ABSTRACT
Based on innovative developments in information and communication technologies (ICT), the translation and interpreting profession is currently undergoing a technological revolution. Three strands of development can be distinguished. First, machine translation (MT), automatic speech recognition (ASR) and speech-to-speech translation (SST) systems are increasing in speed, diversity, accuracy and availability. Second, as more documents are translated than ever before, the translation profession is diversifying and adapting to changing market needs, including by using a plethora of tools to assist the process of translating and the production of translations. This has led to expansion and diversification of computer-assisted translation (CAT) and human-assisted machine translation (HAMT). Third, a burgeoning demand for interpreting services and associated requirements for the timeliness and sustainability of their delivery, combined with an increase in the required language combinations and local shortages of qualified interpreters, have encouraged the development of ICT-supported solutions including teleconference interpreting (TCI) and remote interpreting (RI) via telephone and videoconference. This chapter begins by explaining the key terms and concepts associated with each of these areas. This is followed by an overview of their historical development and an outline of the main current trends, issues, debates and future directions in relation to translation and interpreting technologies, referring to current and emerging practice and to insights from research. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion of the practical implications that the developments outlined here are likely to have for translation and interpreting.
