02/09/2026
What does a human interpreter convey beyond the words themselves—and can AI do the same?
In episode 71 of Found in Interpretation, Alain Breton and Brian Bickford welcome Matthew Perret, conference interpreter, interpreter trainer, and comedy writer and performer working at the European Parliament.
From literary translation and theatre to multilingual political debates, Matthew explains how his background shaped his approach to simultaneous interpreting. We explore the importance of voice, intention, humour, and the relationship between speakers and listeners.
Matthew also shares his perspective on AI interpreting: what gets lost when communication is reduced to a transcript, and why translating words is only part of the task.
In this conversation:
• Interpreting at the European Commission and European Parliament
• Balancing confident delivery with accuracy and intellectual honesty
• Conveying meaning without embellishing the message
• AI, human communication, and the limits of transcription
• Relay interpreting, cultural nuance, and language combinations
• Training, accreditation, mentoring, and entering the profession
• Teamwork and rapid turns during parliamentary debates
What does a human interpreter convey beyond the words themselves—an...
