Ever since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019, a lot has changed for everyone. The definition of the workplace has changed, and so has our perspective of superheroes. Maintaining social distance to socialize isn’t just the new normal now, but an obligatory rule of conduct. The second wave has hit many countries already, which means that the situation is not going to improve soon. The Language industry has also been impacted by the pandemic since there is very little demand for the traditional form of interpreting. Online events/webinars have emerged as a response to cope with this difficulty. Subsequently, interpretation has gone online. In the meantime, new advancements in communication technology and the application of a different set of skills has helped Linguists to adapt to these unprecedented circumstances. Remote interpreting is witnessing a significant rise due to its convenience and superior benefits.
Remote interpreting, together with other modes of interpreting has the potential to shape the future of international communication. The Language industry, when pushed against the wall due to the various restrictions around the world, managed to cope with the situation by introducing online events and webinars, implementing new technologies into the process, and welcoming remote interpreting. Let’s now take a closer look at what advantages that has.
First of all, event hosts can reduce the cost of allocating interpreters for their events, like saving on accommodation, equipment, traveling, and most importantly time. Moreover, it also eases the burden on the host’s whole process of preparing for the interpreting event.
Secondly, from the perspective of the interpreter who is hit hard by the pandemic, Remote Interpreting is a source of income for them. Interpretation services are more available than ever before now. And, with the increase in the number of video and audio conferences, virtual press conferences, and expert interviews, interpreters now have the flexibility to serve as many events as they can.
Moreover, borders and distance are not perceived as challenges anymore since every single interpreter can perform his job regardless of their location. Consequently, the opportunities to look for native language speakers have increased.
The changes worldwide discussed above have, in a way, helped people and businesses to get a better understanding of what Artificial Intelligence is and how to adapt to this inevitable part of our lives soon. Indeed, technology will sooner or later replace human labor, so, most likely, we won’t need people for entry-level jobs anymore. Yet, communication plays a starring role in human development: we exchange our ideas, knowledge to expand our perception, which has been the cornerstone for evolution. We have 7,117 officially known languages in the world, whereas a person on average knows two languages. Therefore, there is a crucial demand for bridging the gap between two people speaking two different languages. An interpreter/ translator serves this purpose.
Furthermore, there is a quote by Nelson Mandala: ‘If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.’ So, in order to win other peoples’ hearts, having the message delivered in their language with a human touch applied is one of the best ways to do it. That is exactly what remote interpreting as a coming trend can help with.
‘Social Distancing’ or as in this ‘Boothmate Distancing’ might not be a permanent thing, but Remote Interpreting (RI) is here to stay. Remote Interpreting (RI), together with other modes of interpretation, has the potential to shape the future of international communication.
Feel free to get to know more about RI on our official company website.
