Human Interpreters versus AI?

Simultaneous interpreting is more commonly referred to as “simultaneous translation”. It’s an abuse of language, but that’s not the point, far from it! In fact, let’s talk about it, because this abuse of language benefits the promoters of AI solutions, which are as numerous as they are promising. So what exactly is the situation? Does AI live up to all its promises? When we talk about simultaneous translation being offered, or sometimes offered for a fee, to participants at international conferences, what are we talking about?

Human Interpreters: ordinary service providers?

Is simultaneous translation a professional service like any other? Alongside accommodation, catering or shuttles from the hotel to the conference centre? I’d say it’s not quite the same thing. Why not? Simultaneous translation makes it possible to disseminate and understand the speeches made by speakers and keynote speakers. It’s also the keystone of any interaction at the event. In fact, when people ask me if a multilingual event was a success, I answer “yes, interaction was there”. In concrete terms, when human interpreters allow audiences to ask any question IN their mother tongue.