight. Remote technology became the main event, especially in healthcare settings.
For the interpreting field, this shift to remote technology proved that virtual setups could be both effective and efficient. It also paved the way for broader acceptance of AI in Interpreting, especially as organizations sought ways to handle increasing demand under difficult circumstances.
3. AI’s Role
AI is now playing a critical role in the interpreting landscape. The central debate revolves around whether AI will replace interpreters or augment their capabilities. Dieter envisions AI not as a substitute but as a powerful ally that enhances the skills of seasoned professionals, allowing them to focus on higher-level tasks.
Examples of AI Support
By leveraging AI, interpreters can work more efficiently, reducing the mental load during intense interpreting sessions and allowing them to concentrate more on the context and emotional tone of the conversation.
- Real-time terminology help
- Speech-to-speech conversion and captioning
- Automation in scheduling and workflows
- Predictive text suggestions
With these features, AI in Interpreting assists interpreters by reducing repetitive tasks and enabling more accurate, faster communication.
The evolving role of interpreters also includes being advocates for responsible AI use, as they play a critical role in bridging the gap between technology and human experience.
4. The Augmented Interpreter
AI not only assists interpreters in enhancing their services but also opens up new career paths. Future interpreters may find themselves taking on roles that involve training AI systems, ensuring quality assurance for machine-generated outputs, or providing consultancy in compliance and ethics. In high-stakes environments, such as legal or medical fields, the need for human interaction remains irreplaceable, underscoring the importance of compassion and understanding in these professions.
Interpreters have an opportunity to differentiate themselves by mastering both linguistic skills and technological proficiency, creating a unique service offering that appeals to a wider range of clients.
As technology advances, it brings forth challenges surrounding privacy and ethical use. Therefore, continuous education on these matters is vital for interpreters to operate within legal frameworks while providing quality service.
“Technology won’t replace interpreters; interpreters who use technology will replace those interpreters.”
In addition to professional development, interpreters should seek out mentorship opportunities, fostering relationships with experienced colleagues who can provide guidance on navigating the complexities of modern interpreting.
Interpreters who adapt to AI in Interpreting stand to gain by offering expanded services that blend human expertise with technological efficiency.
5. Regulation and Ethics
In healthcare and legal contexts, privacy and liability are critical. Organizations like the Safe AI Task Force are creating guidelines for AI in interpreting. At the same time, HIPAA and GDPR demand that language technology meets strict security standards. This balance between innovation and compliance is central to every conversation about AI.
6. Staying Connected
Dieter encourages interpreters to engage in associations, conferences, and online forums. Networking and knowledge-sharing help professionals stay ahead of rapid changes. Specialization in medical, legal, or educational interpreting will remain invaluable, especially as new tools expand the possibilities of remote work.
Conclusion
The language services industry is moving at a faster pace than ever, with remote solutions and AI in Interpreting taking center stage. Despite these advances, empathy, cultural awareness, and the human touch remain central to successful communication. Interpreters who combine these qualities with cutting-edge technology will thrive. AI can tackle the heavy lifting of speech recognition and glossaries, but it is the interpreter’s expertise and sensitivity that ensure truly meaningful engagement.