While Zoom already provides live captioning and transcription services in English, the platform will add them in 30 other languages over the next year. Zoom will also begin offering translation services in 12 languages.
Zoom’s leaders are aiming to accommodate more users and have recognized that non-English speaking populations would greatly benefit from access to captions and word-for-word transcripts of calls happening on the platform.
Zoom Live Transcription in English
Last February, Zoom transcription services became available for anyone using a free Zoom account. Transcription and captioning for Zoom have helped people who are Deaf better use the conferencing tool.
Verbit released an integration with Zoom as well to offer its users the option to receive a Zoom transcript after a meeting to preserve important information. With transcription software, participants can focus fully on connecting with others rather than on trying to keep notes. Studies have shown that adding captions helps all users stay engaged and retain information, so Zoom’s team has decided to offer these services in additional languages to help current Zoom users and attract others to the platform.
Additional Languages Mean Better Access
Adding Zoom closed captioning in Spanish alone makes the platform more accessible to 43 million people in the United States. Millions more people will also soon benefit from this useful feature when Zoom automatic transcription expands to 30 additional languages by the end of next year. This addition will help people who are Deaf make better use of remote conferencing technology.
Zoom’s effort to expand access isn’t limited to transcription services. According to recent announcements, Zoom is looking to facilitate communication across language barriers, thanks to its recent acquisition of German tech company Kites.
Translation Services that Break Down Language Barriers
Zoom is bringing automatic live translation services for twelve languages by the end of next year. This new feature will allow Zoom to reach many more customers and help remedy language inequalities.
It’s not yet clear whether there will be costs associated with the translation feature. Zoom also neglected to release information about which languages they intend to include in their translation services. However, recent demonstrations in Korean and Portuguese indicate that the software will include those languages.
Opening up Zoom to millions of more users can also create more inclusive workplaces and international collaborations. Many workers will welcome this news considering that remote work is rapidly becoming a standard corporate practice.
Improving Collaboration for Remote Workers
Evidence suggests that hybrid and fully remote work arrangements will continue long after concerns over COVID-19 fade away. With 91% of workers preferring to remain hybrid or remote, companies realize that they may lose out on talent if they lack flexibility.
Virtual events and online meetings are ways to combat feelings of isolation that can sometimes impact remote employees’ performance. Adding Zoom closed captions, transcription or translation services will ensure that more workers can use collaborative technology. Businesses should also remember that offering accessibility for workers and consumers is often a legal obligation. Investing in transcription, captioning and audio description services that accommodate people with disabilities can ensure that a company creates an inclusive workplace culture and protects itself from legal challenges.
Verbit transcription and captioning services integrate with Zoom and other online conferencing platforms and our audio description and translation tools support inclusive workplaces. Contact Verbit to learn more about how our solutions are helping companies ensure better access for people with disabilities, remote workers and more.