A recent research study reveals the cognitive advantages of Interlingual Respeaking (IRSP), a process where language experts work in tandem with speech recognition software to generate real-time subtitles in a different language. The course resulted in notable enhancements in executive functioning and working memory. The researchers stress that such training not only boosts cognitive skills but also prepares language experts for the fast-paced evolution of the AI-powered language industry.
This method, which merges simultaneous translation with the inclusion of punctuation and content labels, was the central theme of a 25-hour professional development course attended by 51 language experts.
Interlingual Respeaking is an intricate procedure that fuses human translation abilities with AI speech recognition to produce live subtitles. The study incorporated a 25-hour professional development course that significantly improved the participants’ executive functioning and working memory. The research emphasizes the escalating significance of human-AI collaboration in the language industry and the necessity for ongoing professional growth.
Interpreters, translators, and subtitlers should not be apprehensive about artificial intelligence (AI), as training in new forms of real-time human-AI interaction (HAII) can enhance their working memory and task-switching capabilities.
The project concentrated on Interlingual Respeaking (IRSP), a novel practice where live subtitles in another language are generated through the cooperation of humans and speech recognition software.
As AI continues to transform the landscape of language-related practices, this study not only emphasizes the critical role of human-AI collaboration but also highlights the need for language professionals to continually explore and adapt in an ever-changing field.
This study has shed light on the cognitive benefits of training in new forms of human-AI interaction, such as Interlingual Respeaking (IRSP). This innovative practice involves the creation of real-time subtitles in a different language, facilitated by the collaboration between a human and automatic speech recognition (ASR) software.
The study focused on the impact of a specially designed Interlingual Respeaking training course, spanning 5 weeks, on the complex working memory and switching skills of language professionals. The course was attended by 51 language professionals, and their executive functioning (EF) and working memory (WM) were evaluated before and after the course.
IRSP is a cognitively challenging process that requires the language professional to translate incoming spoken language in real-time, while also orally adding punctuation and content labels.
The findings revealed that the Interlingual Respeaking training course led to improvements in complex WM and switching skills, but not in sustained attention. Interestingly, the participants were slower after the training, suggesting an increase in vigilance with the sustained attention tasks. The study also confirmed that complex WM is the primary competence in IRSP.
These results highlight the increasing significance of human-AI collaboration in the language industry and underscore the need for continuous professional development. As AI continues to revolutionize language-related practices, it’s imperative for language professionals to continually explore and adapt in this rapidly changing field.
Dr. Anna-Stiina Wallinheimo, a Research Fellow at CTS with expertise in Cognitive Psychology and a Fellow of Surrey’s Institute for People-Centred AI, stated:
“Our research findings illustrate that training in new forms of real-time human-AI interaction, such as Interlingual Respeaking, can augment the cognitive abilities of language professionals, providing them with an edge in a rapidly evolving industry.”
Dr. Elena Davitti, Associate Professor at CTS and Principal Investigator of the project, stated:
“The language industry, characterized by the swift expansion of AI-related technologies like automatic speech recognition and machine translation, has witnessed an increased dependence on human-AI interaction. Our research offers valuable empirical insights into the cognitive demands of these complex practices, laying the groundwork for improved approaches to upskilling.”
As AI continues to reshape the landscape of language-related practices, this study not only emphasizes the critical role of human-AI collaboration but also highlights the need for language professionals to continually explore and adapt in an ever-changing field.
Interlingual Respeaking is a cognitively challenging, real-time procedure where a language expert simultaneously translates incoming spoken language while also orally adding punctuation and content labels, as well as applying any necessary editing to speech recognition software that converts what the language expert says into subtitles.