The Linguist is a languages magazine for professional linguists, translators, interpreters, language professionals, language teachers, trainers, students and academics with articles on translation, interpreting, business, government, technology
Issue link: https://thelinguist.uberflip.com/i/1257392
Interpreters adapt to social distancing regulations Going remote Interpreters have reported changes in their working conditions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. With business meetings and court hearings now being held virtually, language services increasingly need to be provided remotely, or not at all. For freelancers who have not worked remotely before, sourcing the right equipment to work from home has created new challenges. Apps such as Zoom and Skype Business have seen massive growth, but they are not suitable for many interpreting scenarios. They provide one channel, so only a consecutive interpreting technique can be used, and all participants will hear the interpretation. For simultaneous interpreting on at least two channels, a remote simultaneous interpreting platform, such as Interprefy or kudo, is required. This allows the audience to choose which channel to listen to, and means that the floor will be in the main spoken language. To avoid difficulties during an assignment, all participants need to download the platform in advance, source a headset and check their internet stability. no internal speakers or mobile phone earpiece should be used as this 6 The Linguist Vol/59 No/3 2020 thelinguist.uberflip.com NEWS & EDITORIAL 'The Translators Giving Indigenous Migrants a Voice', 19/4/20 An estimated 540,000 people in Central America fled their homes in 2019. In about 10 to 15% of cases, Mr Reyes says, the migrant he is working with does not speak English or Spanish. Most are from Guatemala, a country where nearly half of the population is indigenous. For many of these migrants, a translator – the ability to communicate their cases, including credible fear or previous cases of torture or political prosecution – could be the difference between life and death. "It does prove to be a real, debilitating factor." What the papers say… 'When Coronavirus Care Gets Lost in Translation', 17/4/20 Dr Martin said the coronavirus outbreak has multiplied the logistical barriers for medical interpretation. The hospital rooms are loud, filled with buzzing oxygen tanks and urgent staff conversations. Everyone is masked, their voices muffled. Medical workers are trying to stay six feet away from their patients whenever possible. "Someone's oxygen can be dropping and I have to get an interpreter on the phone, wait on hold, put in an access code, tell them where I am," Dr Martin said. 'WhatsApp Releases New Coronavirus- Themed Stickers to Help People Talk About Lockdown', 22/4/20 "Stickers like these can be funny, educational and universal, breaking through language, age, and other barriers"… The sticker pack is now available inside the app, WhatsApp confirmed, with stickers localised in ten languages at launch: English, Arabic, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Turkish. SARINYA WOOD causes echo and delay. A good uSB headset, such as the Creative Sound Blaster, is essential to maintain confidentiality when working from home; a broadcasting microphone (e.g. Yeti nano) improves sound quality but is optional. usual code of conduct rules apply. It is best for interpreters to work in pairs for trial and fact-finding court hearings so they can swap every 20-30 minutes. Regular interpreter breaks are vital to maintain concentration and accuracy. Case bundles should be provided prior to a hearing, and shredded afterwards. Interpreters should not accept jobs unless they have the necessary bandwidth, the right equipment, adequate training, subject knowledge, and a quiet office with no danger of family members entering. They must understand how meeting platforms operate, and kudo offers free online training for its remote simultaneous interpreting platform. It is not yet clear whether problems have arisen as a result of professionals being required to work in new ways with little time for training. For those, like me, who have received extensive training previously, these skills have become invaluable. Sarinya Wood MCIL is a Thai<>English interpreter. TL