I recently came across a fascinating study from Cambridge University that examined the effect of simultaneous interpreting (where speech is translated in real-time) on working memory.
It highlights the huge cognitive load that this style of interpreting places on the brain and is further evidence of the importance of fatigue management. It’s why interpreters work in pairs. Even the most skilled and experienced interpreter must take a break after 20-30 minutes of simultaneous interpreting, as it’s such a cognitively demanding experience.
Recently, the Vatican announced plans to use AI-powered live translation for services at St Peter’s Basilica. For this kind of one-way communication, I can absolutely see the value. No institution could realistically hire live interpreters for so many languages at every service. Of course, there is always a risk of something being lost in translation, and that does concern me. But in this specific context, the benefits probably outweigh the drawbacks.
So does this mean we should hand everything over to AI because it’s cheap and never gets tired? When it comes to high-stakes events, absolutely not.
Firstly, accuracy. AI struggles with ambiguity. It doesn’t cope very well with idiomatic translation of cultural references, humour or metaphor. If you’re negotiating a business contract, staging a press conference or involved in a legal case, a mistranslation could have disastrous consequences.
Perhaps AI will eventually become so sophisticated that we can trust it with highly sensitive assignments like these.
What I’m confident that AI will never replace – no matter how good it gets – is the warmth and diplomacy of a skilled human interpreter.
Interpreters are, in a sense, the stand-in for the speaker. We convey their words, but also their tone, energy and presence.
This month, for example, I’ll be interpreting for a very famous footballer at a live event in London. People are paying £30 a ticket for an intimate, memorable experience with a renowned figure. In that setting, an AI voice would feel flat. It would cheapen the entire event. My role is to “become” the speaker as faithfully as possible, so the audience can experience the charisma of the real person.
AI cannot judge whether a remark is delivered aggressively, kindly, flirtatiously or ironically and adjust its delivery accordingly.
Conversations conducted via a machine can feel slightly stilted, whereas a skilled interpreter helps the exchange flow naturally and spontaneously, as I did over dinner and drinks in Düsseldorf recently.
AI cannot act as an encourager and coach, as I did when interpreting for a young sports professional who was nervous about recording her first advert.
And when a brand needs to build a bond with clients or customers, an experienced interpreter with strong interpersonal skills can act as a brand ambassador. When I interpreted for one of Dior’s artisans at a VIP pop-up event at Selfridges last year, developing a rapport with customers was part of the job.
Inevitably, there will be less interpreting work available overall, but there will always be a demand for great interpreters who deliver extra business value to their clients.