This week on Found in Interpretation, conference interpreters Alain Breton and Brian Bickford welcome back Dr. Jonathan Downey, renowned author of Interpreters vs Machines and Dr. Downey and Mr. Stick. Together, they dive deep into the future of interpreting in the age of artificial intelligence, exploring the myths, realities, and surprising truths behind AI tools in the profession.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why interpreting is about people, not just words
How the classic conduit model misrepresents what interpreters really do
The surprising limitations (and occasional benefits) of AI interpreting tools
Key research findings on accuracy, risk, and the nuances of context
What clients need to know before trusting machines with their message
Practical advice and stories from one of the leading voices in interpreting
Resources mentioned
📚 All of Dr. Downey’s books (except the latest): integritylanguages.co.uk/writing
📕 His latest book: Dr. Downey & Mr. Stick’s Guide to the Future of Interpreting
▶️ His YouTube channel: Inside Interpreting
Chapters
00:00 New Chapter 1
00:05 Introduction to Interpreting and AI
02:46 The Evolution of Interpreting Models
05:41 Understanding the Role of Interpreters
08:32 Cultural Influences on Interpretation
11:12 The Limitations of AI in Interpreting
14:04 Accountability in Human vs AI Interpreting
22:41 The Reliability of AI in Interpreting
27:59 Cultural Challenges in Interpretation
35:45 Research and Technology in Interpreting
49:57 The Human Element in Interpretation
52:52 The Future of Interpreting and AI
54:33 Predictions and Trends in the Industry
01:00:21 The Importance of Communication and Creativity
01:06:22 Storytelling in Interpreting
01:14:16 Final Thoughts and Call to Action