Recent advances in technology are making it easier than ever for people around the world to communicate with each other. As a result, more businesses are going global and building workforces worldwide. In fact, recent research suggests that 54% of modern businesses are currently hiring employees from more than one country.
Global hiring practices can improve productivity and even save money for new and established businesses. However, communicating effectively with employees and clients around the world can present its own unique set of challenges. For this reason, many business leaders are embracing translation technologies and services to help provide equitable messaging to their worldwide community members. Let’s discuss the basics of live translation technology and discuss some best practices for implementing translation solutions in modern business environments.
Introduction to Live Translation
Translation refers to the process of information from one language to one or more additional languages to support audience members of diverse backgrounds. Translations come in a variety of formats in a wide range of communications and content offerings.
For example, movies can be translated into multiple languages for viewers in theaters around the world. Similarly, real-time translations of live communications make information more accessible for both in-person and virtual attendees who tune in for a discussion in a non-native language.
This type of translation is known as live translation because it takes place in real-time rather than after the fact. The methods of live translation can differ slightly from those used to translate pre-recorded content like films, TV shows, or podcasts. Live translation is a great tool for improving the quality of business communications and supporting the unique needs of a multinational workforce.
The Role of Live Translators
The term “live translator” may refer to a human translator or a type of translation software. Human translators can tune in remotely for an event, meeting or other type of communication to provide real-time speech translation for attendees. In many settings, live translators can also attend events in person to provide translation support.
For in-person events, live translations generally accommodate attendees with an audio feed. Attendees at these events can often request listening devices that stream real-time audio translations. Some events will instead employ interpretation booths where attendees can receive real-time translations within a controlled environment.
There are some cases in which an interpreter will join a speaker on stage and translate their speech directly to the audience. This is often an appropriate solution for events where a speaker is communicating with an audience that does not speak the same language they do. In these situations, the speaker needs to insert a substantial number of pauses into their speech to allow time for the interpreter to provide the translation.
Live Translation at a Glance: What the Numbers Say
Live translation is becoming an increasingly valuable tool for businesses across a wide range of industries. Here are a few key statistics to keep in mind when trying to determine whether live translation is a logical investment for your company:
- Out of nearly four million internet users, only 27% speak English
- 72% of customers abroad prefer to purchase products that feature text in their native language
- Two hundred million people per day seek out translations on Google alone
These statistics demonstrate the vastly growing need for accessible translation services. Not only can live translation contribute to more positive experiences and inclusive work environments, but in the long run, these services can help businesses grow, expand and thrive.
Real-Time Translation Technology
As an alternative to hiring human translators, business leaders can instead invest in real-time translation technology. These technology solutions rely on advanced forms of artificial intelligence that can recognize, interpret, translate and represent human speech.
Translation software solutions can support both in-person and virtual communications like events, meetings, phone calls and more. Some virtual communication platforms like Zoom, for example, offer built-in translation tools that display real-time translations as on-screen captions. Some platforms support multi-language captioning, so users can choose from several different languages when enabling the live-translation feature.
These AI-powered live translation tools are remarkably advanced and can be valuable language barrier solutions. However, it’s important to understand that AI is not without its limitations. Many variables can impact the accuracy of AI-powered translations, including:
- Background noise
- Audio quality
- Internet connectivity
- Cross-talk
- Accents and dialects
Digital live translation tools will become more accurate over time, but business leaders must continue to monitor the quality and accuracy of their existing translation tools. To support global employees effectively, it’s important to take steps to provide the most accurate translations possible. Accurate translations can help to ensure that all employees and community members receive equitable messaging and can meaningfully engage within their professional environments.
Mobile Devices and Live Translation
A substantial number of professional communications take place on mobile devices, particularly in business environments with remote and hybrid work arrangements. Business leaders and employees looking for mobile-friendly multilingual communication solutions may benefit from live translation applications.
Some translation apps can receive audio input in one language and provide a translation either via audio or text. Other mobile solutions focus on translating text from one language to another with no audio input required. Remember – mobile translation apps that run on artificial intelligence software might not deliver sufficiently accurate translations for all use cases, so it’s important to consider alternative translation solutions for projects that demand high levels of accuracy.
Enhanced Live Translation from Verbit
Verbit specializes in delivering highly accurate live translations of in-person and virtual communications. Verbit’s platform incorporates technology and human expertise to deliver reliable, on-screen translations in multiple languages. Verbit’s speech-to-text translation offerings are cost-effective, efficient and highly accurate, and the platform integrates seamlessly with popular communication platforms like Zoom to streamline the translation process further.
With global communication technology solutions constantly shifting and evolving, it’s important to invest in high-quality translation solutions that support diverse communities. For more information about Verbit’s translation services and other assistive technology solutions, reach out today.