Author Archives: Lexi

History was made last week when the new pope was announced and for the first time ever, he’s from the United States! But what caught people’s attention just as much as his nationality was how he introduced himself: not in English, but in Spanish and Italian.

A small detail? Maybe. But it sent a big message: this papacy isn’t just about where he’s from, it’s about who he hopes to connect with.

The new pope has lived and worked all over the world, and he’s bringing that global perspective to the role. In a Church that spans every continent, language matters and so does the willingness to meet people where they are, linguistically and culturally.

A truly international pope for a truly international community.

Cinco de Mayo Is More Than Margaritas

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Cinco de Mayo Is More Than Margaritas
April 28, 2025

For many people outside of Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is often mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day (which is actually September 16). But the holiday’s true origins tell a very different and very specific story of resistance, resilience, and pride.

The History
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, fought on May 5, 1862, when a vastly outnumbered Mexican army defeated French forces under Napoleon III. At the time, France was attempting to establish an empire in Mexico. Though the victory didn’t end the war, it became a powerful symbol of Mexican defiance and national unity.

In Mexico
Cinco de Mayo is not a federal holiday and is observed most prominently in the state of Puebla, where the battle took place. The day is marked by military parades, battle reenactments, and cultural events. It’s a regional celebration, rather than a nationwide day off.

In the United States
Interestingly, Cinco de Mayo has gained more visibility in the US than in Mexico, especially in areas with large Mexican-American populations. It began as a grassroots celebration of Mexican heritage and pride during the Chicano Movement of the 1960s. Over time, it evolved into a broader cultural event with music, food, and festivals. However, the holiday has also been criticized for becoming overly commercialized, often reduced to a marketing opportunity for beer and tequila brands.

A Chance to Reflect
At its heart, Cinco de Mayo is about more than just parties and tacos. It’s an opportunity to honor Mexican history, reflect on themes of resistance, and celebrate the vibrant cultural contributions of the Mexican community, both within Mexico and beyond.

May Day! May Day!

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May 1st, or May Day, is a unique holiday with two distinct identities: one that celebrates the changing of the seasons, and another rooted in labor rights and international solidarity. Across the globe, this day is marked by a wide range of traditions. Some are joyful and festive, others solemn and political.

Springtime Celebrations
In many cultures, May Day is a celebration of fertility, flowers, and the return of warm weather. These seasonal customs date back thousands of years and often have pagan or folk origins.

  • England is famous for its Maypole dancing, where people weave ribbons around a tall pole, accompanied by music and flower crowns.
  • In Germany and parts of Scandinavia, May Day celebrations include bonfires and dancing as part of Walpurgis Night, a festival to ward off evil spirits.
  • In Hawaii, Lei Day on May 1 celebrates Hawaiian culture with the giving and wearing of flower leis, along with hula and traditional music.

 

International Workers’ Day
May 1st also serves as International Workers’ Day, commemorating the labor movement’s fight for better working conditions, fair wages, and an eight-hour workday. This side of May Day traces its roots to the 1886 Haymarket affair in Chicago.

  • In France, it’s customary to give muguet (lily of the valley) flowers as a token of appreciation and solidarity.
  • In Cuba, large parades are held in Havana to honor workers.
  • In South Korea, May 1 is known as Labor Day and is a national holiday dedicated to recognizing workers’ contributions.

 

One Day, Many Meanings
Whether you’re dancing around a maypole or marching for workers’ rights, May Day represents renewal of seasons, rights, and community. It’s a powerful reminder that celebration and advocacy can go hand in hand.

Is AI Racist?

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Artificial intelligence promises to help us work smarter and faster, but what happens when these systems reflect the worst of human bias?

The truth is, AI isn’t inherently racist, but it can learn racism from the data it’s trained on. Most AI models, including language and image-based systems, rely on massive datasets scraped from the internet, literature, and media. If that data contains stereotypes or underrepresents certain groups, AI absorbs those patterns.

For example:

  • Facial recognition systems have historically performed worse on people with darker skin tones
  • Language models may generate biased text or make assumptions about names, accents, or cultural references
  • Hiring algorithms have favored resumes with traditionally white-sounding names if trained on biased recruitment data

This isn’t because machines are malicious. It’s because they mirror our world as it exists, not as it should be. When humans build or train AI without addressing these biases, discrimination gets baked into the technology.

So, what’s being done?

Researchers and developers are increasingly working on bias detection, diverse datasets, and fairness-focused design. But progress is slow, and accountability is still a work in progress. AI must be developed thoughtfully, with input from diverse voices and constant evaluation of its social impact.

As AI tools become more embedded in daily life, from translations to job applications, it’s crucial to ask not just what they can do, but how they do it and who they might leave behind.

Easter Traditions, Symbols, and Celebrations Around the World

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Easter is one of the most widely celebrated holidays, marked by joy, renewal, and reflection. Though it’s primarily a Christian holiday, Easter traditions vary around the world, shaped by history, local customs, and cultural beliefs. Let’s explore how different countries celebrate Easter and the rich symbolism behind the traditions.

Europe: From Chocolate Eggs to Religious Reverence
In many European countries, Easter is a blend of solemn religious observance and joyful celebrations. In countries like Italy, Spain, and Greece, Easter Sunday is celebrated with church services, feasts, and processions. In Spain, the week leading up to Easter, Semana Santa, features dramatic parades and religious displays. In the UK and Germany, the Easter bunny and eggs take center stage, with families engaging in egg hunts, egg rolling, and other playful traditions.

United States: A Blend of Cultural Influences
In the US, Easter is celebrated with church services, family gatherings, and community events. Many cities host Easter parades, and the famous Easter egg hunt at the White House is a long-standing tradition. The Easter bunny, known for delivering colorful eggs, has become a key figure in many US Easter celebrations, along with baskets filled with sweets and small toys.

Latin America: A Time for Reflection and Rebirth
In Latin American countries like Mexico and Brazil, Easter is marked by deeply religious observances. Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a time for reflection, and many communities hold processions, reenacting the Passion of Christ. In some countries, people wear special clothing, and communities come together for large feasts to celebrate Christ’s resurrection.

Australia: Easter in the Southern Hemisphere
In the Southern Hemisphere, Easter falls in the autumn season, so the weather is cooler, and celebrations tend to take place outdoors. In Australia, Easter often includes barbecues, festivals, and camping trips. The Easter bilby, an Australian marsupial, is the country’s answer to the Easter bunny and symbolizes efforts to raise awareness for wildlife conservation.

A Global Celebration
Though Easter traditions differ, the holiday is universally recognized as a time for family, renewal, and hope. From religious ceremonies to fun activities, Easter remains a moment to reflect on life, growth, and the changing seasons.

Happy Easter to our friends around the world!

Why Human Interpreters Still Matter in the Age of AI

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Artificial intelligence has transformed language interpretation, making it faster and more accessible than ever. While AI-powered interpretation can be useful in many settings, it still can’t match the expertise, cultural awareness, and adaptability of human interpreters.

Here’s why human interpreters won’t have to worry about losing their jobs anytime soon.

1. Context and Nuance Matter
Languages are full of idioms, tone shifts, and cultural references that AI often misinterprets. Human interpreters understand these nuances and can adjust their delivery accordingly. This is especially crucial in negotiations, legal proceedings, and diplomatic discussions where precision is key.

2. Handling Complex Conversations
AI struggles in unstructured settings with frequent interruptions and back-and-forth exchanges. Human interpreters, on the other hand, can navigate overlapping dialogue, clarify misunderstandings, and ensure clear communication in high-stakes situations like business meetings or diplomatic negotiations.

3. Cultural Sensitivity
Language is deeply tied to culture, and certain phrases or gestures can have different meanings across regions. Human interpreters bring cultural awareness that prevents miscommunication and offense. This is something AI, which relies solely on data patterns, can’t always do.

4. Accuracy in High-Risk Scenarios
In medical settings, a misinterpreted word can have serious consequences. Human interpreters ensure clarity between doctors and patients, reducing the risk of errors in diagnosis and treatment. In legal and financial matters, accuracy is non-negotiable.

5. The Cost Factor: AI vs. Human Expertise
AI interpretation is often more cost-effective than hiring a human interpreter, especially for large-scale, real-time events. But for situations requiring precision, emotional intelligence, and adaptability, investing in a professional interpreter can save businesses and individuals from costly mistakes.

While AI interpretation continues to improve, human interpreters provide an irreplaceable level of understanding, adaptability, and trust. For situations where clarity and nuance matter, human expertise remains the gold standard.

Is AI Replacing Human Interpreters?

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Live events bring together global audiences, but language barriers have traditionally required costly human interpreters. Now, AI-powered interpretation is making real-time translation more accessible.

How AI Interpretation Works
There are two main types of AI interpretation:

• Speech-to-Text (S2T): AI converts spoken words into real-time captions, which can be translated and displayed on-screen.
• Speech-to-Speech (S2S): AI transcribes speech, translates it, and converts it back into spoken language.

These technologies help streamline virtual conferences, webinars, and international meetings, reducing costs and increasing accessibility.

Where AI Falls Short
Despite advancements, AI interpretation isn’t perfect. It struggles with:
• Fast-paced discussions & negotiations – Frequent interruptions confuse AI.
• Unstructured events – Casual or dynamic conversations lack clear patterns.
• Medical & legal contexts – Misinterpretations can have serious consequences.
• Highly sensitive topics – AI lacks human discretion and cultural awareness.

The Future of AI Interpretation
AI is a powerful tool, but it’s not a full replacement for human interpreters, especially in high-stakes or nuanced conversations. Instead, it works best as a cost-effective complement, helping bridge language gaps in structured, low-risk settings.

Watch for our next AI-interpreting article about quality expectations!