In written interpreting, the spoken word is written down simultaneously. Written interpreters use various methods for this:

1. classic transcript: What is heard is transcribed in real time on a laptop keyboard.

2. speech recognition: the interpreter repeats what he/she hears into a microphone and software converts it into text.

3. computer-compatible machine stenography: A special stenography keyboard is used to convert abbreviated entries into longhand.

The generated text is then either projected onto a screen or onto a wall using a projector or transmitted online so that hearing-impaired people can read along. This enables active participation in conversations, lectures or events.

Written interpreting can be used both at face-to-face events and online and can therefore be used flexibly. It is particularly suitable for hearing-impaired people who have a good command of written language but have difficulty understanding spoken language.

Written interpreting plays a crucial role in promoting inclusion and barrier-free access to information. It enables people with hearing impairments to actively participate in congresses, conferences and digital events by giving them access to spoken content virtually in real time.

The integration of live subtitles generated by written interpreters is easily possible in video conferences and digital meetings, e.g. via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Either a separate stream with live subtitles is provided for the participants or the subtitles are displayed for everyone to see.

Written interpreters are preferably provided with an interpreting booth. From there, they can follow the conference proceedings undisturbed and listen to and interpret what is being said via headphones.

The interpreters need a laptop and an internet connection. To convert the spoken word into text, either special speech-to-text software is used or the text is entered simultaneously into a text editor.

To make the live subtitles visible, another laptop with video editing software is required. From here, the subtitles are either displayed on a separate screen or faded in under a running presentation.

There is also the option of using a so-called steno mask. In this case, the interpreters sit in the room (and no longer in a soundproof booth) and speak into a special, soundproof mask. However, this option is less professional and should only be used in consultation with the interpreters.

We decide which technical setup is best for you according to your needs and in consultation with the interpreting team.

It is possible to have live subtitles generated by artificial intelligence. This works well, but not without errors. It often happens that words are misunderstood and output incorrectly. Punctuation marks and word spacing are also often set and displayed incorrectly. Interpreters can also provide support here. They check the subtitles and correct any errors.

Advantages and disadvantages of written interpreters compared to AI (artificial intelligence):

Advantages

Accuracy and contextual understanding:

Professional written interpreters are able to better grasp the context and nuances of the spoken language and translate accordingly. They are able to correctly render dialects, technical jargon and complex sentence structures.

Data protection and security:

As no data is transmitted over the internet, there is less risk of confidential information being intercepted or misused. This is particularly important for secret and internal meetings of ministries, public institutions and companies.

Control over data:

The data remains within the organization and is not passed on to external service providers, which facilitates compliance with the GDPR.

Flexibility:

Written interpreters are able to adapt their translations to the needs of the target group, for example by simplifying the text or using plain language.

Quality control:

Written interpreters are able to correct errors during the interpreting process and thus ensure that the text is perfectly legible and understandable.

Prevention of cyber attacks:

As no cloud services are used, there is a lower risk of cyber attacks and data leaks.

Disadvantages

Costs:

Hiring a professional written interpreter can be more expensive, especially for longer events or regular meetings.

Availability:

There are a limited number of qualified written interpreters, which can limit availability, especially in certain regions.

Speed:

Written interpreters can type very quickly, but it is sometimes difficult to keep up with the speed of the spoken word. This may result in slight delays.

Advantages and disadvantages of AI (artificial intelligence) compared to written interpreters:

Advantages

Speed:

Speech-to-text technology can convert spoken language into text almost in real time, which is particularly advantageous for fast speakers.

Costs:

The use of software is generally more cost-effective than hiring a professional written interpreter. This is particularly true for frequent or long events.

Availability:

Software solutions are available at any time and can be used flexibly without the need for prior booking.

Disadvantages

Data protection and security:

The transmission of data over the internet poses considerable risks. Confidential information could be intercepted or misused, jeopardizing compliance with the GDPR.

Control over data:

When using external cloud services, there is a risk that the data and content of the event will be stored and processed on third-party servers, which makes it more difficult to control the data.

Cyber attacks:

Cloud-based solutions are more susceptible to cyberattacks and data leaks, which jeopardizes the security of the data and therefore the conference.