As the world shifts to adopt AI, the most recent Cross-Strait Interpretation Contest showcased why human interpreters remain irreplaceable.
Among the standouts was Sijin Xian, who won first prize, placing just after the special prize. Sijin is a recent graduate of the Chinese Conference Interpretation program.
The Cross-Strait Interpreting Contest is one of the most prestigious interpreting competitions in the Chinese community. Taking place at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the biennial contest brought together 30 contestants from 23 renowned master’s programs in translation and interpretation across China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Singapore, and the United States. To compete in the contest, Sijin was nominated by her professors.
“Truly, simply being selected by my professors was a tremendous honor in and of itself,” said Sijin. “I can’t think of a more meaningful way to cap off my time at the Middlebury Institute, and I’m so grateful for this opportunity.”
Sijin was widely praised at the event for her confidence, professionalism, smooth delivery, and accuracy in interpreting.
The true preparation comes down to day-to-day training. I had not been trained in interpretation before coming to MIIS, and my time here has been nothing short of transformative.
While it was a great honor, competing was no easy task. Notified just a month in advance, Sijin worked diligently with her professors to prepare. Professor Wallace Chen, a frequent judge at the event, explained the contest format and key areas of emphasis to her, including accuracy, smooth delivery, and stage presence. Professor Ling Lau selected practice materials for her and provided invaluable feedback during one-on-one sessions.
Amid final exams, she flew to Hong Kong, arriving the night before the competition. She spent the next day competing and flew out the very next day.
“It was a whirlwind, and I am even amazed that I survived!”
Her favorite part of the competition was the last round—dialogue interpretation—where she interpreted live for the speakers seated right beside her.
“Making eye contact with the speakers and engaging in a real-time discussion was utterly exhilarating. I felt completely immersed and in sync with the speakers, like I was channeling their messages.”
This year’s contest marked a milestone since it incorporated real-time AI interpretation for the first time alongside contestants’ interpretation. According to Sijin, although AI is a powerful tool, the experience of having real-time AI interpretation revealed AI’s limitations and showcased the real value of human interpreters, who combine linguistic expertise, cultural awareness, and interpersonal skills.
“As interpreters, we are not simply converters of words, but conveyors of meaning and intent,” said Xian.
As interpreters, we are not simply converters of words, but conveyors of meaning and intent.
Sijin’s participation and achievement were particularly significant, as Middlebury Institute was the only Chinese translation and interpretation program from the Western Hemisphere to participate in this event.
“When my fellow contestants saw my performance and said to me, ‘No surprise you’re from MIIS!’ It was a clear sign of their recognition of the value and impact of my Middlebury Institute education.”
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