AI and the Future of Translation and Interpretation - Part 2 of 2

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in translation and interpretation is transforming the landscape of these fields, presenting both challenges and opportunities for practitioners and educators alike. On May 2, 2024, the Middlebury Institute hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Laura Burian, featuring key industry leaders and educators. The second part of the event highlighted eight panelists who shared insights on how they are integrating AI into their teaching and practice. Here are the key takeaways from that discussion:

Panelists Introductions

• Dr. Weiwei Wang, Vice Dean, School of Interpreting and Translation Studies, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies
• Dr. Wallace Chen, Professor and Program Head of Chinese-English Translation and Interpretation, Middlebury Institute
• Carles Andreu, Associate Professor, Translation, Middlebury Institute
• Chiaming (Damien) Fan, Associate Professor, Graduate Program in Translation and Interpretation, National Taiwan University

Key Discussions

Using AI in Education and Practice

Each panelist shared unique insights on how AI is being utilized in their respective fields:

• Dr. Weiwei Wang:
  1. Integrated AI-related topics into the curriculum.
  2. Worked with industry partners to develop AI tools for interpreting skills.
  3. Emphasized critical thinking, ensuring students view AI as just a tool.
• Dr. Wallace Chen:
  1. Utilizes AI for terminology research and text summarization.
  2. Incorporates tools for keyword retrieval and simultaneous interpreting practice.
  3. Focuses on preparatory stages to enhance efficiency.
• Carles Andreu:
  1. Engages students with machine translation and encourages post-editing practices.
  2. Stresses the importance of understanding AI limitations vs. human translation nuances.
• Chiaming (Damien) Fan:
  1. Updates syllabi to integrate AI tools for translation and interpretation.
  2. Utilizes automatic speech recognition software for assessment improvements.
  3. Encourages students to embrace AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement.

The Balance Between AI and Human Skills

Throughout the discussion, a recurring theme was the need for maintaining a balance between utilizing AI tools and honing essential human skills, such as:

The Role of Client Education

Panelists also emphasized the significance of educating clients about AI’s impact on translation and interpreting practices. It's crucial for clients to understand when AI can enhance the process and when human oversight is paramount.

Future Directions

The panel concluded with an inspiring call to action to educators and interpreters. The message was clear: as the field evolves, it is vital to:

• Embrace AI as a valuable tool, not a competitor.
• Continue to adapt teaching methodologies to incorporate AI developments.
• Focus on self-improvement and education to stay relevant in the industry.

In this era of rapid technological development, those in the translation and interpretation fields are encouraged to engage proactively with AI, ensuring they are well-equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive.