Machine translation and AI tools are constantly improving, but they still lack the human ability to understand nuance, cultural context, idioms, tone, and creativity. AI may also pose confidentiality concerns. 

When accuracy and trust matter most — in situations involving life, liberty, livelihood, or the law — a professional human interpreter or translator is not optional; it’s essential.

AI can be a useful supporting tool in the hands of a skilled linguist. A trained interpreter or translator knows how and when to use these tools appropriately, and avoid misunderstandings, mistranslations, and other critical errors.

Working in teams is a common industry standard for any remote or in person session that requires interpretation services for more than 30 to 45 minutes. Professional interpreters work in pairs to prevent errors in accuracy and avoid cognitive fatigue. 

Studies show that the accuracy of an interpreter taking in a message in one language and reformulating it within seconds or portions of a second in their brain to then transmit it into a different language declines after 30 minutes, as does their ability to check for mistakes. So you may notice interpreters switching every 15 to 30 minutes. 

In addition supporting each other, working in pairs allows us to help with any questions about the interpretation function or equipment.

Please contact us. We work with a broad network of professional interpreters and translators, and will do our best to help you with any interpretation need.

Yes. We have Williams Sound and Listen Talk equipment available for small meetings and large conferences. Our equipment can accommodate as many as 60 attendees.

Planning for an accessible multilingual space should begin as soon as you identify a need for language services. To ensure interpreter availability, please contact us at least two weeks ahead of time.  

Interpretation refers to working between spoken languages and happens in the moment. 

Translation involves converting text from the source language to the target language. It includes editing and proofreading of the final product.

There are two main types of interpretation:

Simultaneous - The interpreter reformulates the speaker’s remarks into another language in real time, as the speaker continues talking. The interpreter uses a technique called décalage — a brief delay between hearing the original speech and rendition. This mode allows for seamless communication without pauses, and is used in conferences and online events. The audience typically listens through headsets with receivers or selects a language channel on a virtual platform.

Consecutive - In this mode, the speaker talks for a segment, then pauses to allow the interpreter to reformulate the message in the target language. It involves the speaker and the interpreter taking turns and requires significantly more time. It's important to account for this extended duration when scheduling your event.

Language justice is the right that everyone has to communicate and be understood in the language they feel most comfortable. It means creating inclusive, multilingual spaces where no one is excluded because of the language they speak. 

More than just translation or interpretation, language justice is about equity, access, and respect — making sure all voices are heard and valued.