Have you ever worked with a professional interpreter? They perform impressive mental gymnastics, especially in simultaneous translation, where they listen to a live audio stream in one language while translating and speaking in another at the same time.
Over the past fifteen years, I’ve travelled extensively across APAC, speaking with customers and partners. While I’ve been fortunate that English is widely spoken and understood, there have been times when communicating in a customer’s first language was necessary. In some cases, I’ve worked with a colleague who provided sequential translation—listening to me speak for thirty seconds before relaying my words. I’ve also collaborated with professional interpreters during high-stakes conversations and events.
The best interpreters are not only highly skilled and able to maintain intense focus for long periods, but what truly separates the good from the great is their understanding of context. This is particularly important in technology discussions, which are filled with domain-specific terminology. The best interpreters invest time in understanding the subject matter beforehand to ensure a smooth and accurate translation. Skills matter, but without context, a translation can easily miss the mark.
So, is the role of the professional interpreter safe? Unfortunately for those in the industry, their work will change dramatically in the coming years as AI erodes the value they provide. Cultural inertia may delay the shift, but it’s only a matter of time before AI takes over. You cannot stop progress—you can only prepare for it and use it to your advantage. My advice to professional interpretors out there struggling with the transition, context will differentiate you to your peers and provide an edge over AI. Content isn't just about developing domain context, it's about using your other senses to bring something that AI currently cannot. You also need to explore how AI can help work alongside you to make you more efficient and effective.