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.
