The short answer is probably — and fortunately — no.
The outbreak of Covid-19 in March 2020 turned the interpreting profession upside down. With the world in total lockdown, events cancellations were the new commonplace and interpreters and agencies were left empty-handed. Face-to-face meetings were now impossible and the future of the interpreting profession looked very uncertain.
In the midst of despair, however, the profession found a new, unexpected ally in the form of online platforms that enabled Remote Simultaneous Interpreting (RSI), such as Zoom, Interactio, Kudo or Interprefy. These platforms allow the creation of multiple audio channels, so attendees can listen to the meeting being interpreted into different languages.
However, remote interpreting had in fact been present for some years. Indeed, in 2019 the International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC) published Version 1.0 of their “Guidelines for Distance Interpreting” (AIIC: 2019). Although these guidelines were aimed at professional interpreters, they include information that may be useful for clients and conference organisers in order to understand the challenges involved in RSI. The guidelines can be found here.
Of course, the pandemic catapulted the use of Remote Simultaneous Interpreting to a new level. But even as lockdowns ease and face-to-face events become possible once again, the various benefits of RSI are likely to ensure its survival.
So, what are the benefits of RSI and why is it likely to be part of a post-pandemic reality?
IT SAVES TIME AND MONEY:
There is no need for extensive, detailed planning. With no conference rooms to be hired and no expensive equipment needed, conference organisers can save time and money. All that is needed is RSI software, which is easily accesible and easy to manage.
IT OPENS UP NEW POSSIBILITIES:
It gives interpreters access to jobs that would otherwise be out of reach. Thanks to new technologies, interpreters have the chance to participate in conferences happening even on the other side of the world. Ultimately, this means accessing new markets, cultivating new clients and developing a more global network.
IT SIMPLIFIES LOGISTICS:
With the possibility of working from their home offices, interpreters don't have to travel. This is particularly beneficial for companies as there are no travel or accommodation expenses to be covered. But it's also useful for interpreters, as they can save time and work for different clients on the same day.
However, all that glitters is not gold!
Despite these obvious benefits, RSI is not always the best possible option.
Firstly, there are many situations in which having a linguist present is preferable and even essential, for example: diplomatic negotiations, business meetings, factory tours, site visits, meetings dealing with sensitive information, legal matters, contract signings, etc.
Secondly, nothing can substitute a face-to-face meeting. It is important to remember that meetings are much more than a simple exchange of information. They are a perfect opportunity for fostering new business relationships and making contacts. In other words, NETWORKING, NETWORKING, NETWORKING.
So to come back to the question of whether RSI will ever substitute on-site interpreting, in my humble opinion, the answer is no.
Remote meetings eliminate the opportunities for small talk, coffee chats or business lunches, making it more difficult for entrepreneurs to build much-needed rapport with clients and colleagues. It is inevitable that face-to-face meetings will eventually resume.
This doesn't mean RSI will disappear. It is indeed here to stay and will be part of a post-pandemic reality, but it is — in my opinion — not interchangeable with on-site interpreting. I believe both should be used in different contexts, and this gives them the opportunity to cohabit in peace.