Perceptions of Computer-assisted Interpreting Tools in Interpreter Education in China’s Mainland: Preliminary Findings of a Survey

Computer-assisted interpreting (CAI) tools are increasingly used particularly for terminology accuracy and efficiency. However, the perceptions of the usefulness of CAI tools’ are mixed. This article analyses the perceptions of CAI tools in interpreter training based on the findings of a survey distributed to interpreter trainers and trainees in China. Analysis of the 161 responses shows that most respondents are interested in CAI but there is no relevant course available on BA- or MA-level interpreter programs yet while students are keen to learn CAI tools in preparation for the future market. Secondly, the most frequently used CAI tool among Chinese interpreter trainees remains online dictionaries whereas the arguably most frequently used terminology management tool in Europe, InterpretBank, is not even in the toolkit of Chinese interpreters. User feedback shows CAI tools mainly help with interpreting preparation, especially in the science and technology domain. Thirdly, it is recommended that CAI be integrated into China’s interpreter education, even though some interpreter trainers have argued about the importance of developing interpreting skills in the first instance. Informed by the findings of the study, this article contributes to the discussion of the possibility of future integration of CAI in interpreter education.