How Does LanguageLine’s AI Interpreting Approach Help Extend Language Access Responsibly?
- Uses AI to interpret high-volume, low-risk conversations
- Supports seamless escalation to certified human interpreters
- Balances speed and accuracy without compromising safety or quality
- Scales language access across your organisation
LanguageLine’s approach to AI Interpreting combines the power of automation with the assurance of professional expertise. Our patented solution uses AI to efficiently handle high-volume, everyday interactions while providing built-in support to ensure sensitive or complex conversations are elevated to LanguageLine Certified Interpreters. This smart hybrid model helps you deliver faster, more scalable, and culturally accurate communication.
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10+AI languages and growing
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25K+Certified human interpreters available for escalations
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0 secWait time for LLAI
How it Works
- Cloud-based and IVR-compatible for easy implementation
- English-speaking user dials a free-phone number to access the system
- A pre-call message in the target language helps set expectations and improve call flow
- LLAI listens, detects the language being spoken, and delivers natural, back-and-forth consecutive interpretation
Human Escalation Options
- Press “0” on your keypad to connect to a live interpreter at any time
- Say a trigger phrase like “I need a live interpreter”)
- Patented technology actively monitors and detects when a human interpreter may be needed, offering a seamless connection
Automated Interpreter Features
Call Quality Improvements
Hallucination suppression, background noise filtering, and latency reduction
Patented Technology
Seamless escalation to a LanguageLine Certified human interpreter
Multiple Languages Available
Over 10 languages supported by machine interpreting with 24/7/365 human interpreter backup for every call
Types of Interpretation with LLAI
Machine Only (AI)
What is it? LLAI listens, interprets, and speaks back—no human interpreter involved.
Scenario: Appropriate for short, low-risk calls such as appointment reminders.
Keep in mind that while this is the lowest cost interpreting option, AI may miss idioms, emotion, and cultural nuance.
Types of Interpretation with LLAI
Hybrid (Machine + Human)
What is it? English-speaking user starts the call with LLAI and joins a human interpreter if the call increases in complexity or risk.
Scenario: A receptionist using LLAI for a routine appointment-setting call encounters questions from the person with limited English proficiency regarding chest pain. The receptionist immediately escalates the call to a live interpreter.
Keep in mind a seamless hand-off to a LanguageLine Certified Interpreter supports quality and compliance, and mitigates risk.
Types of Interpretation with LLAI
Human Interpreter Only
What is it? A live LanguageLine Certified Interpreter manages the entire exchange, matching tone and culture from the first word.
Scenario: A mental health check in which misunderstandings cannot be tolerated due to the high-stakes nature of the interaction.
Keep in mind that human interpretation results in the highest accuracy, empathy, and compliance—which is essential whenever a misunderstanding could cause legal exposure, loss of trust, or patient harm.
FAQs
“AI interpreting” typically refers to the use of artificial intelligence to interpret spoken language in real time—converting speech into another language using automated technologies like speech recognition, machine translation, and text-to-speech.
At LanguageLine, we call this machine interpreting, and our solution is the LanguageLine Automated Interpreter (LLAI). It’s designed specifically for routine, low-risk conversations, such as appointment scheduling or basic service inquiries.
LLAI listens, detects the language being spoken, and delivers natural, back-and-forth consecutive interpretation.
What makes LLAI different is its built-in safety net: A seamless escalation to a live, LanguageLine Certified Interpreter can be initiated at any time—ensuring clarity, trust, and continuity when human expertise is needed most.
LLAI helps organizations scale language access responsibly. Benefits include:
No wait times — calls are handled the moment they connect
Cost-effective coverage for high-volume, low-risk interactions
Simple IVR deployment — no special equipment or software installation required
Built-in escalation to live interpreters for complex or nuanced conversations
Safe, scalable access that preserves quality, clarity, and control
Unlike stand-alone AI interpreting tools, LLAI is built with human oversight, intelligent monitoring, and embedded safeguards. It features a patented escalation path, ensuring live interpreter support is always available when needed. LLAI is also backed by LanguageLine’s 40+ years of experience in professional interpretation, making it a trusted extension—not a replacement—of high-quality language access.
Yes. LLAI is built with security and compliance at its core. The system uses encryption, follows secure development practices, and is supported by our ISO 27001 certification and SOC 2 Type II attestation. We are also pursuing ISO 42001 certification to govern AI system governance and execution.
Machine interpreting can support a wide range of industries—including healthcare, government, customer service, education, utilities, and financial services—particularly where routine, low-risk conversations are common. When used strategically, LLAI can help these sectors expand access, reduce wait times, and improve efficiency while maintaining the option to escalate to a human interpreter when needed.
No. LLAI is part of a blended model that combines machine efficiency with human expertise. It’s designed to extend—not replace—language access. Human interpreters remain essential for clinical, legal, nuanced, or emotionally sensitive conversations.
LLAI is currently available to select organizations through a limited pilot program. By joining our interest list, you can explore whether your organization is a good fit for participation. Note: completing the form does not guarantee enrolment in the pilot.
Get in on the excitement!
LLAI is currently in pilot. Join our interest list to explore if your organization is a fit. There’s no obligation to participate.
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