Interpretation turns mobile

Out with the old, and in with the new! This is the slogan of the Language Directorate at the North-West University’s Potchefstroom Campus (NWU), who recently launched a brand new mobile interpretation application.

According to the Director of the NWU’s Language Directorate, Johan Blaauw, the application called Sennheiser MobileConnect, is aimed at replacing the old headsets that have been in use since 2004.                             

Blaauw explained that this new mobile initiative allows students to listen to interpretation services from the “comfort of their own cellular devices.” 

The app can be downloaded from the Google Playstore and Apple iStore. Students then connect to a mobile hotspot called MobileConnect, and then use their earphones to listen to the interpretation. 

Apart from the interpretation being broadcasted on the app, students who have difficulty hearing the lecturer, may also tune in to listen to the lecture and not miss any information. This process gets facilitated through a lapel microphone that is given to the lecturer, while they present their class.

Blaauw explained that the Sennheiser Mobile Connect forms part of the university’s vision to promote language inclusivity, by making use of the latest technology and innovation.

“Interpretation has never been this easy. The Sennheiser application is very user-friendly and has been designed with unique features that will assist in enhancing the learning experience of all students making use of our services,” he said.

Blaauw highlighted that one of the biggest challenges they currently face is the fact that not all students own a smartphone. Interpreters therefore still carry a few of the older headsets when they are out interpreting. “For us it is important that no student feel left out, which is why in some instances we still make use of our old devices,” he said. 

According to Blaauw, the hotspot is created with what they call a “trolley.” This trolley gets sent to some of the biggest lecturing halls on campus. Blaauw reiterates how cost-effective this new, digitised interpretation method is, in comparison to the previous devices. 

“With the old headsets, we could normally interpret to only 20 students with one microphone. Sennheizer now allows us to interpret to 100 students with one trolley, which costs us R180 000 in contrast to the over R200 000 we would spend on the older devices,” he said.

Blaauw explained that people who do interpretation play a fundamental role in bridging language gaps. The Language Directorate has recently opened an application process for those who wish to interpret in 2020.

According to Blaauw, the department is very pleased to announce that over 20 new interpreters have been assigned, and has already begun interpreting on the first day of the 2020 academic year. 

“We should never underestimate the importance of interpreters, as it is their duty to give the same learning experience, just in a different voice,” Blaauw concluded.

Interpretation services can be found in building F10, for anyone who wishes to become an interpreter, or have any queries about what the position entails.