What AI is truly capable of accomplishing in language translation and interpreting continues to be a question on the mind of language industry professionals. As more apps make grandiose claims of capabilities and accuracy, it becomes harder to escape the hype and see what is real.
Adding to the confusion are messages that often forecast the demise of human translators and interpreters because of AI language technology. The mantra goes that AI is here as some kind of cheap replacement for human interpreters. However, that is a narrow and distorted view of what could actually be an immense opportunity for language service delivery models — particularly for Language Service Providers (LSPs) and linguists.
AI is only getting better, but not to the extent that it means dispensing entirely with professional language managers and linguists. Quite the opposite. What is emerging is a clear opportunity for collaboration between AI and humans that creates a new era of language services and exciting delivery models.
While some LSPs may feel threatened by AI’s impressive speed and scalability, limiting service offerings to the known and tested is a strategic misstep. AI is not a replacement for human interpretation, but rather a chance for LSPs to expand their reach and impact.
At KUDO, we are fairly unique in developing both AI and human language technology. Our interpreter marketplace remains the world’s only all-in-one service for finding, booking, and paying professional interpreters for any meeting or event platform, while our AI-powered Speech Translator has gained four patents and allows for 24/7 on-demand interpretation on any device.
Through this two-pronged approach to language accessibility, we have seen first-hand the ways in which our clients leverage both solutions to unlock unprecedented growth. This article highlights some use cases. But when it comes to language, there is no limit to the creative possibilities that can be unlocked with the right technology and business outlook.
How AI Democratizes Language Access
Automation and other AI-powered advancements in language technology have placed both the availability and feasibility of truly global language access within the reach of businesses of all sizes. Professional-grade language services that combine real-time, highly accurate AI speech translation and professional interpreters are opening doors to new markets and opportunities.
Language access, including all types of interpreting services, is no longer limited to traditional settings like conferences and large events. Thanks to the rising demand for AI, the appetite for interpretation has now extended to sectors like education, healthcare, houses of worship, and government, among others.
Lower barriers to entry for AI means that new clients are discovering the world of language access, and through this, LSPs have the unprecedented opportunity to introduce organizations to the benefits of human interpretation for their additional use cases where AI is not best adapted. This is something we are constantly seeing at KUDO.
Building on existing expertise and operational models while incorporating AI automation can therefore help LSPs cater to a wider range of needs and budgets, attracting new clients while retaining and increasing usage from existing ones. Here are some potential use cases for how LSPs can leverage both AI and human interpretation:
- Recurring meetings: For weekly or frequent meetings with a consistent agenda, AI interpretation offers a cost-effective and scalable solution.
- Large-scale broadcasts: When broadcasting content in multiple languages, AI can ensure real-time accessibility for a global audience.
- High-profile events: For critical conferences or meetings demanding the utmost accuracy and cultural nuance, human interpreters remain the gold standard, while AI can support accessibility in breakout rooms with live captioning and even more languages.
- Tiered multi-service models: LSPs can offer combined services based on changing needs across verticals and buyer sizes, maximizing market reach.
The bottom line is that AI, excelling in products such as KUDO AI Speech Translator, can be the key that opens doors to previously untapped markets and applications. Consider these examples:
- City councils and other local and regional government events: Increase participation and inclusivity in diverse communities with an on-demand solution.
- Educational institutions: AI can facilitate communication between educators, students, administrators, and parents in multilingual districts and institutions of all sizes.
- Hospitality industry: AI can enhance guest experiences and streamline operations at hotels, hostels, restaurants, tours, and adventure and experience providers.
- Houses of worship: AI can make religious services accessible to diverse congregations, with online multilingual broadcasts reaching potential new members.
- Live events: AI can provide live captions or interpretation for conferences, performances, meetings, and other events, enhancing language access and accessibility for those with hearing impairments or limited language proficiency.
Based on the level of importance and other considerations on a case-by-case basis, it may be prudent to have human interpreters present as well, and many of KUDO’s clients already alternate between both solutions today, depending on the use case.
How KUDO AI Addresses Accessibility
In regions with legal requirements for language access, such as the United States and Europe, AI solutions can help organizations meet these obligations efficiently and cost-effectively. AI-powered captions and speech translation are features that can be easily integrated into existing systems, ensuring compliance and promoting inclusivity.
LSPs can significantly enhance accessibility compliance for their customers and improve the end user experience in any type of event by providing a comprehensive suite of solutions.
LSPs that partner with KUDO, for example, can take advantage of the combination of live-translated AI audio and captions in 50+ languages alongside the use of our award-winning interpreter marketplace.
KUDO AI offers a scalable way to tackle inclusivity for individuals with hearing impairments and limited language proficiency, while reaching multilingual audiences, and KUDO Marketplace allows for the highest quality interpreters covering 200+ spoken and sign languages to be bookable through an easy all-in-one platform.
How LSPs Can Ride the AI Wave
AI speech translation is a cost-effective solution that can handle massive amounts of content and multiple languages simultaneously, including low-resource languages. Think of it as the entry point for the majority of new end users, but certainly not the limit.
“AI language technology is making communication and global reach more accessible for businesses of all sizes, but LSPs are the best option for organizations to deploy it while expanding their portfolio and capabilities, growing their client base, and increasing revenues,” said Fardad Zabetian, CEO of KUDO.
AI is undoubtedly here to stay and evolve, but the future of language services is a collaborative approach, where AI and human intelligence work together to provide the best of both worlds. LSPs that embrace this synergy will undoubtedly be best positioned to thrive in this ever-evolving industry.
Get a demo of KUDO today to learn more.