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Article published In: Interpreting
Vol. 21:2 (2019) ► pp.270–304

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Expectations vs. experience

Attitudes towards video remote conference interpreting

 | University of Geneva
 | University of Geneva
 | University of Geneva
 | University of Geneva
Published online: 11 November 2019
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/intp.00030.see
Abstract
The attitudes of interpreters providing video remote conference interpreting during the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ was analyzed using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative and qualitative data pertaining to six deductive categories (general and specific attitudes towards remote interpreting, attitudes towards the work environment and the workspace, psychological and physiological wellbeing) were collected. Online questionnaires were completed both before and after the event and structured interviews were conducted on site during the event. Triangulation of results corroborates the technical feasibility of video remote interpreting, whilst highlighting aspects with a high potential to shape interpreters’ attitudes towards it. The quality of the technical team on site along with the availability of visual input in the entire conference room (including all speakers taking the floor) is key to offsetting the feeling of alienation or lack of immersion experienced by interpreters working with this technical setup. Suggestions for the improvement of key parameters are provided.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Literature review
  • 3.Research methodology
    • 3.1Research questions
    • 3.2Design
    • 3.3Instruments and protocols
    • 3.4Population and sample
    • 3.5Ethical considerations
    • 3.6Data analysis and reporting
  • 4.Setting
    • 4.1Event structure and language needs
    • 4.2RI room and booth configuration
    • 4.3RI technical specifications
  • 5.Results
    • 5.1General attitudes towards remote interpreting
    • 5.2General attitudes towards travel
    • 5.3Physiological wellbeing
    • 5.4Psychological wellbeing
    • 5.5Work environment
      • 5.5.1Mobility, safety and security
      • 5.5.2Amenities, work schedule and down time
    • 5.6Workspace – technical aspects
      • 5.6.1Expectations
      • 5.6.2Actual experience, likes and dislikes
      • 5.6.3Suggested improvements
    • 5.7Workspace – social and psychological aspects
      • 5.7.1Being there
    • 5.8Attitudes towards remote interpreting at the World Cup™ in Rio
  • 6.Discussion
    • 6.1How interpreters generally view video remote conference interpreting
    • 6.2How interpreters view remote interpreting at the 2014 FIFA World Cup™
    • 6.3How interpreters experience the RI work environment
    • 6.4How interpreters experience the RI workspace
    • 6.5How interpreters experience their psychological and physiological wellbeing
  • 7.Conclusions
  • Disclosure and acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
References (29)
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