ETIB hosted a dynamic webinar on “AI-augmented preparation for interpretation”, attracting alumni, and professionals. Held over two afternoons via Zoom (January 14–15, 3:00–6:00 p.m.), the session offered 24 participants a hands-on look at how artificial intelligence can enhance the interpreter’s workflow while upholding ethical standards.

Led by Rouba Romanos, a distinguished conference interpreter with extensive experience in Arabic, French, and English, the webinar blended theory with practical applications. Romanos drew on her 15+ years of work with major international organizations, from the United Nations to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, to illustrate real-world use cases. The program covered seven core modules, including AI basics for interpreters, terminology mining, speaker profiling, smart document summarization, and the ethical use of AI in high-stakes settings. A key emphasis was on distinguishing AI tools and recognizing their capabilities and limits in professional practice.

Participants explored how AI can streamline research, terminology development, and briefing tasks, while learning to generate multilingual glossaries aligned with institutional standards and to create speaker profiles automatically. The training also focused on configuring quick-access prompts for in-booth use and on making responsible, informed decisions about AI deployment in interpreting contexts.

In sum, the webinar demonstrated that technology can elevate precision and efficiency without compromising ethical integrity. The session empowered interpreters to integrate AI thoughtfully into high-stakes environments. The result is a more informed, agile, and responsible approach to interpreting that honors professional standards while expanding capability for multilingual communication.

                           Abla Lawandos

Coordinator of the Continuing Education section at ETIB