Selecting the Right Type of Interpretation for Your Situation
Posted on Thu, Sep 22, 2011
Not long ago, the only way to communicate with someone who spoke a language other than English was to contract with an interpreter to come to your location. The interpreter would arrive and play the role of a “conduit,” converting messages into the appropriate language. The on-site interpretation process worked fine but interpreters found that they needed to charge an hourly minimum to cover their costs, especially when the appointment lasted for only a couple minutes.
The age of technology expanded the delivery of interpretation services. The telephone conference call made it possible to have the English speaking person, the limited English proficiency person (LEP) and the interpreter in different locations, even different time zones. Telephonic interpretation also afforded the interpretation of less common languages, since not every community has a Chin-Hahka interpreter to provide on-site services.
Because of the growing capabilities of wireless computer networks connected to tablet computer and “smart phones,” interpretation is now available via video conference. The combination of the visual and auditory elements of communication offers the on-site interpretation experience without the additional mileage and transportation costs.
Deciding which form of interpretation is best for your situation isn’t always straight forward. Each mode of interpretation has its own set of strengths and disadvantages. HealthLink Interpreters, a division of CTS LanguageLink, has provided a table to help you determine which type of interpretation is right for your needs.
From a cost perspective, over-the-phone interpretation will generally cost the least per minute for sessions shorter than one and a half hours. Over-the-phone interpretation also avails itself to the most languages, as the interpreter can virtually be anywhere in the world, and most languages are available at a moment’s notice. Obviously, American Sign Language interpretation is not appropriate for over-the-phone interpretation.
On-site interpretation is often preferred for several reasons. This is the most familiar form of interpretation, and having the interpreter in the same room supports the intimate nature of communication. Finding an on-site interpreter for less-common languages can be difficult, especially if the interpreter needs to have specialized training in medical or social services terminology. The costs associated with on-site can be higher since one or two hour minimums are normal contract stipulations.
Video remote interpreting (VRI) is a hybrid of over-the-phone interpretation and on-site interpretation. The basic visual communication components of on-site interpretation are combined with the convenience and per minute cost structure of telephonic interpretation. VRI is similar to a video conference, except that a person may select the desired language to be interpreted, the specialization of the interpreter, and the gender of the interpreter. As one would expect, VRI costs more per minute than telephonic interpretation, but much less than on-site interpretation for appointments lasting, on average, less than 30 minutes.
The good news is that CTS LanguageLink provides all of these services, 24/7.
For more information about our interpretation services, feel free to call us.