Eco-System of Language Profession

• A remote interpreter can work via video interpreting (VRI) or over-the-phone interpreting (OPI).
• Events that require remote interpreting can be divided into two types: face-to-face meetings and virtual meetings.
• In face-to-face meetings, interpreters are the only people who are not “on-site”. Demand for services of this kind are on the rise in conference, legal and healthcare interpreting.
• The trend for growing needs for remote interpreting for face-to-face meetings will likely continue as clients push for more efficiency. The interactions requiring interpretation are usually shorter in duration for this type of interpreting.
• Remote interpreting for virtual meetings (where all parties are “remote” - think webinar/video conferencing, for example) is also seeing rising demands. They usually take place before and/or after a conference setting with physically present participants, and serve to complement, not replace the actual conferences themselves. Court cases and doctor's consultations also have increasing demand for virtual meeting/interpreting.
• Advantages of remote interpreting: Aside from cost savings and increased availability (of minority language interpreters from abroad, for example, remote interpreting can also provide logistical alternatives when the venue simply cannot accommodate the amount of interpreters needed. A meeting between European heads of state at Hampton Court, UK in 2005 which was simultaneously interpreted into 22 languages was mediated using this type of service.
• Downsides: harder to get “visual cues” as the cameramen, not the interpreters who choose what is captured on a screen. May strain vision and make the interpreters feel that they don't have as much control over the situation. Technology-related challenges may also arise.
• Trend: remote interpreting is being used more, and usually interpreters report no worse quality as compared against traditional modes of interpreting. It is here to stay and it is a good idea for aspiring interpreters to learn about it and get familiarized with it.

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• Renders messages faithfully and accurately, using the correct terminology and register.
• Helps the participants of meetings (virtual or face-to-face) communicate.
• Provides simultaneous, consecutive or other forms of interpreting service as required by the organization/client.

• Interpreting skills, active listening skills, communication skills.
• Knowledge of videoconferencing/webinar tools and other technological devices/programs required in remote interpreting.
• Ability to learn fast and think on one's feet.

• Joelle Tjahjadi (MIIS alum)
• Barry Slaughter Olsen (MIIS Prof.)
• Helena Johnston

• AIIC's take on remote interpreting and the future of conference interpreting