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The Remote Interpreter
Chapter 1: An Overview of Remote Interpreting

Introduction

Not long ago, remote interpreting represented a small part of the language industry. For spoken
languages, over-the-phone interpreting (OPI) was increasing rapidly. Video remote interpreting
(VRI) was expanding more slowly but steadily. For signed languages, video relay service (VRS)
was growing widespread.
Then the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began, and the whole world changed.

The professional network LinkedIn reported that in March 2020 only “1 in 67 paid jobs in the U.S.
offered remote work.” Over a year later, that number was nearly one in six (Kimbrough, 2022).
Many countries around the world saw similar increases in remote work.
Remote interpreting, like remote work in general, has expanded exponentially. Few see that trend
reversing. It is here to stay.

As a result, remote interpreting today makes up a central part of the language industry. It is a
modality used in every interpreting specialization and performed over a wide variety of platforms.
This two-volume textbook covers the field of remote interpreting as comprehensively as possible. By
the time you finish reading it, you’ll have the information you need to perform remote interpreting
in nearly any specialization.

You’ll learn about over-the-phone interpreting (OPI), video remote interpreting (VRI), video relay service
(VRS) and remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI). You’ll explore remote interpreting technology
and find out what you need to do and plan for to begin a career as a remote interpreter, including
how to set up your workstation at your workplace or at home and how to prepare for each session.
If you decide to work at a call center, you’ll have a better understanding of the setup there as well.

You’ll be introduced to the protocols and essential skills that remote interpreters need to know well
to work effectively. You’ll have a tool for self-evaluation and evaluation by your peers, which are
essential practices for improving your performance. Self-evaluation and seeking feedback are the
hallmarks of a true professional.

You’ll also learn the ethical requirements, standards and best practices for your work and how to
conduct yourself professionally. You’ll explore remote interpreting across various specializations,
tackle the laws and policies that affect remote interpreting and learn how to build your remote
interpreter portfolio of credentials. You’ll find out how team interpreting and relay interpreting
take place remotely.

Because remote interpreting adds many stressors to the work of the interpreter, you’ll also learn
why self-care is essential and how to engage in it.

This introductory chapter provides you with a broad overview of the field. It gives a general
introduction to the history of remote interpreting and how the pandemic has transformed it, along
with general information on OPI, VRI, VRS and RSI.
In short, Chapter 1 will paint a picture for you of the field of remote interpreting as a whole. The
textbook will then explore each of these topics in more depth and detail.

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