Cihan Ünlü

Cihan Ünlü

➜ About me

About Me

I am an interpreter, researcher and PhD candidate specializing in translation and interpreting technologies. My work focuses on translation technologies, computer-assisted interpreting, human-computer interaction (HCI), machine interpreting, and the integration of artificial intelligence to enhance accessibility and user experience in language services. Currently affiliated with İstanbul Yeni Yüzyıl University and Boğaziçi University, I aim to bring together academic research and industry practice by developing solutions that improve how translation and interpreting workflows operate.

On this page, you’ll find insights into my projects, research, and ideas aimed at this objective.

  • Currently working atIstanbul Yeni Yüzyıl University
  • e-mailunlucihan@yahoo.com

What I Do

Translation Technologies

I specialize in teaching translation and localization technologies, including CAT tools, NLP tools, audiovisual tools, project management, and data management, equipping translators with the skills to streamline workflows, manage resources, and optimize translation quality. My expertise extends to human-centered machine translation, audiovisual translation, subtitling, closed captioning, and audio description,.

Applied Artificial Intelligence for Translators

I specialize in demystifying artificial intelligence for language professionals. From machine translation fundamentals to LLMs, from speech technologies hands-on AI applications, I help translators/interpreters integrate AI into their workflows effectively and ethically.

Interpreting

As a simultaneous interpreter for English - Turkish language pairs, I deliver clear and accurate communication in high-stakes environments like international conferences and business meetings.

Court

I am also an enthusiastic tennis player and a reliable hitting partner, always ready for a competitive and engaging match on the court.

Resume

Experience

2020 - Current
Istanbul Yeni Yüzyıl University

Research Assistant

Department of Translation and Interpreting

2019 - Current
Freelance

Interpreter

2019-2019
Huawei Technologies Inc.

Intern

Huawei Türkiye R&D Department

Education

2023 - Current
Boğaziçi University

Translation Studies (PhD)

PhD Candidate in the Department of Translation Studies, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul.

2021-2023
Hacettepe University

Translation and Interpreting (M.A.)

MA in the Department of Translation and Interpreting Studies, Hacettepe University, Ankara.

2015-2019
Istanbul Yeni Yuzyil University

BA in the Department of Translation and Interpreting Studies

Other

2023 - Current
SAFE-AI

Research Committee Member

 Stakeholders Advocating for Fair and Ethical AI in Interpreting

Skills

Interpreting

100%

Translation Technologies

100%

Interpreting Technologies

100%

Localization

90%

Coding Skills

Python

50%

HTML

80%

CSS

80%

NodeJs

40%

Research Area

  • Interpreting Studies
  • Translation Studies
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • HCI
  • Computer-Assisted Interpreting
  • Remote Interpreting
  • Community Interpreting
  • Simultaneous Interpreting
  • Consecutive Interpreting

Knowledges

  • Machine Interpreting
  • Speech Technologies
  • Large Language Models
  • Simultaneous Machine Interpreting
  • Natural Language Processing
  • Speech Synthesis
  • Translation Theory
  • Translation History

Certificates

Products

Sight-Terp

Sight-Terp is a web-based CAI tool designed to assist interpreters in consecutive interpreting scenarios. The tool was developed in the scope of my MA thesis at Hacettepe University. It uses advanced speech recognition to provide real-time transcription of spoken language, which is immediately translated in parallel and displayed in a vertical format. An embedded digital notepad replicates the pen-and-paper experience, enabling interpreters to jot down notes, underline key information, or even scratch out errors. With features like Named Entity Recognition (NER) to highlight crucial data, Sight-Terp offers a device-friendly solution—whether on a tablet, phone, or computer.
https://www.sightterp.net

Articles
  • Ünlü, C., & Doğan, A. (2024). Enhancing consecutive interpreting with ASR: Sight-Terp as a computer-assisted interpreting tool. Revista Tradumàtica. Tecnologies de la Traducció, 22, 000–000. https://doi.org/10.5565/rev/tradumatica.382
Conference Presentations
  • Unlu, C. (2022). Investigating the use of ASR and speech translation in consecutive
    interpreter workstation: A pilot study on ASR-enhanced CAI tool prototype ‘Sight-
    Terp’. Paper presented at the 44th ASLING Translating and the Computer
    Conference, European Convention Center Luxembourg, Luxembourg City.
Theses
  • Ünlü, C. (2023). Automatic speech recognition in consecutive interpreter workstation: Computer-aided interpreting tool ‘Sight-Terp’ [Unpublished Master’s Thesis]. Hacettepe University.
  • Dellantonio, E. (2023). Utilizzo del CAI tool Sight-Terp in interpretazione consecutiva: Impiego del CAI tool per la risoluzione di passaggi sintatticamente complessi nella combinazione linguistica tedesco-italiano [Use of the CAI tool Sight-Terp in consecutive interpreting: Use of the CAI tool to solve syntactically complex passages in the German-Italian language combination] [Unpublished Master’s Thesis]. Leopold-Franzens-Universität Innsbruck.
  • Restuccia, M. (2023). Interpretazione di conferenza e IA: Studio sperimentale su Sight-Terp e la consecutiva assistita [Conference interpreting and AI: Experimental study on Sight-Terp and assisted consecutive] [Unpublished Master’s Thesis]. Università degli Studi di Trieste.

InterpreTutor

InterpreTutor is an AI-driven app that provides in-depth feedback on your interpretations by comparing your audio input with the original source text. Using artificial intelligence for analysis, it evaluates accuracy, coherence, and terminology of your performance. InterpreTutor assigns a rating out of ten to help you gauge your performance and pinpoint areas needing improvement, making it a powerful tool for refining your interpreting skills.
https://interpretutor.app

Conference Presentations
  • Unlu, C. (2022). Investigating the use of ASR and speech translation in consecutive
    interpreter workstation: A pilot study on ASR-enhanced CAI tool prototype ‘Sight-
    Terp’. Paper presented at the 44th ASLING Translating and the Computer
    Conference, European Convention Center Luxembourg, Luxembourg City

PracticeAI

PracticeAI generates speeches for interpreters looking to hone their skills on a range of topics and difficulty levels. Powered by large language models, it creates custom speech content you can download and listen to for practice. You can further fine-tune your sessions by editing the generated text to match your specific needs. Whether you’re a student or a seasoned professional, PracticeAI delivers a flexible way to sharpen your interpreting skills.
https://www.practiceai.app

Conference Presentations
  • Unlu, C. (2023). PracticeAI: Leveraging LLMs and Speech Synthesis for Material
    Generation in Interpreting Training. Paper presented at the 45th ASLING
    Translating and the Computer Conference, European Convention Center
    Luxembourg, Luxembourg City.
  • Unlu, C. (2023). Sözlü Çeviri Eğitimi için Yapay Zekâ ve Konuşma Sentezi Destekli
    Alıştırma Materyalleri Oluşturmak: Olasılıklar ve Sınırlar. Paper presented at the 1st
    National Congress on Translation and Interpreting Technologies, Boğaziçi
    University, İstanbul, Türkiye.

Research

Articles

  • Ünlü, C., & Doğan, A. (2024). Enhancing consecutive interpreting with ASR: Sight-Terp as a computer-assisted interpreting tool. Revista Tradumàtica. Tecnologies de la Traducció, 22, 000–000. https://doi.org/10.5565/rev/tradumatica.382

Book Chapters

  • Ünlü, C. (2025). Technology-Enabled Consecutive Interpreting. In E. Davitti, T. Korybski, & S. Braun (Eds.), The Routledge Handbook of Interpreting Technology and AI (Forthcoming) Routledge.

Conference Presenatations

  • Ünlü, C. (2024). Artificial intelligence in inter-semiotic translation: Enhancing video
    accessibility with generative AI for visually impaired individuals. 2nd International
    Congress on Academic Studies in Translation and Interpreting Studies, Bolu,
    Türkiye.
  • Unlu, C. (2023). PracticeAI: Leveraging LLMs and Speech Synthesis for Material
    Generation in Interpreting Training. Paper presented at the 45th ASLING
    Translating and the Computer Conference, European Convention Center
    Luxembourg, Luxembourg City.
  • Unlu, C. (2023). Sözlü Çeviri Eğitimi için Yapay Zekâ ve Konuşma Sentezi Destekli
    Alıştırma Materyalleri Oluşturmak: Olasılıklar ve Sınırlar. Paper presented at the 1st
    National Congress on Translation and Interpreting Technologies, Boğaziçi
    University, İstanbul, Türkiye.
  • Unlu, C. (2023). InterpreTutor: Using Large Language Models for Interpreter
    Assessment. Paper presented at the International Conference on Human-
    informed Translation and Interpreting Technology, University of Naples
    ‘L’Orientale’, Naples, Italy.
  • Unlu, C. (2022). Investigating the use of ASR and speech translation in consecutive
    interpreter workstation: A pilot study on ASR-enhanced CAI tool prototype ‘Sight-
    Terp’. Paper presented at the 44th ASLING Translating and the Computer
    Conference, European Convention Center Luxembourg, Luxembourg City.
  • Unlu, C. (2020). Professionalisation and COVID-19: An Overview of the Profession of
    Interpreting from Ethical, Sectoral, and Pedagogical Perspectives. Paper
    presented at the 2nd International Congress on Academic Studies in Philology
    (BICOASP), Bandırma University.

Blog

Machine Translation
[Turkish] Küçük LLM’lerin Çeviri Performansı
04 Mar 2025

[Turkish] Küçük LLM’lerin Çeviri Performansı
See All Posts

Contact

Istanbul

info@cihanunlu.com

Always Available

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