A Summary of our June 29, 2020 virtual Coffee-side Chat for Conference Interpreters
OVERVIEW
This article is a summary of our most recent Virtual Coffee-side Chat for Conference Interpreters. This session is a part of a series to help professional conference interpreters come together in an informal setting to work together to gain the business confidence to move forward in the RSI world and participate in developing a sustainable business model for RSI that will get all of us through the pandemic and beyond.
DEFINITIONS FIRST
If you are new to our coffee chats, RSI stands for Remote Simultaneous Interpretation. In the context of this article, RSI refers to remote simultaneous interpreting provided for a client using a platform or other interface, known as an “ICT” (Information and Communications Technology), where the parties involved (interpreters, meeting hosts, speakers, discussants and/or listeners) are in separate locations.
APPROPRIATE USE
As always, we at DS-Interpretation, Inc. firmly believe that RSI is a tool that creates access to interpretation services. It is not necessarily a replacement for conventional simultaneous interpreting methods. Like all tools, it should be used appropriately. Right now, RSI is the only option in many locations for parties to engage using interpretation while social distancing initiatives are in place.
We believe RSI should be employed as a best-fit solution for the circumstances, weighing all factors involved in the decision process. In some cases, as social distancing restrictions relax, RSI will remain the only or the best option, in other cases, RSI with the hub approach, preferably with the hub located where presenters are located, or a hybrid solution, will make the most sense. We fully expect these platforms to play a significant role in the future, regardless of the approach. Our Company approach is to employ the best-fit /highest-standard solution possible, to ensure the most professional results. Do you need help? We provide full consulting, support and platform services based on true expertise in the field - for clients and interpreters to navigate the RSI world. Click here to contact us.
RSI REALITY CHECK(IN)
This week we decided to focus on interactive discussion, polls and guest interpreter panelists who shared their varying experiences and tips with colleagues. We had approximately 150 attendees from around the world.
OPENING POLL RESULTS
We started with audience polls to check-in and document some realities. As expected, most interpreters had either worked in the RSI modality a few times (38%), a few times a month or (20%) had not yet done so (22%). There is work out there, but it is not yet plentiful for most interpreters. As expected, the vast majority of interpreters are working from home remotely from partners. Most interpreters were satisfied, neutral or somewhat satisfied with working remotely. As for platforms, an overwhelming majority are using Zoom (81%) followed by dedicated RSI platforms Kudo (28%) and Interprefy (27%) as well as other general platforms like Cisco Webex or MS Teams (27%).
PANELISTS
1. Leire Carbonell, Associate Professor at Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey; freelance conference interpreter: AIIC and TAALS member
Leire shared information about how she teaches interpreting remotely, including tools and technology for teaching interpretation remotely.
She demonstrated how she uses Notability with an Apple Pencil, for collaborative document sharing with her students during consecutive interpreting teaching classes. This app is one that interpreters may find helpful in an RSI environment to work with their partners as well.
She shared the transcript of a video script via and iPad and finds that it really helps students to follow along.
She finds it fairly easy to use technology to help enhance the student experience
For teaching Simultaneous, she uses GoReact and Zoom. GoReact functions as the “Booth” while Zoom functions as the “Classroom”. Go React is a tool for interactive feedback and critiquing of video assignments, so it lends itself very well to teaching RSI.
She trains students to be prepared for what will happen if various aspects of remote interpretation stop working. Problems could arise with internet connections, devices, headsets/ microphones, etc. She instructs her students to think of worst-case scenarios and create solution plans ahead of time, so that they are prepared.
How are students coping? Students are missing out from not having human contact and interaction. From the professor’s perspective, the inability to read the room and read the dynamics is very difficult online. The students are missing out on that, but at the same time, the students will be ready to interpret in a remote interpreting setting.
Leire’s advice for RSI: Practice makes progress. Leire finds this combination of technology very effective for teaching and overall does not find it difficult to manage.
2. Darinka Mangino, freelance interpreter from Mexico City, member of AIIC and OMT (Organization Mexicana de Trauctores), interpreting teacher and coach in Lexica Aula Virtual para Interpretes.
Darinka shared a picture of her studio, and tips and tricks to working with a partner, interpreting remotely when disaster strikes.
Darinka shared a view of her workspace, which includes 5 screens/monitors to work effectively, including a dedicated computer for the RSI platform/main program. For a video walkthrough of her workspace click here.
Pre-COVID, a worst-case scenario for an interpreter in Mexico City was an earthquake during a meeting or assignment.
Now with COVID and working from home, interpreters have the added complexity of trying to anticipate and prepare for everything that can go wrong. She has several internet connections, so in terms of hardware she feels she is well-prepared.
During once recent assignment, there was a 7.5 earthquake. She described how she survived the earthquake and how her separate line of communication with her partner allowed the meeting to continue. Miraculously cell phone signals and internet did not go down. Because of the camera and the second line of communication with her language partner, her “boothmate” was able to know what was going on and continue working. Fortunately, this occurred close to the end of the meeting. The meeting could have ended poorly, but because she was in close contact with her colleague, they were able to work together to save the meeting. The meeting concluded without the client even knowing Darinka’s situation.
Her technology and preparedness helped her to be safe and even to get through an assignment when disaster struck.
She described how she uses the Digiwave system to monitor her partner so that she can actually leave her workspace when her partner is on duty (in a listen-only mode) to get a true break from the workspace. This is otherwise somewhat difficult with RSI and yet it is so important. [Please note that DS-Interpretation, Inc. is a longtime Digiwave and WilliamsAV product dealer -- please contact us for more information.]
3. Eva Laszlo Herbert, conference interpreter from the Hague, member of AIIC.
Eva spoke on strategies for keeping your skill set - and your mindset - strong during the Pandemic.
During COVID, Eva has found it helpful to focus on “building a bridge over troubled water.” She is committed to not letting this crisis go to waste. Her focus and commitment to being productive is driven by the question: “Did you do what you could during this time?"
As a private person she was initially drowning in sorrow. The snowball of sorrow kept building. As an interpreter, she was also struggling due to the lack of work and interaction with clients and colleagues.
While the pandemic continued, Eva ultimately realized she had a choice and she had her dignity. Growing up in Romania was difficult and her upbringing taught her that memories and education cannot be taken away from you under any circumstances.
She then focused on these pillars of strength to build her bridge: She spent time remembering “who I am.” She told a a personal story: "In my family I had a great aunt who taught German, and was told she had to start teaching Russian, despite not knowing any Russian. When she retired, she managed to make students fall in love with the language of the occupier."
Eva asked, herself, "so what do I do?" She focused on education as a pillar: "I started looking for lectures and attending RSI webinars with colleagues." She has found that you often have to make choices. Do you live frugally, or do you live a small life and invest in education? In her opinion, interpreters must invest in knowledge. For her, it has been about keeping the balance.
In addition to investing in her education, she has also begun singing lessons. Her singing teacher has taught her how to breathe, which is important for interpreting. Her teacher also practices German with her. The ability and eagerness to learn new things is a trait that she has found interpreters are very good at and she reminded the audience that this is the reason interpreters will be able to persevere and get through this crisis.
Eva also noted the importance of practicing good ergonomics. During this time, we often find ourselves in front of the computer screen for long hours. Eva recommends investing and using the right equipment. She’s bought a sheepskin rug that she keeps under her desk to ground herself while she works and provide a soft, comforting foundation under her feet. She recommends reading “The Shallows,” by Nicolas Carr to help understand the way technology and the internet are affecting our thinking. Practicing ergonomics and limiting her interaction with social media has enhanced her humanness.
She says she doesn’t have a solution to all of the challenges that have been brought on by the pandemic, but she’s managed to build her bridge by focusing on the pillars of understanding who she is and continuing her education -- and she will cross the bridge!
4. Silvia Marloye, conference interpreter from Brussels; AIIC member and AIIC consultant interpreter
Silvia spoke about setting up a professional home studio and generating new work. Silvia credited Naomi Bowman for inspiring her in some of her prior public speaking engagements to AIIC members in Europe regarding the hub concept and how to build a business model for RSI.
Silvia was already in the process of renovating her home when the pandemic began and so it only seemed right to build a proper studio.
She purchased the ISO documents for setting up booths. The booths include acoustic insulation and all necessary equipment to effectively use RSI.
During online trainings with the RSI platform companies she learned a lot about the proper equipment and read all of the possible specifications available from the key RSI platform companies.
When the pandemic forced her clients to cancel meetings, she saw an opportunity to have a second studio at home to enable her partner, who is also an interpreter, to also work at the same time, or for two sets of interpreters with different languages to work concurrently.
She has made the booths available to other colleagues to use as well and charges clients for their use.
The hardest part has been negotiating terms. Silvia says that clients need to understand that the prices are not lower for RSI.
She shared slides of an AIIC presentation she recently gave, including how to price based on the project – a one hour RSI project does not equal your daily fee divided into 6 or 7. She recommends blocks of up to 2 hours or up to 4 hours and that it should include all additional time such as preparation and testing.
She notes that RSI is more exhausting due to multitasking and you must be very well prepared. She offered reasons why RSI is not necessarily cheaper, including that interpreters must now make a substantial investment in proper equipment, must learn additional skills including learning new programs & platforms -- and keep that knowledge current. They must now do more than interpret while they are working, including sometimes having to monitor themselves and the meetings technically in order to be able to work effectively. In some cases, they must use as many as four or more devices at once. This makes the job of RSI significantly different from conventional interpreting work and it must be recognized and marketed as such.
SECOND SET OF AUDIENCE POLLS
The top concerns of interpreters while working are poor audio quality (83%) and lack of technical support (68%), followed by partner communication (58%) and lack of support for meeting attendees and presenters. Acoustic shock and exhaustion, while factors of concern were of lower concern overall. Exhaustion is a factor that is talked about in discussions, but due to the general lack of significant work for most interpreters, may not be a primary issue at this time. Top general concerns are lower rates and getting enough work in the first place. Nearly 80% of interpreters would prefer to work in a hub if it were possible (and safe) and though there are many reasons why a hub is preferred, the top reason is for the technical support, freeing up interpreters to focus on the job of interpreting.
Additional questions and comments:
Naomi, you said hubs don’t protect against acoustic shock. Can technicians condense and limit the incoming sound?
Hubs will not necessarily protect against toxic sound is what was said. Toxic sound is different from acoustic shock. If the source audio is of poor quality it is difficult to improve that sound. It is important to realize that VOIP audio is of significantly lower quality when compared to the live sound that interpreters are used to working with on-site. A hub can help make that sound as good as possible, but it cannot turn it into high quality sound. If a hub uses equipment, such as interpreter consoles by Televic Conference, or the audio technician sufficiently limits the incoming sound through a commercial grade mixer, the interpreters will be protected against acoustic shock. However, even in a hub or on-site setting and interpreter should not assume they are protected against acoustic shock!
In discussions an interpreter brought up using a code word that attendees could hear to do the handover to a partner. In addition, Naomi pointed out that an interpreter on LinkedIn suggested the same thing. What do people think of this?
The audience agreed that this was a great idea and Naomi mentioned it was being put into practice and even suggested by a client during a recent technical test. As a best practice, this idea is gaining ground.
One interpreter showed that she uses ADAPTEAR as a limiter and a Rode NT USB microphone with a swivel arm boom and a shock mount (also by Rode). She gets positive feedback and recommended a condenser microphone.
Naomi cautioned that additional testing for interpretation settings is being done right now on external limiters and a recent publication indicated that the 'attack time' was not sufficient to protect interpreters against acoustic shock. Do your homework.
A general discussion on technology ensued, including the desired elements and cost of a truly ideal headset and other equipment for RSI. The fact that many interpreters are working on Zoom was discussed along with the Zoom interpreting module's shortcomings, workarounds and what we can do about it. A need for client education came up repeatedly; several interpreters asked for that to be the next topic. There was a session on this topic held on June 1, 2020 with a summary published June 4. However, this clearly remains a critical topic based on the polls and discussion and will be considered again for a coffee-chat session. Please remember that DS-Interpretation, Inc. provides client education and advising on successful RSI meetings as part of its core services, in addition to providing interpreters and technology/platform solutions for RSI. Don't hesitate to reach out to us - we are here to help your clients be successful!
CONCLUSIONS
RSI is here to stay. The meetings of the future will all incorporate some remote component. We must work together to shape the future we will work in. We must educate clients. We must discuss the best ways of working, the new standards for working, and document them. We must go beyond the ISO standards such as ISO 24019 and what the organizations are publishing: we must continue to communicate about practical ways of working in this dynamic environment on an on-going basis. We hope that you view DS-Interpretation, Inc. as a true ally in this RSI world.
Please contact us if you would like additional information, need assistance in determining the best RSI solution, would like a quote for RSI services including platforms and support, would like to be on our roster of qualified interpreter business service providers, or, of course, would like to be on our email list for our Virtual Coffee Chats.
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