Remote Interpreting – EPISODE 2: Interpreting Environment:

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Video transcript:

Hello everybody!

I hope you all found the first episode of ‘How to stay safe when Remote Interpreting’ useful? We want to ensure that you are being connected as securely as possible.

Here’s the second episode ‘Interpreting Environment’ where we would like to explain three things that BSL interpreters need to consider when setting up remote interpreting. Deaf clients will also need to understand the risks involved when using a remote interpreter:

  • Is the interpreter’s setting appropriate? When working remotely, the BSL interpreter needs to consider where to work, is it in the living room? Dining room? Is he/she sharing the space with a spouse and/or children? Like face to face interpreting, all conversations are highly confidential and need to be in a separate room for confidentiality and complete privacy.  You must have the confidence to ask for clarification that the interpreting setting is appropriate in order for your confidentiality to be maintained.
  • Does your interpreter have appropriate equipment? When booking a remote interpreter, there are lots of things you will need to consider to ensure that the interpreter can carry out the service as effectively as possible. Do they have sufficient broadband speeds (is the video quality good enough for Sign Language)? Appropriate equipment, such as PC/ Mac? Using a smartphone is obviously not ideal. HD webcam? Handset? Plain background? Be sure that you are comfortable with the environment the interpreter is presenting to you. If you are not, refuse to continue.
  • F2F is different from Remote Interpreting: It’s important that you need to understand that a video setting is very different from F2F and can’t be treated in the same manner. Interpreters (and you) can become fatigued quicker working on-screen therefore it is essential that regular breaks are incorporated into the call. In the case of long meetings, a co-worker is recommended and as the BSL interpreter is not in the room, ideally the you should explain and prepare the interpreter with as much information as possible in advance to ensure the optimum scenario.

That’s all for this week! For further information, please visit our website: www.signvideo.co.uk. Remember to always stay safe when using remote interpreting. From everyone at SignVideo.