It seems like ChatGPT is popping up everywhere right now. In fact, I just read a colleague’s post about using it for researching her next blog post. This inspired me to give it a try, as well.

My first inquiry “write a blog post on interpretation” resulted in a post with the title “Interpretation: Bringing Meaning to Data and Information”. Not quite what I’d had in mind, although there is indeed a certain correlation between this and the process of transferring meaning from one language to another using the spoken word, but that is a topic for another post.

My second inquiry “write a blog post on interpreters in the 21st century” yielded this:

Interpreters in the 21st Century: Navigating a Global and Multilingual World

Interpreters play a vital role in our rapidly globalizing and multilingual world. They are the bridge between individuals who do not share the same language, allowing for effective communication and promoting understanding. With advances in technology and the increasing demand for multilingual services, the role of interpreters has never been more important.

In the 21st century, interpreters are not only limited to face-to-face interactions, but they are also providing services in various modes such as over the phone, video conferencing, and even instant messaging. This has made it easier for people to access interpretation services, even in remote locations. Moreover, the increasing use of technology has also allowed interpreters to work more efficiently, providing real-time interpretation in a variety of settings, including business meetings, medical appointments, and legal proceedings.

However, the rise of technology has also raised concerns about the impact on the profession of interpreting. Some argue that machine translation and artificial intelligence (AI) may eventually replace human interpreters. While these advancements in technology have certainly improved the speed and accuracy of translation, they still lack the nuanced understanding and cultural competency that only a human interpreter can provide.

In addition, as the world becomes more interconnected, the demand for interpreters with specialized knowledge and skills in various fields has increased. For example, medical interpreters must be familiar with medical terminology and procedures, while legal interpreters must have a good understanding of the legal system and legal terminology. As a result, there is a growing need for professional development and training programs to equip interpreters with the necessary skills to serve their clients effectively.

In conclusion, interpreters play a critical role in promoting understanding and communication in our global and multilingual world. The use of technology has certainly improved the speed and efficiency of interpretation, but it cannot replace the human element that is so important in this profession. As the demand for interpreters continues to grow, it is crucial that we invest in the training and professional development of interpreters to ensure that they have the necessary skills to provide high-quality services to their clients.

I was amazed at this result (which I didn’t change in any way, in case you were wondering about that).

Now, I don’t want to start a discussion on using AI and the potential errors inherent in doing so, so please refrain from commentary going in that direction or pointing out the obvious shortcomings.

What I do want to highlight here is the fact that even AI knows that it will never replace us (human) interpreters:

Some argue that machine translation and artificial intelligence (AI) may eventually replace human interpreters. While these advancements in technology have certainly improved the speed and accuracy of translation, they still lack the nuanced understanding and cultural competency that only a human interpreter can provide.
[…]
The use of technology has certainly improved the speed and efficiency of interpretation, but it cannot replace the human element that is so important in this profession.

It also knows that our profession, in combination with the necessary specialization(s), will become ever more important:

[…] as the world becomes more interconnected, the demand for interpreters with specialized knowledge and skills in various fields has increased.
[…] the demand for interpreters continues to grow […]

And it knows that training and CPD are imperative:

[…] it is crucial that we invest in the training and professional development of interpreters to ensure that they have the necessary skills to provide high-quality services to their clients.

I personally feel quite encouraged by this, and you should, too.

I love my profession and I look forward to many more years of practicing it – using the technology available to make me even better while ensuring that the essential human component doesn’t get lost along the way.