Global work, study, and services now span borders, so conversations rarely stay within one language. You can’t count on meeting fellow native speakers every time. VRI technology provides a practical bridge, allowing people who use different languages to communicate in real time.
This guide explains what VRI technology is, why it matters, its benefits and use cases, how it works, and best practices. You’ll also learn how it has evolved, the challenges teams encounter, and where the field is heading next.
What is Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)?
Before we move into the technicalities, it’s important to start from the basics. Therefore, let’s begin with understanding the basics of VRI.
Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) allows users to connect with interpreters in real-time within minutes through video conferencing technology. This technology eliminates the need for interpreters to be present at the location physically.
If you don’t share a language, an interpreter can join your preferred video platform and render the conversation in your language. Sessions can be one-to-one, three-way, or fully multiparty.
VRI is currently used for hundreds of official and indigenous languages spoken across the globe, as well as non-spoken languages, i.e., Sign language.
Furthermore, unlike telephone interpretation, VRI enables users to both see and hear interpreters simultaneously, providing the added advantage of a more comprehensive experience through body language and expressions.
How Does VRI Work?
Curious about the wizardry behind Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)? Let’s unravel the mystery!
VRI operates seamlessly with three key players in action: the primary speakers seeking interpretation, the skilled interpreter, and a video-conferencing platform.
To start with VRI, all you need is a device and a good internet connection. Then everyone hops onto a video service—Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, or Skype.
If you’re interested in a VRI platform that ensures an unparalleled experience with cutting-edge technology, consider looking through TransLinguist Interactive’s features.
Once the users and interpreters have connected, it’s time to start rolling! The interpreter listens to the speaker and then translates it into the user’s language. Ultimately, this means that the interpretation type is consecutive. This meeting type includes several pauses – the speaker takes breaks between sentences, allowing the interpreter to convert it to the target language before continuing.
VRI Applications Across Different Industries
Since its penetration into the market, VRI has gradually integrated into different industries. Today, VRI is an essential means of effective communication and increased accessibility in everyday life.
Let’s go through some of the most common industries and how VRI is being utilized there.
HealthCare
Per ABI Research, healthcare adoption of Video Remote Interpreting is expected to expand at a roughly 20% CAGR over the next two years. Increasing linguistic diversity heightens the need for native-language access; absent this, miscommunication and information loss may occur, with serious implications for patients. By enabling effective communication in conferences, clinician–patient encounters, and telehealth sessions, VRI supports better clinical outcomes and patient experience.
Education
More students are heading overseas each year. According to the Institute of International Education, a record 6.09 million studied abroad in 2022.
The dependence on VRI increased during COVID-19 to facilitate students in e-learning. Today, most institutions widely use a hybrid learning model in education. Technology is essential today for smooth, reliable communication among teachers, parents, and students.
Schools and universities worldwide rely on it for distance learning, parent-teacher meetings, and panel discussions.
Legal
Interpretation in legal settings is essential to the extent that there have been various laws passed that ensure interpreter availability for non-English speakers, even if it’s just to sign legal documents.
On-site interpretation in courts becomes complex due to the extensive security clearances required. On top of that, it’s also significantly more expensive to source on-site interpreters for courts than in traditional situations. Let’s not forget the unnecessary delays and cancellations in court hearings due to the unavailability of qualified interpreters.
Nowadays, most courts keep a database of qualified interpreters available on-site for court hearings. However, it’s more common and preferred to immediately connect with an interpreter through VRI for trials, attorney-client meetings, witness accounts, hearings, document signing, and depositions, due to easier accessibility and cost-effectiveness.
Business
With companies going global and hiring international talent, business owners can no longer overlook the importance of VRI. Spending hundreds of dollars for on-site interpretation that could be going to your profits or valuable investments instead or dismissing meetings due to language barriers isn’t an option if you want to scale.
Using VRI, companies can empower their employees to communicate in real time. Besides that, businesses can also grab the opportunity to meet with potential investors who may not speak a similar language.
Studies show that investors and potential clients gain more trust in companies with a front face. Therefore, if you’re more inclined towards hopping on a call with the other party as a business, it’s better to opt for VRI for the visual cues and enhanced communication to bridge the gap.
Emergency Services
VRI is well-known as an immediate language support solution anytime, anywhere. Since interpreters don’t have to be physically present at the location, it’s quick and simple to get language support using VRI technology. This ease of access is especially useful for situations that require urgent support.
During emergencies, VRI enables first responders and humanitarian organizations to communicate effectively with individuals in crisis who can’t communicate in official languages.
Benefits of Video Remote Interpreting
VRI brings a range of benefits compared to traditional interpretation settings, and its utilization is increasing in almost every industry. If you’re wondering why this interpretation channel is making waves, here are some of its most significant advantages:
Real-Time Communication
Individuals, organizations, and institutions previously had to rely on the physical presence of interpreters for communication between multilingual groups. Often, the physical unavailability of interpreters caused delays in communication.
Now, VRI facilitates instant and direct communication in those settings, without geographical barriers becoming an obstacle. Audio-visual communication through VRI can happen anytime without any geographical constraints.
Enhanced Access to Language Support
Traditional methods of interpretation came with numerous limitations, including geographical and interpreters’ availability, to name the most common hindrances.
Even with channels like telephonic interpretation, factors like increased language support for individuals with indigenous language backgrounds and accessibility for the deaf and mute community were an issue.
VRI technology not only enables access to on-demand interpretation across various sectors but also ensures access to interpreters in a wide range of languages. In other words, VRI has improved the onset of inclusive and accessible communication for diverse linguistic communities.
Cost Efficiency
Anyone who has ever had to book an on-site interpretation would know the thousands of dollars you have to spare due to the cumulative costs of the interpreter’s fee, travel, and per diem costs.
With VRI, organizations can save a significant amount by shifting to remote interpretations. Even a single on-site interpretation meeting replaced with VRI can cut down a huge chunk of costs, let alone multiple meetings required on an ongoing basis.
Flexibility & Convenience
Interpretation becomes a hassle when it has to be on-site. The users and interpreters both need to allocate time to physically visit a location. As a result, this is especially more difficult to achieve if the required services are for emergencies.
FAQs
How do we choose between consecutive and simultaneous interpreting?
Use consecutive for interviews, depositions, or when precision outweighs speed. Choose simultaneous for fast-paced discussions or when interruptions would disrupt the flow; ensure audio settings support it.
How do we protect confidentiality and privilege in a remote session?
Limit attendees, use authenticated/locked rooms, and disable recording unless counsel authorizes it. State privilege at the outset and store any transcripts per your retention policy.
What equipment and setup improve accuracy most?
A wired or stable high-bandwidth connection, a quality headset mic, good lighting with the speaker’s face visible, and quiet surroundings. Pre-open exhibits and use page/line bookmarks to prevent on-call fumbling.
Can the interpreter explain or summarize complex points for the LEP participant?
No. The interpreter renders faithfully and neutrally; they may ask for repetition or clarification to avoid ambiguity. If explanation is needed, counsel should rephrase in plain language and then proceed.
