How Has COVID-19 Affected Sign Language Interpreter Livelihoods?

What has it really been like to be a sign language interpreter during the COVID-19 pandemic?

FUTURE OF SIGN LANGUAGE INTERTERS

From the outside looking in, it might seem like 2020 has been a phenomenal year for ASL interpreters. After all, demand for ASL interpreters in the media isn’t just high. As well as this, some sign language interpreters have achieved national celebrity status.

Sadly, though, for every sign language interpreter you might see on television, there are several who are struggling as a result of COVID-19.

With ASL interpreters appearing almost everywhere on television, it is easy to assume that sign language interpreters have never had it better. However, for many interpreters, 2020 has been a phenomenal struggle.

Many sign language interpreters are freelancers who regularly travel to different locations to interpret face-to-face. Sadly, COVID-19 lockdowns have resulted in a sharp drop in available work.

Thankfully, COVID-19 lockdowns have also witnessed a rise in demand for Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) and Video Relay Services (VRS). There is just one problem. Namely, that starting to offer video remote interpreting or VRS interpreting isn’t an option for many interpreters.

·       Working on video remote interpreting and VRS projects requires significant upfront investment in new home computer hardware and recording equipment.

·       Not all sign language interpreters feel comfortable taking on VRI or VRS work.

·       People looking to hire video remote interpreting and VRS interpreters often prefer to hire interpreters with existing experience.

For a sign language interpreter who usually interprets face-to-face, switching to offer video remote interpreting or VRS interpreting can also cause significant cognitive and emotional distress.

Remote Interpreting Increases Cognitive Load on Interpreters

For several months now, governments and businesses have been pitching the use of video conferencing apps like Zoom, as fundamental to business continuity and success during COVID-19. However, reliance on VRS and video remote interpreting can prove detrimental to sign language interpreters.  

A body of evidence exists which suggests that video remote interpreting should only be used to complement (not replace) traditional face-to-face interpreting. This is because remote interpreting increases overall cognitive load on interpreters

·       As well as interpreting VRI conversations in real-time, a sign language interpreter also has the added stress of having to mediate all communication.

·       Studies show that after 30-minutes, the quality and accuracy of translations by even the best interpreters starts to decline. In face-to-face interpreting contexts, interpreters can take regular breaks or have colleague’s takeover. However, when working home alone online, this isn’t possible.

·       Cumulatively, the stresses of constant VRS and video remote interpreting can result in interpreters burning out.

Will There Be a Market for Face-to-Face Interpreters in the Future?

At present, it looks unlikely that face-to-face interpreters will see workloads start to recover any time soon.

Even if COVID-19 disappears, the fact will remain that many businesses are now aware of the cost-savings and convenience offered by video remote interpreting and VRS interpreting. This being the case, some sign language interpreting agency like Languagers will now have to decide how they want their team of interpreters to progress with this new technology.

It might also be beneficial for some businesses to now make an effort to understand the pressures placed on interpreters. This way, businesses and interpreters might be able to work together to optimize interpreter working conditions and current remote interpreting methodologies.