Interpreting at hybrid events How can interpretation be provided when not all par- ticipants are connected remotely, but some are online, some are in the room? This constellation was tested as part of the Internationale Jugendarbeit.digital project. The DIY 2 Lab event How to Hybrid (publication in Ger- man), which focused on how to organise hybrid youth exchanges, was itself a hybrid event. Around half of the participants connected remotely via Zoom, the other connected to Zoom while in the same room. The work- shop took place as part of a conference on remem- brance organised by the German-Greek Youth Office. The remote participants were German speakers, while those present were Greek or German speakers, so the following solution was chosen: An interpreter was present in the room who interpreted all German-language interventions (by both online par- ticipants and speakers as well as by those in the room) simultaneously into Greek via a tour guide system. Any Greek interventions from the participants were inter- preted consecutively, so the interpreter’s voice could be heard through an in-room mic both by those present in the room and by those listening via Zoom.
Breaking the ice: Digital Language Animation
Language Animation is all about reducing the barriers to foreign-language communication, enjoying using the partner language and, given that it’s an interactive meth- od, improving group dynamics. All of these objectives are equally valid when it comes to online exchanges. The Coronavirus pandemic has allowed organisers to gather ample experience adapting in-person Language Anima- tion methods to the digital sphere. Language Animation activities can help break the ice, get participants up and moving and help them develop a sense of community even though they are online. Linguistically, the partici- pants can come closer to each other by experimenting with and interacting in the language of the others in the group. The linguistic diversity hidden behind interpreta- tion or the use of a common event language (usually Eng- lish) can hence be explored and appreciated. Non-verbal communication, which is limited given the small size of users’ screens, can be applied deliberately.
For more information on Language Animation and suggested activities in digital youth exchanges, download the IJAB handbook on Language Anima- tion in Online Youth Meetings.
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