Speech interpreter

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Speech interpreters write down the spoken word verbatim or in summarized form as quickly as possible in order to allow hearing impaired people to follow speeches, lectures or the like by reading along. It is of central importance that the "real-time character" enables active participation (participation in discussions, queries, ...) for the hearing-impaired person.

Speech interpreting is understood (as opposed to sign language interpreting ) primarily as an offer for people who are hard of hearing or who are later deaf, who mostly (in contrast to people who are deaf / deaf) often do not have a very limited command of sign language, but can follow the written language well.

Methods

Nowadays, computer technology is used almost exclusively for taking notes in text interpreting, which does not require paper handling and continuously presents the text that has been written on a screen or by projecting it onto a screen for reading along.

In some cases, information accompanying the speech in progress can also be added to the interpreted text, such as information about a change of speaker or applause. Depending on the possibilities and agreements, the change of speaker can be indicated as such or by naming the person. To do this, the speech-to-text interpreter must receive the relevant information during the preparation.

Three different methods are currently used in Germany. Which of these is used depends not only on availability, but also on the different demands, preferences and experiences of the clients, as well as the desired transmission method (e.g. whether a word-for-word transcript or rather a summary is preferred).

Conventional method

The spoken word is written down on a normal computer keyboard as quickly as possible in the conventional way ( ten-finger system ). Text macros (automatic completion of words or replacement of abbreviations with words) / abbreviation systems are also used to increase the writing speed and prevent symptoms of fatigue. Special keyboard layouts (e.g. Dvorak or Neo keyboard) are also rarely used. Also known as "fast writing".

features

By using standard technology, the capital investment is low and the method is the easiest to learn (especially for 10-finger typists who are already practiced). Since even fast 10-finger pens (without an abbreviation system) can hardly create more than 750 keystrokes in purely ergonomic terms and even with an abbreviation system the best performance is just over 1000 keystrokes per minute, it is often unavoidable to summarize what is said. The technology is also physically demanding and the writers may have to take turns to prevent health problems.

Computerized machine stenography

Here, the special keyboard of a stenography machine is combined with a software solution. The ability to press several keys at the same time on the shorthand keyboard enables entire syllables and words to be written.

features

Computer-aided machine stenography is a very fast and powerful technique and allows word-for-word transcriptions. On the other hand, there is a comparatively long and expensive apprenticeship (approx. 2 years) and some additional professional experience in order to use the technology optimally. The training, the necessary software and keyboard are expensive and require a high capital investment.

Speech interpreting with speech recognition

The speech-to- text interpreter uses a specially trained speech recognition system . The interpreter dictates the speeches on the job, simultaneously reads the text output of the speech recognition program and corrects any recognition errors by hand or is supported by a co-interpreter. The speech-to-text interpreters can either work with a normal headset or with the help of a special stenomask . The interpreters can sit in the same room, in an interpreter booth (or in a neighboring room) or work from home via an online interpreting platform.

features

Speech-to-speech interpreting is the fastest method in terms of speed. With a training period of around one year and a significantly lower purchase price for hardware and software, it is also cheaper than computer-aided shorthand. Recognition errors by the software cannot be ruled out, but can often be recognized as such by the hearing-impaired customer based on the phonetic similarity to the original word and associated with the correct word.

General

Speech interpreting is a mentally very strenuous and demanding activity - therefore all speech interpreters are dependent on double staff or regular breaks of around one hour for longer assignments.

For optimal preparation, speech-to-text interpreters rely on receiving and preparing topics, technical terms and especially names at an early stage. With the conventional method, abbreviations / text macros may have to be created and with computer stenography and speech recognition, these words have to be entered into the respective software and, if necessary, trained.

With all methods it is in principle possible to automatically save the entire text translated into writing. This saved text can also be issued as a transcript for reading. Whether this should take place and in what form the publication (print or file) takes place must be clarified in advance between all parties involved, possibly also the cost bearer.

Situation in Germany

This article or paragraph presents the situation in Germany . Help us to describe the situation in other countries.

Legal basis

Speech-to-text reporter is in Germany after the communication aid Regulation an equivalent to the Sign Language Interpreting communication aid . With reference to this, the legal claims in contact with authorities and in administrative procedures of the federal government or the individual states are regulated according to the Federal Equal Opportunities Act and the state equality laws .

The assumption of costs in the area of training and employment as well as medical care is regulated with the personal budget according to SGB ​​IX §17 according to the individually determined needs via the rehabilitation agencies , the statutory health insurance , nursing care funds and the integration offices.

Problems

Availability

Germany is still a long way from achieving a nationwide availability of text interpreters. Estimates of the number of practicing speech-to-speech interpreters in Germany range from around 30 to almost 70-80, depending on how narrowly one sees the term speech-to-speech interpreter and what demands one places on the professionalism and practical experience of the speech-to-text interpreter (e.g. whether he is only occasionally Works as a speech-to-text interpreter or does this full-time). According to an examination in 1999 (hearing screening examination by Wolfgang Sohn) there are 958,000 people with severe hearing loss and deafness in Germany. From this, depending on the key, a long-term need for up to 4800 speech-to-text interpreters in Germany is forecast. Another problem is that the interpreters are sometimes distributed very differently in Germany. While z. For example, there are just under 10 interpreters working in Berlin, there are other federal states (e.g. Bremen) where there is currently not a single interpreter. Online interpreting makes this easier for the user, as the speech-to-text interpreters can also be connected via an online platform.

Certification and Quality

Since the term "speech-to-text interpreter" has not yet been a protected professional title, there are very different levels of quality between the various service providers.

Speech interpreters see themselves as professional service providers who work at a very fast pace and with a very high quality for their hearing-impaired customers. B. to so-called clerks, who can usually only write very fragmentary information (e.g. for physically handicapped students who cannot take notes in a lecture themselves) and not about the necessary high writing speed (and the extensive background knowledge and experience) more professionally Speech interpreters are available and are therefore not sufficient for the greatest possible inclusion of hearing-impaired people.

According to the latest status (April 1, 2012), several examinations / certificates are recognized by the payers. These include the certificate from the Z&P Academy (no longer trains), the German Association of the Hard of Hearing (DSB eV) and the Kombia GbR.

The certificate exams of the DSB eV and the Kombia GbR are also open to external exam participants. Appropriate prior knowledge, professional experience, etc. must be proven for admission to the examination. The knowledge expected from the examinee is relative freedom from errors, a fixed percentage of agreement with what has been said (varies depending on the technology, as not every technology can convert word for word into writing), safe handling of the hearing-impaired customer (communication, explanation of one's own activity) , compliance with the role of interpreter, safe handling of technology and accident prevention, preparation of minutes. In addition, in some exams (DSB / Kombia) the technical vocabulary and knowledge of the customer group (socialization, special needs, problems, ...) are checked in a final written paper. A state exam is in preparation.

In addition to the certificates mentioned, there are other examination degrees and certificates, which are not recognized in the same way or not across the board by the payers. At the moment (as of July 1, 2011) there are only a few active (approximately 20-25) written interpreters in the whole of Germany who have a recognized examination / certificate.

Legal classification

The German Association of the Deaf is based on the definition of interpreting as the transfer of information and the bridging of communication barriers as well as the process of converting signs or representations into other signs or representations.

The legislature has in the communication aid Regulation addition §3.1 sign language interpreters listed as other communication aids for hearing impaired people in §3.2:

  • Speech interpreters
  • Simultaneous speech interpreters
  • Oral interpreters
  • Communication assistants

See also

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Small inquiry in the Brandenburg state parliament about written interpreters (PDF; 40 kB)
  2. ^ Statement of the DSB eV ( Memento of January 11, 2008 in the Internet Archive )