Video-mediated remote interpreting in healthcare
Analysis of an Austrian pilot project
Interpreters face distinct challenges when deployed remotely via video link, due to their virtual presence but
physical absence in the conversation. Depending on the interpreting service, interpreters can also be exposed to greater
spontaneity and hence increased pressure if video-mediated interpreting is offered as an instant service. The examples discussed
in this paper draw on an interpreting studies-based analysis of the Austrian pilot project “Video-mediated interpreting in
healthcare.” In this study data were generated by means of an observational protocol, five recordings of authentic video-mediated
interpreted communicative events, five retrospective interviews with the interpreters from the recorded video-mediated interpreted
communicative events, and eight expert interviews with all interpreters from the pilot project. The scope of this article is to
present some of the main findings and draw attention to a crucial strategy used in remote interpreting, namely a reliance on
relevant sensory awareness.
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.Ethnographical data
- 3.Methodological basis
- 4.The role of perception in (remote) interpreting
- 4.1On-demand availability and its implications for interpreters
- 4.2Standby interpreting as a special challenge
- 4.3“Can you hear me?”: Auditory perception in VMRI
- 4.3.1Case 1: Pluricentric languages
- 4.3.2Case 2: Privacy screen mode
- 4.4Situative perception of interpreting assignment
- 5.Discussion
- 6.Summary
-
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