Remote Interpreting in Public Service Settings: Technology, Perceptions and Practice

Abstract

Remote interpretation technology is developing extremely fast, enabling affordable and instant access to interpreting services worldwide. This paper focuses on the subjective perceptions of public service interpreters about the psychological and physical impact of using remote interpreting, and the effects on their own performance. To this end, a survey study has been conducted by means of an on-line questionnaire. Both structured and unstructured questions have been used to tap into interpreters’ view on technology, elicit information about perceived effects, and identify pitfalls and prospects.