Remote interpretation via Zoom

05 April 2022

Just recently, a year or a year and a half ago, we were organizing live interpretations, and our interpreters travelled to other cities and provided interpretation support at important meetings and conferences. However, the global COVID-19 pandemic redefined our traditional rhythm of life.

The world around us changes, and so do we. We test and use new technologies that allow us to work, advance and make life easier.

One of these life hacks is a remote interpretation via Zoom. Here we would like to tell you more about this technology and its features.

Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing service you can use to arrange online classes, video conferences and events from the comfort of your home. It is a free-to-use platform but for a limited time of 40 minutes only. If you are planning a high-level event or a series of long-term events, we recommend that you purchase a license allowing you to use the platform for an unlimited time during the period of the prepaid license. It is also worth noting that if you are the host of an event held via Zoom and you need interpretation for your foreign speakers/participants or guests, then you will not be able to benefit from the interpretation function without purchasing a license.

Let’s take a closer look at how interpretation is made via Zoom:

1. Language pairs supported by the platform:

• Chinese;
• English;
• French;
• German;
• Italian;
• Japanese;
• Korean;
• Polish;
• Portuguese;
• Ukrainian;
• Russian;
• Spanish;
• Turkish.

2. Settings required for a smooth and high-quality audio and image transmission:

• Stable internet connection
• Zoom platform is applied on one device
• The latest version of the Zoom platform

3. Simultaneous interpretation via Zoom:

• It is possible to simultaneously interpret only into languages supported by the platform.
• To use the simultaneous interpretation function, you should add this feature when you create a link to your event, select language pairs, and add interpreters’ names and email addresses. Interpreters will receive invitations to your event via email, and participants will be able to choose the language they understand, are comfortable with and are fluent in.
• To use the simultaneous interpretation service, find the Globe sign in the lower panel, click on it, and select the language you need. For a tablet or smartphone, please click on More. Please update the app if you don’t see the required language in the list. It is also important to remember that the simultaneous interpretation feature is not available on the web version of Zoom, so you should download the app. We advise you to update your application regularly.
• Usually, the simultaneous interpretation uses two language pairs. It means that, by choosing the language you need, you will hear the information in it.
• There is no need to worry that you will not hear something or you will not be heard or understood. The most difficult work is done by interpreters using two different channels, so you just need to choose your native language.

4. Advanced features:

Event recording; broadcast on Facebook/YouTube; an opportunity to demonstrate a document/presentation by first opening this document and then clicking the appropriate button on the bottom panel; an opportunity to ask a question or ask for a possibility to speak using the “virtual hand” function.

Do you still have questions or doubts about how to use the platform? KLS Agency will be happy to help you organize your event at the highest level. We deliver simultaneous/consecutive interpretation services via Zoom, rent the platform, provide technical support, and do many other things.