Remote Interpretation. The development of technology in recent decades, the progress in internet speed and coverage, and the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic have led to the search for new solutions and/or possibilities for interpretation. Technology shortens distances and videoconferences, webinars and virtual meetings are the order of the day. This is how remote (distance) interpreting has emerged as an increasingly important option. Through it, the translation of a speech or a conversation from one language to another is carried out simultaneously or consecutively using tools that make it easier for the interpreter to be located in a different place.
This form of interpretation allows significant savings in transfers, trips, time and money. Making it easier for the parties, with different languages and schedules, to communicate in a timely manner and why not, more safely, especially in times of confinement or health emergency. Although saying it more clearly, remote interpreting is here to stay, even after the pandemic, there is no doubt that teleworking, remote communication, and the basic principles of economy, which lead to increasingly lower costs, must continue to strengthen possibilities for this professional activity.
As it should be internally, in remote interpreting it is possible to find several advantages, among them:
- You can get to any place: The internet disappears distances and probably facilitates the work
- Costs are reduced: The interpreter and the parties do not have to travel
- Multilingual events can be organized more easily
- It becomes easier to hire professionals of rare languages
Among the activities in which remote or distance interpreting can be used are: conferences, seminars, product presentations, courses, workshops, round tables, meetings, press conferences, legal consultations, medical appointments and many more.
Remote interpreting can manifest itself in two basic ways:
- Simultaneous interpretation: It is the translation of a speech at the same time as it is being developed. The interpreter speaks at the same time as the speaker.
- Consecutive interpretation: The interpreter translates what one party says and then what the other person answers. It is normally used in business meetings, legal, medical appointments and the like.
Now, for the interpretation to have the proper quality, it is necessary to guarantee efficient technical conditions, a good and stable internet connection, adequate audio equipment, a suitable environment, in conclusion, to have requirements that make the interpretation viable, fluid and efficient. Professional headphones and microphones, a high-resolution camera, a good-level screen and lighting, and a space isolated from ambient noise are recommended.
A basic element, from a technological point of view, to make simultaneous translation possible is the existence of a platform that allows attendees to connect. There are several options in this regard, each with its particularities:
- Zoom: Platform for video calls, virtual meetings or conferences. It allows you to customize remote events and supports simultaneous interpretation.
- Microsoft Teams: Allows virtual meetings, and gives the option of incorporating simultaneous translation to meetings or events without limit of participants. It can be broadcast on YouTube, Twitch and others
- Webex: It has a tool for specific video conferences in more than 100 languages at the same time. Users can turn on simultaneous translation based on the languages being translated.
Undoubtedly, remote interpretation has become an interesting alternative when there are physical or geographical barriers that make it impossible to carry out a face-to-face interpretation. At LingoCall we offer remote simultaneous interpretation services for video conferences and webinars, for up to 10,000 participants, in which each participant selects the language they want to hear. Contact us right now and we will gladly make a budget according to the needs of your company.
