What is remote and on-site interpretation and why does your company need it.
Interpreting is the interlingual transfer of an oral message from one language to another using the spoken or sign medium in a given situation of communication. It requires excellent language proficiency since the interpreter must swiftly analyze and transfer meaning between languages face-to-face or remotely.
There are numerous reasons to use interpretation services: to manage linguistically and geographically diverse teams, connect with new clients from different countries, to be more inclusive, and make sign language a part of big events or conferences, amongst so many others. Since the needs are so many, it only makes sense that there be more than one type of interpretation.
Companies that have large-scale production facilities make extensive use of interpretation. They may source materials and have factories in China or have their team is from Eastern Europe, perhaps their Headquarters are in Latin America. Maybe the company is quite homogeneous but its main market is very niche or remote. In some cases, hiring a full-time translator could be costly, and hiring a translation service is the best way to go.
The Three Main Types Of On-Site Interpretation
It is considered simultaneous translation when the interpreter listens and renders the message in the target language at the same time as the speaker is speaking. It is typically used in conferences, live presentations, or time-sensitive situations.
This is when the speaker speaks for a certain period (normally, no longer than 5-7 minutes) and takes a pause for the interpreter to render the message in the target language. This sequence is repeated along with the discourse. It could be very useful for meditating, for example, conversations between teams or clients, and often seen in conversations between world leaders.
It is the oral rendition of a written text. It may take the form of subtitles, or an official document being shown live.
How frequently does one need interpretation?
In case you were wondering how frequently there is a need to translate or interpret, the Center for Immigration Studies reports that about 64.7 million residents in the U.S., native-born and foreign-born, speak a language other than English at home. And the highest percentage increases in speakers of other languages in the US from 2010 to 2015 were in Persian, Gujarati, French Creole, Chinese, Urdu, Hindi, and Arabic. Not to mention that there are more than one million speakers for each of these languages: Korean, Arabic, French, Vietnamese, Filipino, Chinese and Spanish. And what is most relevant is that the majority of non-English speakers in the U.S. today are not immigrants, but born in the territory.
REMOTE INTERPRETATION: OPI AND VRI
Interpretation is not an exclusively on-site service. It can easily be done remotely in more than one way.
Over the phone interpretation (OPI)
It is the transfer of an oral message from one language to another using a spoken and remote medium in a given communication. An interpreter over the phone will get the job done very quickly and easily, recommended maybe for two-way communications in small groups, legal or technical procedures, and so on.
Video remote interpreting (VRI)
In this case, a video remote interpretation service takes place through different devices such as web cameras or videophones. It is essentially the same as over-the-phone interpretation, but the camera gives it a more personal touch than just hearing a voice. Also, being delivered online, it is easier to schedule and budget-friendly.
At Stillman, for example, we can interpret over 200 languages and are available 24/7 regardless of topic or time zone. An interpreter can be found in less than 40 seconds and no monthly fees are required. The service pay amounts to how many minutes the service lasted.
In a global pandemic context, the demand for interpreting services has increased considerably, especially in industries like healthcare, education, and legal.
Sign Language Interpretation
Sign Language Interpreting is very similar to any language interpreting, but it’s worth having its proper section in this article. It is frequently used when one of the speakers is deaf, hearing impaired or when we don’t know who our audience is, so we want to make sure the message reaches everybody. It can be applied to all types of interpretation services, except over-the-phone interpretation.
Also, contrary to popular belief, there is no universal language for the deaf –all over the world, different sign languages have developed, and they vary from one to another (as happens with all languages). Whatsmore, American Sign Language (ASL) is a relatively new language, which first appeared in the US in the 1800s with the founding of the first successful American School for the Deaf by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet.
An English speaker from the USA, for example, can generally understand someone from another English-speaking nation such as England or Australia. But with sign language, someone who signs using ASL would not be able to understand someone who signs using British Sign Language (BSL) or even Australian Sign Language (Auslan). So native interpreters are important.
Which Is Best For My Company: Benefits Of Remote And On-Site Interpretation
Why And When To Choose Remote Interpretation (Vri And Opi)
1. It’s convenient.
It enables people to be part of a conference or international call with a multilingual audience without any need for traveling.
2. It’s cost-effective:
There are no travel or housing expenses, and the only amount you pay is that related to the number of minutes over the video or phone call.
3. Immediate availability:
It can be done on demand. If you’re not sure when you’ll need it, if there is an emergency, or if it’s not possible to have a face-to-face meeting, then remote interpretation becomes highly recommended.
Some companies need interpretation services constantly and in different languages. The healthcare industry is a prime example. Experts believe that residents speak over 800 languages in New York City. Hospitals in NYC need to use interpreters every day because speakers of different languages are constantly entering the hospital.
Why And When To Choose On-Site Interpretation
Beyond all the benefits online interpretation has, onsite interpretation is undoubtedly the most effective form of interpretation, for the simple reason that it is conducted face-to-face.
There is no chance of any technical problems that impede a successful delivery, it makes for positive communication and accurate interpretation, and body language and facial expressions come into play to create a warmer and safer atmosphere for events to run smoothly.
This is especially true when there are delicate or serious meetings that need translation and having someone who can read the room becomes essential. Someone who can be careful with words, gestures and take care of all parties involved. A physical presence makes any individual feel more comfortable in a stressful situation.
Be it on-site or remote, at Stillman, we can make it happen. Contact us if you need an interpreter of any kind.