The future of simultaneous interpretation: AI and the human interpreter | Metaglossia: The Translation World | Scoop.it

"The future of simultaneous interpretation: AI and the human interpreter


The Future of Simultaneous Interpreting: Artificial Intelligence and the Irreplaceable Role of the Human Interpreter
The simultaneous interpreting sector is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. The emergence of artificial intelligence, remote interpreting platforms, and advances in real-time machine translation are reshaping the way multilingual events are organized. But do these changes represent an opportunity or a threat for professional interpreters?


At Código Lingua, with years of experience in simultaneous interpreting in Valencia and internationally, we analyze the most relevant technological innovations, their apparent advantages, and their real limitations. Because while technology is here to stay, the human factor remains essential to ensure precise, empathetic, and contextualized communication.


What is Changing in the Sector?
Digital Remote Interpreting Platforms
The rise of remote interpreting platforms has been one of the major changes, largely driven by the pandemic. These tools enable the provision of remote simultaneous interpreting services, connecting interpreters and listeners from anywhere in the world. For organizers, they offer a flexible and accessible alternative; for interpreters, an environment that requires new technical skills and constant adaptation.


Generative AI and Real-Time Automated Voice
Another significant innovation is the emergence of automated voice solutions using generative artificial intelligence to produce real-time translation. These tools, integrated into mobile devices or virtual assistants, promise fast translation in multiple languages without human intervention.


Although they are presented as an innovative solution, their use in formal and complex environments is still far from reliable. Simultaneous interpreting is not just about translating words, but about understanding and conveying tone, intent, and context. Using them for travel as a tourist may be somewhat useful, but we insist that, as of today, they are not a reliable tool to replace conference interpreters.


Machine Translation in Virtual Events
Machine translation systems have also proliferated in virtual events, especially webinars and e-learning platforms. Again, these tools can be useful to provide a general idea of the content, but they are far from delivering the necessary quality in situations where nuance, terminological precision, and communicative fluency are essential.


In this changing landscape, the challenge is clear: how to make the most of technology without losing the essence and value of the human interpreter.


Where Is AI Already Being Applied in Interpreting?
Artificial intelligence is already being used in some contexts where accuracy is not critical:


Tourism and basic multilingual customer service
Instant translation mobile apps
Internal corporate events, with low linguistic demands
Video tutorials or pre-recorded presentations with automatic translation
However, when it comes to international conferences, diplomatic negotiations, court proceedings, or technical presentations, the role of a professional interpreter remains irreplaceable. AI lacks the ability to interpret irony, manage non-verbal language, grasp cultural references, or adapt to unexpected situations in real time.


Advantages Promised by New Technological Solutions
New technologies applied to simultaneous interpreting undoubtedly offer several benefits:


Global accessibility: remote interpreting allows working with qualified interpreters regardless of their location.
Reduction of logistical costs: by eliminating travel or on-site equipment.
Speed of implementation: especially for virtual or hybrid events organized on short notice.
Compatibility with new platforms: integration with Zoom, Teams, Meet and other digital tools.
However, these advantages should not be confused with replacement. Technology can facilitate the interpreter’s work, but not replace them. As we know well at Código Lingua, the success of a multilingual event depends on the technical channel and the human and linguistic quality of the professional interpreter.


Risks of Relying Exclusively on AI in Multilingual Events
The advancement of artificial intelligence in the field of remote interpreting has generated great expectations, but also presents significant risks for the quality and reliability of communication in multilingual settings. At Código Lingua, specialists in simultaneous interpreting services in Valencia, we have observed how technology can be useful in very specific contexts, such as for interpreters’ prior preparation, but also how its indiscriminate use can negatively impact the development of a professional event.


When interpretation is entirely delegated to a machine, what is most valuable is lost: the ability to understand nuance, emotion, and context. Below, we analyze the main errors and risks of relying exclusively on AI during congresses, technical meetings, or international conferences.


Common mistakes in automatic interpretation
Ambiguity, irony, technical terms
Automatic interpretation often fails in aspects that are fundamental for a human interpreter. One of the most common mistakes is the poor handling of linguistic ambiguity: words with double meanings, colloquial expressions, or emotionally charged phrases can be misinterpreted or translated literally, leading to confusion or even serious misunderstandings.


Irony and humor are especially difficult for an automated system to grasp. At best, the communicative effect is lost; at worst, the wrong message is conveyed.


In technical or scientific events, specialized terminology requires in-depth knowledge of the subject. Machine translation often fails with technical terms, which compromises attendees’ understanding and the event’s reputation.


That is why relying on simultaneous interpreting services provided by professionals with specific training is essential to ensure the accuracy and coherence of the discourse.


Cultural or institutional context errors
An AI system does not understand the cultural or institutional codes surrounding a speech. In a political congress or an international summit, the human interpreter not only translates but interprets tone, cultural references, formal protocols, or diplomatic expressions.


Simultaneous interpreting in Valencia, when conducted by interpreters with local and international experience, allows the message to be adapted to the specific setting and helps avoid uncomfortable or inappropriate situations. AI, by contrast, lacks this adaptability and sensitivity.


Ethical and privacy implications
Data protection
When using automatic remote interpreting tools, it is important to consider where data is stored, who has access to recordings, and how information security is managed. Many automatic translation platforms use external servers without explicit privacy guarantees, putting the confidentiality of exchanged messages at risk.


In contrast, by hiring simultaneous interpreting services in Valencia with providers like Código Lingua, clients can be sure that all data protection regulations are met and that interpreters operate under strict professional confidentiality agreements.


Confidentiality in legal, political, or business settings
In sectors such as legal, business, or diplomatic, confidentiality is non-negotiable. The involvement of an automated tool may constitute a serious breach of privacy rights, with potential legal or institutional consequences.


Professional interpreters are trained to ensure neutrality, professional secrecy, and respect for the content being interpreted — something that no AI can reliably guarantee. Therefore, in these settings, human presence remains essential.


What happens when technology fails?
Automation is never free from technical risks. Connection outages, synchronization issues, audio errors, or platform malfunctions can leave attendees without access to interpretation during a key presentation. In onsite or hybrid events, this can compromise the entire session.


By contrast, simultaneous interpreting services managed by experienced professionals always include technical support: soundproof booths, specialized technicians, prior testing, and a human team ready to respond to unforeseen events.


Technology can fail. Human judgment cannot. That’s one of the reasons why more and more congress organizers, international forums, and specialized seminars continue to rely on professional interpreters.


The added value of the human interpreter in an automated world
In a context where artificial intelligence and automated platforms are advancing rapidly, it’s worth remembering that simultaneous interpreting is not just a mechanical transfer of words between languages. It is, above all, a human act of understanding, adaptation, and connection.


That is why working with a professional conference interpreter offers a series of irreplaceable advantages, especially in complex multilingual events such as congresses, symposiums, institutional meetings, or international forums. At Código Lingua, with extensive experience in simultaneous interpreting services in Valencia, we witness it every day: the best results are achieved when technology serves human talent — not the other way around.


Real-time adaptability
Program changes
In any event, no matter how well planned, last-minute changes are common: a speaker modifies their presentation, a new order of speakers is introduced, or someone unexpectedly joins the panel. A human interpreter can quickly adapt, reorganize their documentation, and maintain message coherence.


In contrast, an automated tool cannot improvise, anticipate, or modify its behavior based on a new instruction. This real-time adaptability is one of the pillars of the professional value interpreters provide.


Accents, emotions, interruptions
Simultaneous interpreting takes place in very diverse contexts, where speakers may have different accents, intonations, or levels of clarity. Moreover, the emotional component of a speech is often just as important as its content.


A professional interpreter knows how to handle a difficult accent, interpret a contained emotion, or resolve a sentence interrupted by audience reaction. That level of emotional and adaptive understanding is, for now, far beyond the reach of artificial intelligence.


Cultural knowledge and empathy
A key element that distinguishes a human interpreter from any automated system is their cultural knowledge and capacity for empathy.


In multilingual events involving participants from different countries, intercultural sensitivity is essential. The conference interpreter doesn’t just translate words: they contextualize, soften expressions, respect cultural protocols, and prevent misunderstandings stemming from social or institutional differences.


Thanks to their training and experience, a professional interpreter can detect when a phrase may be inappropriate in another culture and adapt it in real time to preserve the speaker’s intent without causing friction. This deeply human role is essential for successful international communication.


The interpreter’s presence as a guarantee of successful communication
Beyond the technique, the presence of the human interpreter at the event inspires confidence. For both the speaker and the audience, knowing that a real person is in charge of the interpretation conveys assurance, professionalism, and responsiveness.


Additionally, in simultaneous interpreting services in Valencia, working with local interpreters who understand the environment, the audience, and the specific sector of the event adds unquestionable value.


At Código Lingua, we advocate for a smart hybrid model, where technology is a useful tool but never a substitute for a trained professional. Because simultaneous interpreting is not just translation: it is understanding, conveying, and connecting.


Simultaneous interpreting in the digital age
Digitalization has opened up new possibilities in the field of simultaneous interpretation, especially with the rise of hybrid events. This format, which combines in-person and remote participation, requires an equally versatile linguistic solution that can maintain interpretation quality regardless of the channel.


In this context, simultaneous interpretation services for hybrid events must rely on technological tools, yes, but without losing the value of the human factor. The key to success lies in combining the support offered by new technologies with professional interpreters, who bring precision, empathy, and communication control.


How to choose the most suitable service depending on the type of event
When planning an international event, choosing the most suitable type of simultaneous interpretation service depends on several factors:


Is it in-person, virtual, or hybrid?
Which digital platforms will be used?
How many languages will be interpreted and in what format?
What is the profile of the audience and the speakers?
What is the level of technical complexity of the content?
Working with an experienced provider like Código Lingua allows for a complete and personalized evaluation, adapting the simultaneous interpretation services in Valencia to the specific needs of each client.


Technological evolution has transformed the way we communicate, but in the field of simultaneous interpretation, the human factor remains essential. Neither artificial intelligence nor automatic platforms can match the precision, empathy, and adaptability of a professional interpreter trained to act in real time, understand cultural nuances, and ensure smooth communication.


The value of professional interpretation
In hybrid events, technical conferences, or institutional meetings, relying on simultaneous interpretation services in Valencia provided by professionals like those at Código Lingua is a guarantee of quality, reliability, and the success of your multilingual event."
https://codigolingua.com/en/future-of-simultaneous-interpretation/
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