TELEPHONE AND VIDEO INTERPRETATION
With increasing frequency, interpreters are requested to perform interpretation via telephone. In many cases, full-time interpreters are asked to provide telephone interpreting services directly at agencies, from home or on the move via mobile. This is sometimes requested as a measure to cut down on interpreter travel time between one building to another, or to provide interpreting services for situations in which visual information will not be conveyed (conversations that take place between a patient and provider via telephone). Telephone interpreting is also requested for settings in which it would be preferable for the interpreter not to be present during the encounter (for example, where the patient’s privacy or modesty is of extra importance), and for urgent scenarios when an interpreter is needed quickly. With regard to the first category, it is essential that all interpreters who provide telephone interpreting services receive specific training in guidelines for telephone interpreting, which can be different from guidelines for interpreting in person. Telephone interpreters must be tested in language proficiency, interpreting skills and terminology knowledge. In addition, ongoing observation of the interpreters is critical in order to ensure quality and consistency.
Video remote interpreting (VRI) is a video telecommunication that uses devices such as web cameras or videophones to provide sign language or spoken language interpreting services. This is done through a remote or offsite interpreter, in order to communicate with persons with whom there is a communication barrier. It is similar to a slightly different technology called video relay service where the parties are each located in different places. In a typical VRI situation, the two parties are located together at one location with a videophone or web camera, and a television or computer screen The interpreter works from another location—either an office, home-based studio or call center—also using a videophone or web camera and television or computer screen. The equipment must provide video and audio connectivity, or a separate telephone line can be used for audio. The video interpreter facilitates communication between the participants who are located together at the other site. In the case of Sign Language interpretation, the interpreter hears the voices of the hearing people through the microphone or telephone, and renders the message into sign language, via a video camera, which the deaf person views on his or her video display. In turn, when the deaf participants sign to the camera, interpreters view it from their screen, and speak the aural interpretation into a microphone or telephone for the hearing people.
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