Has there been a more important time for translation industry?
By now, almost all countries have been affected by the spread of the Coronavirus aka COVID-19. While many organizations and individuals are concerned about the long-term effects this virus will leave on the economy and the healthcare system, medical workers are doing their best to ensure people are diagnosed and treated on time, and researchers are working hard in find the ultimate cure for billions of people around the globe.
Global problem, global solution
As the virus has spread across the globe, nations worldwide are now required to join forces and collaborate over solutions. Part of this is to ensure that all citizens receive correct instructions, irrespective of the language or dialect they speak. This requires interpreters and translators to work closely with healthcare providers and public authorities to facilitate vital exchange of information, including translation of communication briefs sent out to all citizens over social media networks, official government websites, health ministries and daily news.
Over-the-phone Interpretation
In-person interpretation has been put on hold as international conferences and events have been postponed indefinitely. Although it has decreased the demand for on-site interpretation services, it has also increased the demand for over-the-phone interpretation. Instead of travelling to a location, interpreters are now required to have stable connection and be ready to interpret over the phone or via video call. Globalization has enabled people to travel and work anywhere in the world, at the same time increasing the demand for language services to ease communication barriers. In the midst of the current Coronavirus pandemic, we see a big jump in demand for over-the-phone interpretation at hospitals and medical centers, where those who do not speak English are the most affected and require OPI services to communicate with nurses and other medical professionals.
Medical Research Translation
While translation services can impact different areas of communication, it can particularly make a vast difference in the fight against COVID-19 in the academic field. Translation of research, clinical trials and reports improves collaboration between scientists and laboratories around the world. Even though many researchers are bilingual, having information available in their native languages allows them to work more efficiently. Many laboratory workers and researchers are working under extreme pressure. Having translators help them communicate their results and findings is an effective way to streamline communication between laboratories in different parts of the world and provide access to information in shortened periods of time.
Conclusion
Language services are essential in the time of this pandemic as they help to facilitate the exchange of information between individuals, governments, researchers, and the general public. In the race against time and information coming from unreliable sources, it is challenging work. Language service providers can help change the way people communicate, and in some cases, the work we do can even save lives.