AI interpreting is an excellent addition to many professional interpreting solutions. It can help companies bridge language gaps with more customers than ever by offering:

• Scalability: AI interpreting can handle higher call volumes or help triage and cover calls that require simple, routine interactions.

• Access to rare and indigenous languages: AI interpreting can cover languages that human interpreters may not be available for, especially due to location, time, etc.

• 24/7/365 availability: AI interpreters can assist customers regardless of time and time zone. It doesn’t require breaks or compliant, complicated scheduling.

Even with all these benefits, it’s critical to remember that AI interpreting solutions aren’t always applicable. Some circumstances require a human interpreter over an AI interpreter. Read on to understand when AI interpreting services are appropriate and when they’re not.

When to Use AI Interpreting

AI interpretation services are appropriate for routine customer service and support scenarios where risk is not a significant factor. Here are a few examples:

Why Choose a Human Interpreter-Focused Solution?

A human interpreter offers a few benefits that AI interpreters still cannot. These include:

• Technical and specialized knowledge: Human interpreters can bring deep experience and advanced degrees to complex legal, technical, or medical settings. When precision and accuracy are crucial, a human expert is better.

• Compliance and regulatory requirement satisfaction: Some fields, like financial, medical, and legal, have strict regulations regarding communication. AI interpreters don’t (yet) meet or follow many of these rules.

• Connection and empathy: Sometimes interactions require emotional intelligence that AI can’t offer (yet). Emotional connection with the customer or patient may be key to successful, open conversations.

• Risk reduction: Human interpreters are preferred in high-stakes scenarios, where accountability is vital. Interpreting without AI is better for these situations, which require deep trust and responsibility for clear and accurate communication.

When NOT to use AI Interpreting

Considering AI’s current imitations, there are some specific situations when only human interpretation should be used. Here are some examples:

• Consultations in a clinical environment, including conversations around diagnoses, medical care, treatment plans

• Mental health services like counseling and evaluation

• Legal scenarios, including communications between attorneys and clients, court proceedings, and meetings with mediators

• Business negotiations between companies of any size and/or individuals

• Government and diplomatic communications, both domestic and international

• Human resources meetings and job interviews

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