Last updated on July 23rd, 2024 at 02:57 pm

On-demand services are a vital feature of today’s fast-paced world. Urgent business meetings cannot be delayed, medical emergencies must be handled immediately, and immigration interviews must occur as scheduled. These are just a few examples of the language requests we receive from clients requesting immediate interpretation services. In many cases, remote interpretation services like over-the-phone interpretation and Zoom interpretation services are effective solutions.

What is Phone interpretation?

Dual headset phone for hospital settings

Phone interpreting is a form of interpretation in which language support is delivered over the phone. It is a form of consecutive interpretation and is especially desirable when an interpreter is not available in person immediately. It is also the most cost-effective solution in certain situations.

An Easy-to-Use Interpretation Service

Unlike interpretation events, where special equipment is required for a larger audience, phone interpretation requires no planning and set-up time with larger and complete multilingual events. Interpretation over the phone is easily arranged: By dialing the number provided, you and your client or colleague are instantly connected with a professional interpreter who is a native speaker of the language you need.

Who needs Phone Interpretation?

In 2013, approximately 61.6 million foreign and U.S.-born individuals spoke a language other than English at home. About 41 percent (25.1 million) were considered Limited English Proficient (LEP). – from the Migration Policy Institute

LEP individuals comprise a significant portion of the US population and must be well-served in their native language for various purposes.  For instance, a parent-teacher conference can be delivered over the phone with the LEP parent, the interpreter, and the teacher- all on the same line.  Imagine, in this case, how relieved the parent would feel knowing that he or she knows how their child is progressing in school!  It is one of many ways we can help parents of all nationalities become involved in their children’s education.

Other groups who benefit from over-the-phone interpreting include the following-

 Job Seekers—In job interviews, a phone interpreter facilitates communication between an employer and a job candidate to help employers determine the candidate’s qualifications and suitability and help the candidate understand the interview questions.

Medical Patients—Over-the-phone medical interpretation is indispensable for patients with conditions requiring immediate attention. A qualified medical interpreter can ease the stress for the patient, doctor, and patient’s family by ensuring the doctor understands the issue at hand so a proper solution can be promptly provided to the patient.

Users of Customer Service- A study of more than 400 U.S.-based contact centers shows that 34% don’t have formal support for inquiries in other languages. (Source: CSA)  Providing customer care in your customers’ native languages enhances their experience and impression of your company.  You can make this possible by offering immediate interpretation over the phone.

Business Meetings- More business meetings occur between companies in different countries and time zones.  Both language and culture can be barriers to conducting a productive meeting.  Phone interpretation can help facilitate effective communication, which sets the grounds for securing successful business deals- an impossible result if the meeting had been conducted in English.

In all of these cases and more, the phone interpreter also helps to put the interviewees at ease in a setting where their native language is not generally spoken.

Contact us today to learn more about our user-friendly phone interpretation services and other interpretation options and to begin eliminating the language barriers between you and your valuable clients.