Welcome to the LOCANUCU blog, where we bring you localization news you can use. As we return from the Labour Day holiday, the industry is buzzing with pivotal news. Today, we're covering the shocking decision by the Middlebury Institute to phase out its renowned translation and interpretation programs, a move that forces a conversation about the future of localization education. We'll also explore a wave of new AI technology from major players like Cohere and Lionbridge, examine a strategic partnership between Pinterest and RWS, and discuss the ongoing debate about the structure of the interpreting industry. Get ready for a breakdown of the events and trends shaping our profession this week.
- The Middlebury Institute of International Studies is phasing out its graduate programs in Translation, Interpretation, and Localization Management.
- Diego Cresceri comments on the Middlebury decision, linking it to broader corporate shifts and ethical dilemmas in the industry.
- Cohere has launched Command-R+, a new enterprise-focused AI model designed for translation workflows.
- Lionbridge has released Content Remix, an application for repurposing and adapting global marketing content.
- Safe AI and Coset AI have partnered to launch a new AI-powered interpreting toolkit.
- Whispering, a new open-source, local-first transcription application, is now available.
- Teresa Toronjo shares her perspective on the critical role of human expertise alongside AI in localization.
- Stefan Huyghe advocates for the industry to shift from adapting to AI to actively guiding its development.
- Pinterest and RWS have revealed details of their collaborative global localization strategy.
- The September 2025 Language Industry Buyer Tracker, which identifies active buyers of language services, has been published.
- A discussion is underway regarding the potential repatriation of overseas call centers by US-based interpreting companies.
- Intento has released its 2025 report on "The State of Translation Automation."
- Nimdzi discusses the concept of "The Great LSP Reset," analyzing the current state of language service providers.
- The Chartered Institute of Linguists is highlighting the importance of professional identity for language experts.
- The Association of Language Companies (ALC) US has its Annual Summit event upcoming.
- An upcoming webinar will focus on developing a successful localization strategy.
- A future online event is scheduled to discuss leveraging AI in the language industry.
- Voice-over artist Javi Díaz announces he has signed with a creative agency.
- Stefan Huyghe confirms his attendance at the upcoming SlatorCon in Northern California.
- The LangOps Institute explores the convergence of language and artificial intelligence.
- Multilingual has released its monthly review of top language industry news stories from August 2025.
- TranslaStars published a list of ten leading AI experts to follow in the localization industry.
A major point of discussion today is the announcement from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, which will be phasing out its graduate programs in Translation, Interpretation, and Localization Management. This move has sparked considerable debate across the industry regarding the future of academic training for linguists and the evolving demands of the market. The decision reflects broader shifts and raises questions about how the next generation of talent will be prepared for a technology-driven landscape. Diego Cresceri noted that such changes highlight ongoing corporate shifts and ethical dilemmas within the language services sector.
On the technology front, several new AI-powered tools have been introduced. Cohere has launched Command-R+, an enterprise-grade AI model specifically designed to enhance translation workflows, aiming for greater accuracy and efficiency in corporate environments. Lionbridge has released its new Content Remix application, a tool designed to help global brands adapt and repurpose marketing content across different languages and cultures. In the interpreting space, Safe AI, in partnership with Coset AI, has developed a new AI interpreting toolkit, signaling a continued push towards integrating artificial intelligence into live interpretation settings. For developers and transcription users, a new open-source and local-first transcription app named Whispering has also been released.
These advancements in AI are prompting strategic discussions. Teresa Toronjo has shared insights on the importance of a nuanced approach to AI in localization, emphasizing that human expertise remains critical. Stefan Huyghe argues that the industry's focus should shift from simply adapting to AI to actively guiding its development to better serve localization needs. This sentiment is echoed by the LangOps Institute, which continues to explore the intersection of language and AI. Reflecting this trend, Intento has published its "The State of Translation Automation 2025" report, offering data and analysis on the current capabilities and adoption of translation automation technologies.
In corporate news and strategy, a notable collaboration comes from Pinterest and RWS, who have detailed their joint global localization strategy. This partnership highlights how major brands are working with LSPs to embed localization deeply into their global growth plans. Meanwhile, the latest Language Industry Buyer Tracker for September 2025 has been released, providing insights into which sectors are actively procuring language services. On a different note, a debate is unfolding within the US interpreting sector about whether companies should repatriate their overseas call centers, weighing factors of cost, quality, and national economic impact. This conversation is part of what Nimdzi has termed "The Great LSP Reset," a period of significant re-evaluation for language service providers.
Looking at community and professional development, the Chartered Institute of Linguists is placing a focus on the concept of professional identity for linguists in this changing era. For those looking to connect, the Association of Language Companies in the US is holding its upcoming Annual Summit. There are also several virtual events on the horizon, including a webinar on localization strategy and another focused on leveraging AI.
In people news, Javi Díaz has signed with a creative agency as a voice-over artist, showcasing the diverse career paths available to language professionals. Gráinne Maycock shared thoughts on revenue leadership as many return to work after the summer holidays. Finally, Stefan Huyghe announced he will be attending the upcoming SlatorCon in Northern California, indicating it will be a key venue for industry leaders to discuss these pressing topics.
That's a wrap on today's key developments. The phasing out of Middlebury's T&I programs serves as a stark reminder of the rapid transformation our industry is undergoing, driven heavily by AI. The launch of new tools from Cohere, Lionbridge, and Safe AI confirms that technology will continue to redefine roles and workflows. Meanwhile, strategic discussions, from the Pinterest-RWS partnership to the debate on repatriating call centers, show that the business of localization is as dynamic as ever. Stay tuned to LOCANUCU for continued analysis and actionable insights to help you navigate these changes and stay ahead of the curve.