An (OPI) over-the-phone interpretation service, or Telephone interpretation service, is one of the fastest-growing services in the translation world. The reasons behind this growth include instant, around-the-clock availability, speed of response, confidentiality and anonymity, cost savings, and access to rare languages. These benefits made this service the workhorse of the language world.
Some factors could influence the quality of the service, which is why we will explore in more detail how to choose an OPI company.
What Does an Over-The-Phone Interpreter Do?
In simple words, an over-the-phone interpretation service provides an over-the-phone remote service, allowing people in various industries to have a real-time interpreter available just a call away. The role is designed to facilitate communication between two parties as an impartial and neutral interpreter, usually a speaker and a Limited English speaker (LEP). There are scheduled services available.
Who Uses an OPI Service?
This service is often needed in professional settings, such as urgent medical care assistance, governmental and public services, legal and law enforcement, Business and corporate, and lastly for Customer Service.
1. Healthcare and Medicine
- Emergency Rooms & 911 Dispatch
- Triage and Nurse Hotlines
- Telehealth
- Pharmacies
2. Customer Service and Call Centers
- Banking and Finance
- Insurance Companies
- Telecommunications & Utilities
3. Government and Public Services
- Social Services
- Public Health Hotlines
- Tax Agencies
- Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
4. Legal and Law Enforcement
- Police Stations
- Jails and Detention Centers
- Courts
- Immigration Services
5. Business and Corporate
- Global Supply Chain
- Human Resources
- Travel and Hospitality
Industry-Focused Over-the-Phone Interpretation Services
Most of the OPI companies would provide an industry-focused over-the-phone interpretation service. This is mostly because professional interpreters often need specialized training to practice in certain industries.
Moreover, the healthcare and medical industry often requires certifications like CCHI or NBCMI, while working in the legal and law enforcement would require NAJIT, Federal Court Interpreter Certification, or State Court Certifications, and so on.
In The Translation Gate, we provide industry-focused over-the-phone interpretation services for over 30+ industry. The most prominent ones are the Education-focused OPI service, Financial-focused OPI service, and Technology-focused OPI service.
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What Is the Process of Telephone Interpretation Services?
The process is very straightforward. You call/connect to the service, select the language, you get matched to an interpreter, Introductions are made, then they proceed with active interpretation. After ending the call, the per-minute calculator is stopped, and you will later receive a bill.
- Step 1: Contact Our Service
Usually, through contacting the service provider. You can easily send your request and contact The Translation Gate here.
- Step 2: Language choice
It is often facilitated with an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Menu, e.g., “Press one for English” or through other options.
- Step 3: Briefing and Introduction
The system would connect you to an interpreter. They would introduce themselves, and following this, you can brief them on the situation for them to proceed.
- Step 4: Active Interpretation
The interpreter would start with interpreting between the Speaker and the (LEP) Limited English Proficient/ an LLP or limited language proficient in some international contexts.
- Step 5: Call Termination
At the end of the call, the Speaker would end it, and the fee calculations would automatically end. Most services are per minute, so the duration of the call matters.
Tips for Choosing Over-The-Phone Interpretation Services
When a company decides to hire an OPI service, it should take into consideration the following:
- Credentials and Training
The interpreter must receive internationally recognized certifications like AIIC or the regional gold standard, such as the ATA (American Translators Association) Certification.
Additionally, a specialized training in the industry they are to join, like CCHI (Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters) for medical care, the Federal Court Interpreter Certification (U.S. Administrative Office) for legal and court interpretations.
In The Translation Gate, we have professional and trained interpreters from all over the world.
- Accurate & Impartial translation
This is very important, and when you hire a professional interpreter, they will provide a bias-free interpretation.
With more than a decade in the business, The Translation Gate has been providing OPI service for numerous industries and providing specialized interpreters providing the most accurate translations.
- Ensure 24/7 On-Demand Access
When picking an OPI service, get a 24/7 On-Demand Access in case your business is going to need this, especially if it is in the medical, legal, or other fields that require the feature. Otherwise, you can look for a personalized solution for your company.
- Security and Confidentiality
Included within their official training and certification process as interpreters, the process includes ethics modules, HIPAA Compliance, Patient Rights for those specializing in the medical field, and even Case consultation services for training on ethical dilemmas.
- Language and Dialect Variety/ Linguistic expertise
You need to check what languages and dialects are provided within the service. In The Translation Gate, we provide more than 260+ language, all at the palm of your hand.
- Culturally Aware
The interpreter needs to be culturally aware of the complicated and nuanced details of both languages to accurately interpret the conversation. This language is often acquired naturally by living within the community or having a deep familiarity with the community.
- Cost-effective Pricing
OPI is cost-effective compared to on-site interpretation, as it eliminates travel and logistical expenses, as well as the difference between the pay rates. On-site interpretation is often more expensive than over-the-phone interpretation services.
- Scalability for Future Needs
As a business, having a service that can grow with your business and provide for your expanding and continuously developing business is integral to success. Look beyond the present and choose an established company that can provide the service now and can grow with you in the future.
Why You Should Choose The Translation Gate?
Simply because we can provide for all that you need and more, we have a variety of languages with over 260+ languages available, the on-demand service, over a decade of experience, ISO certification, and the essential credentials that made The Translation Gate a well-known name in the OPI industry.
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What are the other Interpretation Services Available?
At The Translation Gate, we offer several interpretation services, such as:
- Video Remote Interpretation (VRI) Service
- Conference Interpretation Services
- Simultaneous Interpretation
- Consecutive Interpretation
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Breaking down language barriers doesn’t have to be complicated. In just minutes, you can set up an OPI account with The Translation Gate and gain instant access to certified interpreters in over 260 languages. Why wait?
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