The Power of Teamwork: Why Interpreting Agencies Send Two Interpreters for Assignments Over an Hour
Interpreting is a demanding and complex profession that plays a pivotal role in facilitating communication for individuals with diverse language needs. When it comes to assignments lasting longer than an hour, interpreting agencies often deploy not one but two interpreters. In this blog post, we explore the reasons behind this practice and why it's a standard in the interpreting industry.
1. Maintaining Quality and Accuracy
Interpreting is mentally taxing, requiring intense concentration and rapid linguistic processing. Over time, fatigue can set in, potentially leading to decreased accuracy. By sending two interpreters, agencies ensure that they can switch seamlessly when one interpreter needs a break. This maintains the highest level of quality and accuracy throughout the assignment.
2. Continuous Communication Flow
Interpreters work tirelessly to convey messages accurately. When one interpreter takes a break, the other steps in immediately, ensuring a continuous and uninterrupted flow of communication. This is especially crucial in critical settings like educational classes, medical appointments, legal proceedings, and conferences.
3. Mitigating Health Risks
Long interpreting sessions can be physically and mentally taxing, leading to health risks for interpreters. Fatigue can affect posture, joints and overall well-being. By rotating interpreters, agencies help mitigate these risks, promoting the health and longevity of their professionals.
4. Cultural Sensitivity and Nuance
Interpreters don't just convey words; they also bridge cultural gaps and nuances. In longer assignments, especially those involving in-depth discussions, multiple perspectives, or sensitive topics, having two interpreters allows for diverse cultural insights and ensures nothing gets lost in translation.
5. Emergency Preparedness
In emergencies, where time is critical, having two interpreters on standby can be a lifesaver. One interpreter can step in immediately, ensuring swift and accurate communication during high-pressure situations.
6. Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusivity
Assignments lasting over an hour often involve crucial communication, such as medical diagnoses or legal consultations. Having two interpreters present ensures that individuals who rely on interpreting services are given the best possible access to information, thus promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities.
Conclusion
The practice of sending two interpreters to assignments exceeding an hour is not just a convention; it's a necessity driven by a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, ensuring continuous communication flow, safeguarding interpreter health, and promoting cultural sensitivity. By adopting this practice, interpreting agencies enhance accessibility and inclusivity, ultimately making the world a more communicative and equitable place for all.