Conference interpreting hasn't changed much since - but it has definitely undergone a seismic shift since . With the majority of events being canceled or moved online because of social distancing, interpreters had to adapt quickly to not miss out on interpreting opportunities. Fortunately, Remote Simultaneous Interpretation technology already existed and those who adopted the technology could resume work successfully.
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Two years into the pandemic, restrictions start to ease and remote real-time interpretation is still in vogue. Why is that? Let's look at some of the benefits of RSI for interpreters and event and meeting organisers to understand why Remote Simultaneous Interpretation is here to stay.
But let's start at the beginning.
What is Remote Simultaneous Interpretation, or RSI?
Simultaneous interpretation is defined by ISO, the International Standards Organisation, as the process of rendering a spoken or signed message into another spoken or signed language, preserving the register and meaning of the source language.
Add “remote” to the equation and it is possible for interpreters, speakers, and participants to interact from anywhere on the planet. Remote simultaneous interpretation usually involves cloud-based remote simultaneous interpretation technology, such as Interprefy to provide a virtual interpreter interface and a video conferencing user interface, or mobile app for attendance with a language selector for the audience.
- Interpreters work on a RSI soft console to access speech audio and video on their computer and translate the speech in real-time.
- Delegates and attendees listen to live translation of the speech with extremely low latency through a mobile app, web conferencing software on their computer or conferencing hardware.
Remote simultaneous interpretation (RSI) is the process of remotely interpreting or translating speech from one language to another whilst it’s in progress.
What are the benefits of Remote Simultaneous Interpretation for interpreters?
Pandemics aside, RSI seems to have brought some undeniable benefits for interpreters, when comparing it to traditional modes of conference interpreting, where an interpreter needed to travel to the conference, block a whole day in their diary and perform from a booth at the venue:
- Improved work-life balance — With less travel and working from home, interpreters are now able to have a routine and spend more time with family and friends.
- Less waiting times —Very much in line with the point above, interpreters no longer have to wait at airports, at venues between conferences, or for transport and accommodation.
- New interpreting opportunities — Because connections are done remotely, interpreters can now interpret in several meetings in one day, even if they happen in distant places. For instance, an interpret in Madrid can now interpret at a meeting taking place in Sydney in the morning and for one taking place in California in the evening, impossible without RSI.
- More language combinations — thanks to RSI, interpreters can now access jobs and even learning opportunities, based on their language combinations and not only on their place of residence. This also implies that relay is needed less than before RSI.
- Interpreting becomes a more accessible role — interpreters can now work in an environment that is familiar and tuned to their needs. This is especially beneficial for disabled interpreters.
Back in and in collaboration with our partner Interprenet, we asked interpreters around the globe to share how Covid-19 had affected their work and this is what they said:
What are the benefits of RSI for event and meeting organisers?
Simultaneous interpreting used to be an expensive and exclusive service that entailed, as we've explained above, paying for flights and accommodation for interpreters and renting cumbersome equipment such as hardware-equipped interpreter booths or radio receivers for attendees. That made real-time interpreting an option only large international and government organisations could afford.
RSI technology allows the interpreters to work from anywhere in the world while your attendees can be located onsite, online, or both. This has democratised simultaneous interpretation by making it a service available for everybody: NGOs, associations, and even SMEs and for all types of event setups: online, in-person, and hybrid.
Let's look at some additional benefits that Remote Simultaneous Interpretation provides to meeting and event organisers:
- Reduced admin — no need to organise flights and accommodation for interpreters.
- More floor space — as interpreters will be working remotely, you will no longer need bulky soundproof booths, freeing up valuable venue space.
- Reduced costs — you no longer need to pay for transport and accommodation expenses for interpreters or for a bigger venue that can fit interpreting booths.
- Reduced event carbon footprint — interpreters will work remotely removing the need to travel and reducing the carbon footprint of your multilingual meeting or event.
- Greater versatility— with RSI, the sky is the limit. Interpreters will work remotely while your audience is onsite, online, or both. RSI can even be delivered to all online meeting platforms.
- More interpreters to choose from — Because interpreters can be located anywhere in the world, you are no longer restricted to those located nearby, and get access to a worldwide pool of talent.
- More languages to offer — Because the costs associated with RSI are lower than with traditional simultaneous interpretation, you can offer more languages to your attendees. Also, thanks to RSI you can now provide attendees with interpretation in rare language combinations.
- Meetings and events more accessible— Having the content of your event available in different languages and setups not only increases your events' reach but also makes it more accessible and increases engagement.
- Hassle-free-tech— There is no longer a need for expensive on-site interpretation equipment. With RSI, interpreters will only require a computer, a resilient internet connection, and solid audio equipment, such as a tabletop microphone or a USB headset to perform on a remote-simultaneous interpreting platform on the cloud. Your audience can then access interpretation on their mobiles, desktops, or traditional radio receivers, depending on your event or meeting setup. What's even better is that, with the right RSI provider, all parties will also get technical remote support throughout the event.
- High-fidelity sound — Despite not relying on expensive equipment like IR and radio transmitters, Remote Simultaneous Interpretation is capable of delivering full bandwidth (20Hz - 20kHz) sound at extremely low latency—along with high-quality video and lip-sync.
- Interoperability & hybrid-ready - RSI technology such as Interprefy, can be easily combined with on-site AV equipment and web conferencing technology. So it doesn't have to be a decision of "traditional setup vs RSI", but the two can neatly complement each other. So if you have your own interpreter teams on site and want to offer delegates more languages, RSI can easily be added into the mix.
In summary
RSI technology has made the meeting and events space more accessible and inclusive, by making simultaneous interpretation a service available and attainable for all meetings and events, no matter how small or big they may be.
Whether you're going for a fully online, in-person, or hybrid event format, Interprefy can help your event reach its maximum potential with our RSI technology, project management, and remote support services, as some of our customers explain.
Want to learn more about Remote Simultaneous Interpretation?
Simultaneous interpreting is an essential solution for breaking down language barriers during international events, multilingual conferences, congresses and high-level meetings. This type of professional interpreting allows participants to instantly understand every speech, regardless of the speaker’s language.
In this comprehensive guide, we look at how simultaneous interpreting works, its benefits for international events, and why you should choose Way2Global’s simultaneous interpreting services to ensure effective global communication.
How simultaneous interpreting works: a complete guide
Simultaneous interpreting is an advanced form of verbal translation where the professional interpreter translates the speaker’s speech in real time. This process requires specialized skills, careful preparation and the utmost concentration, as the interpreter has to simultaneously manage three cognitive activities: listening, understanding and translation. This service is the preferred choice for international conferences, diplomatic summits and multilingual events where immediate communication is essential.
The simultaneous interpreting service integrates state-of-the-art technology and specialized human skills. Professional interpreters work inside soundproof booths equipped with professional headphones for listening to the original speech, high-definition microphones for transmitting the translation and technical consoles for audio control. Participants receive the translation through wireless receivers and earphones, selecting the channel for their own language.
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Anticipation is a key skill in simultaneous interpreting: The interpreter must anticipate how the speech will develop based on the context and their own knowledge of the sector. This ability ensures a smooth and natural rendering of the translation.
Simultaneous interpreters must have a native command of the working languages, coupled with a deep intercultural understanding and a thorough knowledge of specialist terminology. Stress management skills are also essential for these professionals.
The pre-event preparation stage is essential to ensure a high-quality simultaneous interpreting service. Interpreters carefully study the event documents, analyse the specific technical vocabulary and coordinate with the organizers to understand objectives and context.
Due to the intensity of the cognitive work, simultaneous interpreters work in teams, alternating every 20 to 30 minutes to maintain high quality standards and avoid mental fatigue.
Evidently, simultaneous interpreting is a sophisticated process that combines advanced technology and specialized language skills to facilitate global communication in real time.
Advantages of simultaneous interpreting for international events
Simultaneous interpreting offers numerous strategic advantages for multilingual communication during international events.
The main benefit is the instant elimination of language barriers, enabling participants of different nationalities to immediately understand content, actively participate in discussions and effectively interact with other delegates.
Professional simultaneous interpreting significantly increases the involvement of international audiences. When each participant can follow the event in their native language, it naturally creates a more inclusive environment that encourages the exchange of ideas and improves the quality of networking, making it easier to achieve the event’s objectives.
From an organizational standpoint, the use of qualified simultaneous interpreters raises the event’s prestige by demonstrating a focus on cultural and linguistic inclusiveness. This professional approach contributes to enhancing the event’s reputation, attracting international participants and significantly reducing the risk of misunderstandings that could jeopardize global collaboration.
Way2Global: professional simultaneous interpreting services for international events
Simultaneous interpreting is a strategic element for the success of international events where effective multilingual communication is a priority.
Way2Global has established itself as an excellent partner in the industry, providing premium simultaneous interpreting services for international conferences, corporate summits, scientific congresses, diplomatic meetings and multilingual corporate events.
Our team of simultaneous interpreters is selected based on the strict criteria of certified language skills, proven experience in the field and subject specialization. Stress management skills and constant professional development complete the profile of our outstanding interpreters.
Way2Global constantly invests in innovative technologies for simultaneous interpreting. Our technical facilities include ISO-certified soundproof booths, high-definition audio-video systems and state-of-the-art technical equipment, always backed by the invaluable support of specialized technicians to ensure optimal performance.
Our operational flexibility allows us to successfully manage events of all sizes, adapting the service to the customer’s specific needs. Whether managing multiple language combinations or responding to special technical requirements, the Way2Global team always ensures customized professional solutions.
To arrange professional simultaneous interpreting at your next international event, contact the Way2Global team. Our experts are available for a personalized consultation and to jointly design the solution best suited to your needs.
Contact us now for more information.