Rita Ibdah

In the modern rush to automate and digitize every aspect of human interaction, there is a growing temptation to let artificial intelligence (AI) replace human interpreters — even in the most delicate domains such as legal, medical, and social service settings. While AI tools have demonstrated impressive abilities in text generation and speech recognition, their use as a substitute for professional interpreters in legal contexts poses serious risks — not only technical, but deeply ethical, humanitarian, cultural, and linguistic.

Language in healthcare is not just a tool for communication—it is the foundation of trust, dignity, and equitable treatment. For patients with limited English proficiency (LEP), medical interpreters play a critical role in bridging the gap between providers and patients. Interpretation is often seen as a guarantee of clarity and access. Yet systemic practices sometimes compromise these principles, leaving patients vulnerable to rushed or incomplete care.

Language is more than a tool for communication; it is a tool of creation. It shapes our perception, our reality, and even our sense of self. In a nation as diverse and multilingual as the United States, the concept of “language justice” is not a luxury but a necessity. It is about ensuring that every individual—regardless of the language they speak—has equitable access to rights, resources, and representation. Here, I invite you to explore language justice through a broader philosophical lens while grounding it in the everyday realities of legal systems, education, healthcare, and cultural survival.