Spoken language interpreting and translation connects cultures, businesses, and people across the globe. While the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining how individuals and businesses communicate across language barriers, much of the technology lacks cultural nuance and precision. In-person interpreting remains the gold standard to ensure both language and cross-cultural accuracy.
We are committed to supporting current and future language service professionals at all stages of their education and careers. Recently our team participated in two local events for future interpreters. Colectiva Bilingüe is a local non-profit that that partners with families and staff of Spanish dual language programs in Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS). Each year Colectiva Bilingüe offers immersive interpreter training for a cohort of bilingual MPS high school students. This spring our Director of Professional Services spoke with the program’s Emerging Interpreters about language services career opportunities and pathways.
Our long-time partner, the Karen Organization of Minnesota (KOM) provides career guidance and free training for adults interested in working as interpreters. The Community Services and Interpreter Training (COSI) program also offers participants the industry-recognized The Community Interpreter 40-hour training certification. Many of our medical and social service clients require interpreters to have a minimum of 40 hours of professional training with The Community Interpreter and similar programs. We welcomed the opportunity to share our language services insights with the program’s spring session participants.
Many local, regional and national organizations offer a variety of training, certifications and continuing education for new and current language professionals. The American Translators Association, the Upper Midwest Translators and Interpreters Association, the Commission for Certified Healthcare Interpreters, and the National Council on Interpreting in Healthcare are excellent resources for the interpreting and translation industry.
Professional interpreters are equipped with linguistic and cross-cultural expertise. While AI tools will serve to enhance productivity and efficiency, technology is unable to replicate the human-centered dimension of language access and support. The mission of interpreting and translation remains unchanged: to connect people, preserve cultures, and foster understanding in an increasingly diverse world.