The pendulum swing: from RSI dominance to face-to-face renaissance in interpreting

The Covid-19 pandemic forced a rapid and radical shift in how we communicate, particularly in the realm of multilingual events. Remote Simultaneous Interpreting (RSI), once a niche service, surged to the forefront, becoming the lifeline for international conferences, summits, and business meetings. But as the world gradually returns to normalcy, the pendulum is swinging back, and the resurgence of face-to-face events is reshaping the interpreting landscape.

The Rise of RSI: A Necessity Born of Crisis

When lockdowns and travel restrictions became the norm, RSI platforms stepped in, offering a seemingly seamless solution. Interpreters, equipped with headsets and stable internet connections, could provide their services from anywhere in the world. This offered undeniable advantages:

• Accessibility: Events could reach a wider audience, regardless of geographical limitations.
• Cost-effectiveness: Reduced travel and accommodation expenses made events more accessible to organizers.
• Flexibility: Scheduling and logistics became more adaptable, allowing for shorter, more frequent meetings.

For a time, RSI became synonymous with modern interpreting, demonstrating its potential and proving its viability.

The Limitations of the Virtual Realm

However, the initial euphoria surrounding RSI began to wane as the limitations of the virtual environment became increasingly apparent.

• Technological Challenges: Internet instability, platform glitches, and audio-visual discrepancies often disrupted the flow of communication.
• Lack of Non-Verbal Cues: Interpreters rely heavily on body language and facial expressions to accurately convey meaning. The virtual format often hindered this crucial aspect of the process.
• Increased Fatigue: Staring at screens for extended periods, coupled with the inherent stress of remote interpreting, led to significant interpreter fatigue.
• Reduced Interaction: The lack of informal networking and spontaneous interactions, crucial for building relationships, was a significant drawback.
• The feeling of disconnection: Attendees and speakers alike have expressed a feeling of disconnection from the event, and from each other, when participating virtually.

The Resurgence of Face-to-Face: The Power of Human Connection

As vaccination rates increased and travel restrictions eased, the desire for in-person interaction resurfaced. Organizers and attendees alike yearned for the tangible experience of face-to-face events.

• Enhanced Engagement: The immersive atmosphere of a physical venue fosters greater engagement and participation.
• Stronger Networking: Face-to-face events provide unparalleled opportunities for building relationships and fostering collaboration.
• Improved Communication: The presence of non-verbal cues and the ability to interact directly with speakers and other attendees greatly enhance communication.
• Higher Quality Interpreting: Interpreters can perform at their best in a physical setting, with optimal audio-visual conditions and direct access to speakers.
• The value of the experience: People are expressing a desire for experiences, and face to face events provide an experience that a virtual event cannot.

The Hybrid Future: Finding the Balance

While face-to-face events are experiencing a resurgence, RSI is not going away entirely. The future of interpreting likely lies in a hybrid model, where technology and human interaction complement each other.

• RSI can still be valuable for smaller meetings, webinars, and events with geographically dispersed participants.
• Hybrid events can combine the accessibility of RSI with the engagement of face-to-face interaction.
• Technology can be used to enhance the face-to-face experience, such as through real-time captioning and interactive platforms.

The pandemic has taught us the importance of adaptability and the power of human connection. As we navigate the evolving landscape of interpreting, it is crucial to embrace both technology and the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interaction. The key is finding the right balance to ensure effective and meaningful multilingual communication.

At ENCI, we are experts in conference interpreting at face-to-face, remote and hybrid events. If you need a reliable and accurate interpreting service, whatever the context, just get in touch with us.