What is remote interpreting? This process allows translators and interpreters to work from home or from remote interpreting hubs. Remote interpreting allows communication between different groups of people who do not speak the same language, especially when it is not possible for speakers or interpreters to travel to the event. Since the pandemic started, requests for this type of service have increased and most companies continue to use remote interpreting out of habit.
Note that remote interpreting can be used for any type of event: a company video conference, an important meeting, a discussion with a multilingual audience, a symposium, an interview, etc.
Advantages of Interpreting Remotely
Remote interpreting was practiced long before the arrival of COVID-19 and its related health restrictions. Professionals and companies were already benefiting from it, due to its numerous advantages:
- No Travel: All the heavy and complex equipment normally used is not needed. Interpreters can interpret either from home or from a nearby hub with booths and television screens specifically for their work.
- Low Cost: Transportation, accommodation and equipment rental services are not added to the final price. This means necessarily that the bill is lower.
- Popular With Interpreters: Since it allows them to do everything from home. Of course, it all depends on the professional’s viewpoint, as some interpreters still prefer to go to the venue.
- Minimal equipment: A computer, some audio equipment and an internet connection are enough to carry out the assignment.
- For Urgent Needs: This process is more suitable in case of emergency because it avoids the travel times for professionals as well as the complex logistic organization of on-site events. This ensures a greater flexibility!
- More Choices: You have a wider choice of professionals, considering that the interpreter can work from all over the world.
- More Participants: If the event that requires interpretation takes place on your premises, it’s difficult to involve your foreign subsidiaries, for example. With remote interpreting, everyone –regardless of their location– can follow the event and interact in an optimal way.
Any Drawbacks?
However, there are still negative aspects that come with some processes. Remote interpreting can present a few challenges:
- Technical Issues: The equipment must be reliable and well configured. It’s not easy to foresee an internet crash or a server failure of the platforms. In addition, checking their equipment so as to ensure perfect audio and visual quality.
- Finding a Place: Interpreters must work in a quiet environment. Sometimes this is not the case at home, for a variety of reasons –noisy neighbors, construction in the street…
- Greater responsibility: Linguists must not only prepare for the assignment and create a targeted glossary, but also worry about the equipment and possible technical issues on the end of the event organzer. At times this can prove more stressful for them as there are issues that are not predictable.
Remote Interpreting Platforms
Several remote interpreting platforms are available, where speakers, participants and interpreters can connect to take part in the event virtually.
You can carry out an interpreting assignment, for example, via video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Skype, Teams, Kudo, and so on. Some platforms such as Interprefy, VOICEBOXER or Interactio are platforms dedicated to remote interpreting. Companies that often hold this type of event use them, although they cost more. All of these platforms contain built-in collaboration tools, i.e. multiple screen sharing, chat rooms and multiple display modes. Participants can also change their listening language based on preferences.
Of course, Cultures Connection has already provided remote interpreting services. Our past clients and attendees have shared with us their satisfaction. Indeed, this type of interpretation always goes over well – and depending on the circumstances – is even what translation and interpretation companies recommend. They consider it to be more appropriate due to the reduced cost compared to face-to-face interpreting, convenience and flexibility.
