The Impact of Al on the Language Professions
Advances made in Large Language Models (LLMs) in the past 2 years both frighten and excite language professionals, with predictions about the effects ranging from extremely negative (i.e. LLMs will replace human translators and interpreters in most situations, but the quality of the Al-produced output will be quite low) to very positive (i.e. LLMs and other Al tools will facilitate unprecedented language access and allow for human language professionals to greatly enhance their productivity and improve the quality of their work). Regardless of where one stands on this continuum, generative Al cannot be ignored. This presentation will discuss the anticipated impacts of LLMs on the language industry and will examine how educational institutions focused on the training of translators and interpreters should adapt their curricula.
Laura Burian is a Professor of Chinese / English translation and interpretation and C.V. Starr Professor in Linguistics and Language at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey. She is an active conference interpreter with clients in diplomatic, private, and public sectors, and is a frequently invited guest speaker at conferences, workshops, and seminars worldwide. Her pedagogy aims to inspire her students to quickly become full partners in shaping the trajectory of their own professional and personal development.
Her research focuses on deliberate or reflective practice for interpreters.