The Interpreting Studies professorship focuses on oral language mediation. This primarily includes conference interpreting and community interpreting in settings such as public authorities, courts and hospitals. Interpreting, and conference interpreting in particular, has always been a highly technology-driven profession: without interpreting equipment, headphones and microphones, this vocation would be almost impossible to perform. The interpreting profession, and linguistic and multilingual interaction in general, is once again navigating a period of rapid transformation: different technologies, including artificial intelligence and video conference platforms, are changing the field of interpreting and giving rise to new formats of oral language mediation. These include, for example, computer-assisted interpreting and interpreter training, as well as video-based remote interpreting and fully AI-based language mediation. The study of these phenomena helps us better understand their complex effects on interpreters and other participants in multilingual interactions and contributes to shaping the changing face of the profession. 

Both interpreting theory and practice are taught on our BA and MA programmes. The BA in Multilingual Communication focuses particularly on community interpreting, while the MA in Language and Communication (with a specialisation in Conference Interpreting) places a stronger emphasis on conference interpreting. Current research findings as well as new trends from professional practice are incorporated in order to optimally prepare students for the future in the fields of interpreting and language mediation. The use of technology has significantly changed professional practice, which is why remote simultaneous interpreting and computer-assisted interpreting are key concepts that are addressed during the study programme both in theoretical discussions in lectures or seminars and in practical application during courses and interpreting exercises as part of the MA in Language and Communication (with a specialisation in Conference Interpreting). These topics can also be addressed as part of students’ Bachelor’s or Master’s theses. 

The continuing education courses draw on the long-standing experience of the lecturers and primarily include part-time courses for qualifying interpreting professionals. These include:

• The basic course in interpreting for public authorities and institutions (taught in German) based on the Interpret qualification system.
• Advanced courses in asylum and legal interpreting offered in collaboration with the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) and the Zurich Cantonal Supreme Court.

Participants expand their skills through the acquisition of specialised knowledge and interpreting techniques. Interactive and practical exercises support them in applying their newly gleaned expertise in their professional practice.

The consulting services include various tailored offerings for oral language mediation in a range of contexts. One key area is oral language mediation in hospitals and public institutions. Through the DIZH-funded collaborative project with the University of Zurich, “DigiLinguo” (led by Alice Delmore Benites and Sarah Ebling), a new platform for networking and testing various translation tools was launched in 2025.