The Use of ASR-CAI Tools and their Impact on Interpreters’ Performance during Simultaneous Interpretation

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the impact of Computer-Assisted Interpreting tools powered with Automatic Speech Recognition technology (ASR-CAI tools) on simultaneous interpreting (SI) process and interpreters’ overall performance. We conducted an experiment with four trainee interpreters to observe how SI was performed with and without the support of an ASR-CAI tool. The results showed that the use of ASR-CAI tool led to a significant reduction in error rate and omissions as well as improved the quality of terminology rendition. The paper also discussed the impact of ASR-CAI tool on interpreters’ processing capacity and cognitive effort during SI. In addition, potential benefits and limitations of ASR-CAI tool were analyzed to provide a better understanding regarding the tool’s usability so that such tools can be better integrated into the interpreting process.