Throughout the years, Palestine has seen its fair share of violence and unrest.
One thing that hasn’t changed, though, is that people still need to interact with one another.
This is especially true for those who are deaf since they have unique challenges accessing services and interacting with others.
Thankfully, technological advancements have made it possible for deaf individuals in Palestine to get access to interpreting services remotely.
This paper will look at the development of remote interpreting in Palestine and the ways that technology is enhancing deaf people’s access to services.
What is Remote Interpreting?
A technology called remote interpreting, also known as video remote interpreting (VRI), enables anyone to communicate with interpreters remotely.
People who speak various languages can connect with this technology and chat in real time using video conferencing software.
For deaf persons who primarily communicate through sign language, remote interpreting is very helpful.
Evolution of Remote Interpreting in Palestine
In Palestine, there has always been a demand for remote interpreting services. However, until recently, there weren’t a lot of technologies to facilitate this kind of connection.
To access services and interact with others in the past, deaf persons in Palestine had to rely on written communication or in-person interpreters.
Remote interpreting began to become more common in the US and Europe in the early 2000s.
But somehow this technology didn’t start to become more readily accessible in Palestine until a few years ago.
Today, Palestinians are using remote interpreting more and more frequently, and this technology is helping more and more deaf individuals.
Advantages of Remote Interpreting
Compared to conventional in-person interpreting, remote interpreting has several benefits.
The availability of interpreters from anywhere in the world is one of the biggest benefits.
This implies that deaf individuals in Palestine can utilize interpreting services even in the absence of available local interpreters.
The cost difference between in-person and remote interpreting is another benefit of the latter.
This is because interpreters aren’t required to travel to the site where the service is being offered.
Time and money can be saved by doing this, which is beneficial for everyone except deaf persons who might not have access to financial resources.
Finally, compared to in-person interpreting, remote interpreting can be more flexible.
This is because it can be used for a wide range of services, such as educational purposes, legal procedures, and medical appointments.
For deaf persons who might have trouble physically accessing these services, this flexibility might be crucially important.
Technology Used for Remote Interpreting
In Palestine, remote interpreting is done using a variety of methods.
Video conferencing software is among the most well-liked.
A screen displaying the interpreter’s signing enables deaf persons to interact with interpreters in real-time.
Remote interpreting software is another technology used for remote interpreting.
The features of this program, which is specifically made for interpreting, include video conferencing, document sharing, and real-time messaging.
Organizations that offer remote interpreting services often use this software.
Lastly, some remote interpreting services employ smartphone applications to give deaf persons access to interpreting services.
These applications can be used anywhere there is an internet connection and often have video conferencing features.
Challenges of Remote Interpreting in Palestine
While there are numerous benefits to remote interpreting, there are also certain issues that need to be resolved.
The lack of high-speed internet in Palestine is one of the main problems.
This is particularly true in rural locations, where there may be little or no internet access.
The demand for qualified interpreters is another challenge.
Interpreters who are skilled in sign language and have the technical aptitude to operate video conferencing software are needed for remote interpreting.
Deaf persons might find it challenging to receive interpreting services in Palestine because of the shortage of qualified interpreters.
There could also be a language barrier between interpreters and deaf persons because there are several sign languages used across the globe, each with regional variations and dialects.
Thirdly, it’s possible that remote interpreting in Palestine will run across social and cultural barriers.
Some deaf persons, for instance, might be reluctant to employ remote interpreting services because they prefer in-person interpreters.
Also, the stigma associated with utilizing technology for communication can prevent some deaf persons from adopting remote interpreting services.
Overcoming the Challenges
Notwithstanding the challenges, there are a number of methods to get around them and enhance Palestine’s access to remote interpreting services.
Developing high-speed internet infrastructure in rural regions is one way to increase the number of deaf persons who can use remote interpreting services.
Also, firms that provide remote interpreting services might aim to better their services and train additional interpreters.
Using technology to get over language barriers is another option.
For instance, some remote interpreting services use software that can automatically convert spoken languages into text or sign language, which can enable interpreters and deaf persons who understand various sign languages to communicate more effectively.
Finally, it’s important to promote the advantages of remote interpreting and raise public knowledge of these services’ availability in order to remove cultural and societal hurdles.
This can be accomplished through collaborations with regional organizations, community outreach efforts, and education programs.
The Impact of Remote Interpreting
Remote interpretation has had a huge influence on the lives of deaf individuals in Palestine.
Remote interpreting has made it possible for deaf individuals to interact with others more effectively, get necessary services, and take part completely in their communities by enhancing access to interpreting services.
For instance, remote interpreting has made it easier for deaf individuals to get medical treatment.
In the past, it could have been costly and time-consuming for deaf persons to travel great distances to see a certified interpreter.
Deaf individuals can now get medical care while remaining in the comfort of their own homes, which can save time and money and enhance their overall health outcomes.
Remote interpreting has also been beneficial to education.
Deaf students can engage more completely in their classes, interact with their instructors and peers more effectively, and achieve higher academic results by having access to remote interpreting services.
Conclusion
The accessibility of interpreting services for deaf persons in Palestine has been revolutionized through remote interpreting.
Remote interpreting has made it possible for deaf individuals to interact with others more efficiently, gain access to necessary services, and take part more completely in their communities by utilizing technology.
While there are challenges to be addressed, including the lack of high-speed internet and the requirement for more qualified interpreters, there are other strategies that can be employed to increase access to remote interpreting services.
Organizations, governments, and communities can guarantee that Palestinians who are deaf have access to the resources they require to succeed by collaborating.
For those who are looking for additional support, Unspoken Language Services offers interpreting services to help bridge the communication gap between the deaf and hearing communities.
Thumbnail Photo Credit to: Photo by abu adel
