The Centre for Translation Studies (CTS) at the University of Surrey has recently received AHRC funding to support a research project on the use of bespoke Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) for interpreters.

As a result of recent developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the field of Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) has advanced rapidly, leading to more accurate rendering of speech for general domains and easier access to ASR for everyday use.

Research conducted at CTS  showed that interpreters, including conference and public service interpreters, could benefit from integrating ASR in their work, as it can improve the accurate delivery of numbers, terms and, to a certain extent, reduce the cognitive load experienced by interpreters. However, many interpreters do not have the expertise to access or use ASR, nor do they possess the skills necessary to customise the ASR to improve the accuracy of the tool according to their specific domain. In this AHRC funded project we would like to learn more about current trends in the interpreting world from conference and public service interpreters, project managers and language service providers. The focus is on the use and impact of AI and ASR on their workflow.

One of the aims of this project is to collect feedback on the use interpreters make of AI, and more specifically of ASR, for their assignments. Interpreters, language service providers and project managers are all encouraged to take part in an online survey to help us assess the current trends when it comes to AI and ASR software. The survey will collect demographic data alongside participants’ experience with AI and ASRs via a Qualtrics survey.

The Survey

The Qualtrics survey will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. All responses will be anonymised.

This study has received Favourable Ethical Approval from the University of Surrey, reference number: RM Ref #737.

Before participating in the survey please make sure you read the Information sheet.

For further information and to participate in the survey, please use the following links:

Link for interpreters: https://surreyfbel.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3k2dUdpaIeusl7M

Link for language service providers and companies: https://surreyfbel.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8uB20pVXYL5XZL8

University of Surrey CTS Research team: Research Assistant Andreea Deleanu, Research Assistant Shiyi Tan, Professor Constantin Orasan, Professor Sabine Braun, Dr Diana Singureanu.