RSI and interpreter strikes

RSI has been a very topical subject amongst the interpreter community during the past few weeks, following reports that some EU interpreters have suffered damage to their hearing which has been attributed to long-term exposure to substandard microphones and poor-quality broadband, along with other issues that the AIIC would like to see rectified.

Earlier this week, interpreters at the European Parliament voted to strike until conditions were improved, an action which led to parliament outsourcing interpretation to an external provider, further exacerbating relations with interpreters.

For me, remote working during the pandemic – and even still now – holds many advantages and I don’t want to wade into the debate on this matter. I do agree, however, that there should be suitable working standards for all workers no matter what their industry and it is great that this is being recognised for those of us who use our ears as our principal work tool.

For freelance interpreters, RSI enabled us to continue to work during the hardest of times, operating at a high level throughout the global pandemic, and still enables successful, quality, work with less travel, which in turn saves time, money and reduces our impact on the environment.

I hope a resolution can be reached very soon and that some good comes from all the dialogue and strike action.

Officially approved interpreter for Interprefy

I’m delighted to share that this month I received my official certification as an Approved Interpreter from Remote Simultaneous Interpretation (RSI) platform Interprefy after successfully completing a refresher course. I’ve had great experiences with Interprefy over the years and it’s highly regarded as one of the best-performing RSI platforms in the interpreting community, so I’m really happy to add this accreditation to my portfolio.

I’m a self-confessed digital enthusiast and when Interprefy first launched five years ago I was immediately impressed with it. So much so, I was delighted to meet the founder and CEO of Interprefy, Kim Ludvigsen, whilst I was working in Zurich to hear first-hand from him all about the platform over a delicious dinner!

If you don’t know much about Interprefy, do read the article I published on Linked In reviewing their platform, which details why they are so good at what they do. I’m proud to be a part of their community.

Expect the unexpected!

If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen a reel I published a couple of weeks ago where I was dashing to an eleventh-hour extraordinary meeting in Geneva. I wanted to take a moment to log the event, as it’s something which, in over twenty years of interpreting, has never happened to me before!

As an interpreter, you must always be ready for whatever comes your way. The ability to think on our feet whilst remaining unflappable is one of an interpreter’s most useful skills! However, an emergency meeting is something I’ve never been asked to attend before and I was caught a little off-guard when the text message came through, mistakenly presuming my work was finished for the day!

Fortunately, in my most girl-scout way, I had most of my necessary items with me, and just needed to return to the hotel for a quick change. I made the Instagram reel as I was walking, to record this unique event, and I hope you enjoy it! Don’t judge me though, it was all a little hectic and rushed, but getting the adrenaline pumping is not always a bad thing!

As Oscar Wilde said, “To expect the unexpected shows a thoroughly modern intellect”, and I think from now on I will never completely relax at an event until I’m on the journey home!

Have you ever had any unexpected events arise? How did you cope with them? I’d love to hear your stories!

Legal interpreting enquiries increase

This month I have experienced a noticeable surge in requests for interpreting services from project managers in dispute resolution, arbitration and other legal cases. As the pandemic eases, legal hearings have now resumed, the backlog is clearing, and much of my legal work is now in person rather than fully remote, as used to be the case.

I have just come back from working at an ongoing case at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, and am due back there again later this month.

Legal interpreting is usually delivered by consecutive interpreting or simultaneous interpreting, depending on the individual requirements of the case, or which aspect of the proceedings are required to be interpreted.

It’s always worth investing in experienced professionals to ensure smooth legal proceedings. With over twenty years’ experience in the industry, I fully understand law and court protocol – both of which are essential in the role. I also firmly believe that language should never be a barrier to justice, and my clients are always my number one priority.

If you require a legal interpreter, don’t hesitate to contact me.