Routledge Interpreters vs Machines: Can Interpreters Survive in an AI-Dominated World?

From tech giants to plucky startups, the world is full of companies boasting that they are on their way to replacing human interpreters, but are they right? Interpreters vs Machines offers a solid introduction to recent theory and research on human and machine interpreting, and then invites the reader to explore the future of interpreting. With a foreword by Dr Henry Liu, the 13th International Federation of Translators (FIT) President, and written by consultant interpreter and researcher Jonathan Downie, this book offers a unique combination of research and practical insight into the field of interpreting. Written in an innovative, accessible style with humorous touches and real-life case studies, this book is structured around the metaphor of playing and winning a computer game. It takes interpreters of all experience levels on a journey to better understand their own work, learn how computers attempt to interpret and explore possible futures for human interpreters. With five levels and split into 14 chapters, Interpreters vs Machines is key reading for all professional interpreters as well as students and researchers of Interpreting and Translation Studies, and those with an interest in machine interpreting. Review Jonathan Downie continues his mission to bring interpreting research to the people. Outspokenly, he tackles fundamental questions for interpreters in the 21st Century. Firmly grounded in Interpreting Studies, Downie interlaces research with anecdotes well-founded in any interpreter’s daily life. It is an equally trailblazing and sulphurous book on the aspirations of machine interpreting, and the fatal mistake of not making a difference. The book is a welcome addition both to the debate on the future of interpreting and to my students’ literature list. Elisabet Tiselius, Stockholm University, Sweden   A deep exploration of the limits of language, technology and the enabling power of human mediation in promoting understanding. This book puts interpreters back in the driver's seat, where they belong. Ewandro Magalhaes, Technology Advocate and Former Chief Interpreter in the UN System, USA About the Author Jonathan Downie is a consultant interpreter, French to English and English to French conference and business interpreter, researcher and speaker on interpreting. He regularly writes on the connections between research in practice in interpreting and translation for the ITI Bulletin and VKD Kurier. He is the author of the award-winning and critically acclaimed Being a Successful Interpreter: Adding Value and Delivering Excellence.