Choosing what language regime to offer during an event will ultimately also determine whether interested indi- viduals decide to sign up, or whether the language barri- er means they decide not to. Interpreting in online settings The advantage of simultaneous interpretating is that it takes place in real time, without causing any delays. Digital events are typically shorter, as is the attention span of participants, so simultaneous interpreting may be preferable. It is easy to implement if the agenda is dominated by one-way communication elements such as presentations. It becomes more challenging the more time is allocated to debates and discussions. Another as- pect is the number of languages. From a technical point of view, interpretation between two languages is easy to provide via Zoom, Webex or similar platforms. Although most major videoconferencing platforms meanwhile ac- commodate interpretation both into and between sever- al languages (via “relay” interpreting), care must be taken to arrange a test run before the actual event and in par- ticular, to ensure the interpreting team is familiar with the tool so they can select the right channels. In summa- ry: from a technical standpoint everything is possible, yet the more complex the requirements, the higher the cost. As consecutive interpretation does not require addition- al equipment, it is a low-key and financially more accessi- ble form of interpretation, especially in bilateral settings. The interpreters connect from their offices to the meet- ing as if they were a participant. Another advantage is that consecutive interpreting creates greater awareness of the other language, which can help create a stronger international feel inside the group and promote mutual understanding. One key aspect – with which online interpretation, spe- cifically simultaneous interpretation, stands and falls – is the speakers’ audio quality. A strong and stable internet connection, a well-functioning headset and a quiet room from which to participate are crucial. Depending on the target group, it is not always possible to place such high expectations on participants, yet organisers must be aware that interpretation can only be provided (and provided well) if the participants can be clearly under- stood. The audio quality of participants whose contribu- tions are to be interpreted simultaneously needs to be particularly high since the interpreters need to continue hearing the speakers’ voices while they interpret.
Regardless of interpreting mode ¬– consecutive or si- multaneous –, online interpreting (also known as remote interpreting) is cognitively more exhausting for inter- preters than on-site work. The duration of sessions to be interpreted must be shortened or where necessary, the team of interpreters enlarged. 8 This is all the more the case if organisers choose not to recruit professional interpreters but lay interpreters or language assistants, as is often done in youth exchanges. These are individu- als with strong foreign language skills who are also very
familiar with the dynamics of youth groups. 9 Using written communication
When planning the language regime of an exchange, oral communication tends to be high up on the agenda. However, in online exchanges, written communication needs to be considered, too. Some specific aspects to consider include: » What language should the chat be used in? Just one common language, e.g. English? Or in all languages spoken in the group? If so, which team member(s) can ensure that messages are translated? Or will only oral questions, e.g. asked during a Q&A session after a presentation, be admitted that are then translated by interpreters into the other languages? » What language will any documents or presentations to be shared on the screen be written in? Will they be understood by all those present? Will videos be shown that have an audio component?
» What additional tools or apps might be used? Are they available in different languages?
8 For more information on the conceptual and technical aspects of online interpreting, see: IJAB (2021): Handbook “Interpreting at Online Events”. 9 For information on using lay interpreters/language assistants in International Youth Work, see Wissing 2019 as well as Acker- mann/Domachowska: “Was hat sie gesagt? Übersetz doch mal schnell! Zu den Aufgaben, Herausforderungen und der Rolle von Sprachmittlerinnen bei deutsch-polnischen Begegnungen und Projekten“ (in German), German-Polish Youth Office, 2018.
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