Know how to Overcome Language Obstacles with Telephonic Interpretation

When unexpected language barriers occur, there is no time to waste; you need a quick and easy solution that is readily available. Whether you are experiencing a medical emergency or trying to finalize a business contract, language obstacles should not stand in the way of getting the assistance you need. Fortunately, there is an ideal answer that only involves one piece of equipment; i.e., telephonic interpretation services.

As businesses expand internationally and employees continue to work remotely, the need for telephone interpretation is growing across industries, including the medical, legal, hospitality, and financial sectors.

Review our guide to telephone interpretation to get a complete picture of how the service works, as well as the benefits that accompany it.

What is Over-The-Phone Interpretation?

Telephone interpretation is one of the fastest, most efficient ways to communicate with someone who speaks another language. It involves having a three-way conference call between the two people who speak different languages and a professional interpreter.

The service is easy to use and includes the following steps:

  • A client contacts a professional interpretation services provider and selects the necessary language pair.
  • Within seconds, an interpreter joins the call, then translates the conversation in real-time.
  • As one person speaks on the phone, the interpreter takes notes of what is being said.
  • After the person speaks, the interpreter repeats what they said in the other language so the second individual can understand it.
  • The interpreter shares the information after every couple of sentences. That way, they can keep up with everything being said without losing track of any of the information.

One of the best aspects of this interpretation approach is that no sophisticated technology is necessary to achieve it; you simply need a phone and access to the service you intend to use.

Benefits of Telephone Interpretation

Businesses in any industry, as well as individuals, can benefit from using an on-demand interpretation service. The primary advantages of over-the-phone interpretation include:

  • Cost effectiveness- When you require on-demand interpretation services, telephone interpretation is often going to be the least expensive option, especially when compared with on-site interpretation. With no travel or additional equipment involved, this service is usually reasonably priced.
  • It saves money for the business- Mistakes can frequently cost a business money, especially if they are major ones. As such, companies should take steps to ensure they do not lose money due to a miscommunication. Additionally, telephone interpreters who are assisting in difficult financial situations, such as legal proceedings, can make certain that language barriers do not cause an error that would make a client lose their case.
  • The service is immediately accessible- Remote interpretation services are accessible right away, which is especially necessary during a medical Furthermore, if someone is in the hospital and needs to communicate in their own language, telephone interpretation can facilitate that. By helping patients communicate with their doctors, medical facilities can avoid unnecessary delays in treatments.
  • Customers will feel confident with a business and its products- As companies expand across borders, they need to be able to provide excellent customer service to their clients Telephone interpreters can be easily available to assist customers who have questions about a potential purchase. When clients feel like they can sufficiently communicate, they are more likely to have confidence in the business and continue to purchase its products and services.
  • Work processes become streamlined- When communication hindrances are removed, processes can be accomplished more efficiently. This is particularly vital when language barriers cause delays in work getting completed. By connecting with an interpreter by phone, tasks can be finalized and decisions can be made, without adding extra steps to the process. Because it can help make businesses operate more efficiently, telephone interpretation is clearly worth the investment.
  • There are no geographical limitations. One of the greatest aspects of telephone interpreters is that you can reach them no matter where you are located. If you are traveling overseas for work or leisure, you know that you have a means of communication. Additionally, you can reach services that you might not be able to otherwise, such as seeking an opinion from a specialist in a specific medical field.

How to Select a Telephone Interpretation Service

When deciding on a telephone interpretation services provider, make certain that:

  • Numerous language pairs are available- Although many telephonic interpretation agencies state that they can provide services in hundreds of languages, it might be difficult to find a qualified interpreter who speaks rare languages. Therefore, it is essential to verify that the company offers the combination that you need. Additionally, inquire about the other languages that are available, so that you know whether the agency has a broad range of options.
  • The service is always available- Of course, one of the primary benefits of telephone interpretation is that it is immediately accessible all day and night, but some companies might have limitations on their availability. Remember that a quality telephone interpreting service will be accessible on a moment’s notice and with next to no wait time.
  • Confidentiality is guaranteed- All interpretation agencies should be able to guarantee that the communication will remain confidential. In fact, they should be able to show that they are compliant with all privacy standards, including HIPAA privacy regulations for patients. Each call participant should feel comfortable that all information they share in front of the interpreter will remain secure.
  • The interpreters are professionally qualified– The interpretation session is only going to be as successful as the interpreter conducting it. For the most effective sessions, make certain that the linguist is a native speaker of both languages. In addition, the interpreter should be a subject matter expert in the field that is being discussed. If they do not understand the terminology, they could make a significant mistake while relaying messages between participants.
  • The agency has a solid reputation- Check out what customers have to say about the remote interpretation service before contracting with them. The company should have a top-notch reputation for professionalism and reliability. This includes making certain that the interpreters consistently follow through with their appointments. In addition, the agency should offer other types of services, such as simultaneous interpretation, for possible future needs.
  • You will only pay for what you use. Some on-demand interpretation service agencies charge a minimum fee or require a subscription to use their service. This puts the client at a disadvantage because they will be billed even if they do not use the service. Additionally, some agencies charge a cancelation fee if a client discontinues the service. A reputable language services provider does not need to force extra costs on customers; instead, they will only charge per minute starting when the interpreter joins the call.

For any business that has international clients or staff, telephone interpretation is an essential service. To be prepared for unexpected language issues, select a language services provider that has immediately accessible telephonic interpretation services.

Summary

One of the most affordable and most convenient ways to bridge language communication gaps is through telephonic interpretation services. From being accessible immediately to helping people communicate abroad, these services offer a variety of benefits. Here is our guide to understanding this on-demand interpretation service.