The role and personality of an interpreter are undeniably crucial in ensuring the success of a business negotiation or an informal discussion. A professional interpreter can significantly facilitate interaction between parties by bridging language barriers. Knowledge of the specific language, culture, and even unique gestures can make any event smoother and more enjoyable for all participants. If we feel that our language skills are not entirely sufficient or that we can convey our message more effectively with the help of an interpreter, we should not hesitate to engage a reliable professional. But what happens when the parties cannot meet in person? This is where remote interpreting comes into play! Let’s take a closer look at what “interpreting from a distance” entails and the available solutions for replacing physical presence.
What Is Remote Interpreting?
It is important to have a clear understanding of this concept. Remote interpreting is a relatively new term in the field of language solutions. It refers to a situation where participants are not physically present in the same location. They are in their offices or homes. In essence, it is similar to an online meeting, where participants join via an online platform (such as Skype, Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet). The interpreter or interpreters also connect to the meeting through these platforms.
Why and How Is Online Interpreting Useful?
Since the Covid pandemic, this solution has become increasingly popular, not to mention that it saves both time and money. There is no need for travel expenses, nor do participants have to wait for delayed flights. The efficiency and speed of these platforms have made them increasingly preferred solutions.
Video or online remote interpreting has revolutionized language mediation by eliminating the need for the interpreter to be physically present at the location. All that is required is a computer, laptop, or tablet, and the meeting can begin!
Moreover, this solution is not only useful for scheduled meetings but is invaluable in urgent situations. It plays a crucial role in healthcare, emergency situations, police procedures, asylum matters, and scenarios requiring swift business decisions.
What Are the Types of Remote Interpreting?
There are two main types of interpreting: simultaneous and consecutive interpreting.
Simultaneous interpreting: The interpreter translates what is being said in real-time. This can be facilitated through platforms like Zoom and Teams, which allow for different audio channels. If multiple languages are involved, participants can select the language and corresponding audio channel that suits them best.
Consecutive interpreting: The interpreter waits for the speaker to complete a thought before translating it into the target language. In this case, once the speaker finishes their statement, everyone listens while the interpreter delivers the translation. This process is slightly slower, as communication occurs in two alternating phases.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Remote Interpreting
Advantages
One of the primary benefits is the ability to overcome geographical distances effortlessly. It has become a regular practice for international conferences and multinational corporations with employees scattered across the globe.
Remote interpreting is also highly flexible, as there is no need to book or rent a physical venue, nor to provide catering for participants. This makes it a cost-effective and time-efficient solution.
However, reliable and stable technical infrastructure is essential. A high-speed internet connection, appropriate technical equipment, real-time screen-sharing capabilities, and online platforms that cater to the number of participants are necessary to ensure a high-quality experience.
If these conditions are met, there is no need to worry about the quality of the interpreting, as professionals can perform their tasks seamlessly.
Challenges of Online Interpreting
Despite its advantages, there are some drawbacks to remote interpreting. Many people still worry about the unpredictability of internet quality. These concerns are valid, as the quality of web-based calls can depend on service providers or even weather conditions.
While remote interpreting can be practical for conferences and large events (such as product launches), its effectiveness depends on the subject matter. Some topics require a tangible presence—seeing and physically interacting with a new car or medical device, for instance, can be beneficial.
For smaller meetings with just a few participants, the nuances of personal interaction may be diminished in an online setting, making it harder to build rapport.
Regardless of which type of interpreting is chosen, it is always worth weighing the advantages and disadvantages in the context of the specific event.
