How Are Interpreters Using AI in 2025? 

Previous research from Slator has noted a tendency towards slower adoption of AI tools for interpreting compared to text translation. Notably, a limited number of AI tools have been developed specifically for interpreting applications.

However, data from Slator’s 2025 linguist survey, featured in the 2025 Language Industry Market Report, shows linguists are now using AI tools to assist them in interpreting tasks. 

Running in April and May 2025, the survey collected responses from 561 linguists. Among respondents, 10% reported that interpreting was their most frequently performed service in the previous 12 months.

The survey found that 55% of interpreters reported using AI tools for their interpreting work in the same time period, compared to 76% of translators who reported doing so. However, It should be acknowledged that only 53 interpreters responded to this question, while 336 translators responded to it.

When asked how they were using AI in their practice, 19% of interpreters reported “look[ing] up terminology during interpreting delivery.” This was by far the most common response, followed by “extract[ing] named entities and key terms from reference materials,” which was reported by 8% of the surveyed interpreters.

As language AI tools become more accurate and reliable, a more widespread use of AI in interpreting may be expected. At the same time, wider adoption of these tools may come with certain risks. The Slator Pro Guide: AI in Interpreting, published in January 2025, highlights some of these potential risks in certain settings. 

For example, using automatic speech recognition (ASR) to generate real-time transcripts introduces an added visual input for interpreters during a session, potentially increasing their cognitive load. 

Also, the use of generalist AI assistants like ChatGPT or Gemini for live-term research may not comply with clients’ confidentiality requirements. 

Despite the current limitations, some interpreters are seeing improved productivity from their use of AI tools. For example, in episode #235 of SlatorPod Katharine Allen, Director of Language Industry Learning at Boostlingo, stated, “as an interpreter and trainer, the level of productivity advancement, and the ability to hone my skills that these tools give is off the charts already.”

Slator 2025 Language Industry Market Report

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The full report from the 2025 linguists survey including information on workloads, AI adoption, and, linguist perspectives on the future of the language services industry, can be found in the Slator 2025 Language Industry Market Report.