Interpreting for the Masses

Imagine interpreting at a massive international event with hundreds of thousands, possibly millions, of participants from around the world expected to dialogue about global empowerment. Imagine planning such an event. Imagine having to provide wireless equipment for the interpreters at such an event.

Landmark Audio Technologies, a manufacturer of assistive listening systems, supplied thousands of transmitters and RadioOrpheus receivers for the UNESCO sponsored Universal Forum of Cultures that took place in the city of Monterrey, Mexico from September through December of this year. 

The Forum, as it is widely known, happens every 4 years, the previous one (and the first ever) was held in Barcelona, Spain in 2004.  Spanning 141 days, and attracting 3.5 million visitors, the intent was to foster interaction and understanding in an increasingly global society, through inter-cultural dialogue. Although the 2007 Forum was whittled down to 80 days, the more than 100 scheduled activities, including workshops, seminars, dialogues, theater performances and art exhibits, ensured sleepless nights for the event planners.

If, as stated, one of the main goals was to “utilize the spoken word as a tool to listen more profoundly to the conversations of our fellow human beings”, planning for interpreters and supplying the necessary equipment was of upmost importance.

When Nick Gibler, of Gibler and Associates, a specialist in medical congress and technical interpretation based in Mexico and Texas, contacted Landmark Audio Technologies, the deadline was tight, and the final quantity of equipment had yet to be decided.  Luckily, Landmark Audio keeps a large inventory and was able to ship the systems and have them arrive in time for the start of the meetings.

Landmark Audio’s transmitters are small and portable.  Individual interpreters carry them to different meetings and venues, as necessary.  An interpreter can speak to a single person, or to a group.  Several interpreters, speaking different languages, can work in the same room without interfering with each other.  High quality, clear, sound is sent to directly anyone wearing a RadioOrpheus receiver.  The small, palm-sized receivers are easy to use – even for those who feel they are “technically challenged”.  They are sold with a variety of headsets.  Aside from language interpretation, Landmark Audio’s transmitters can also be plugged into any existing PA system to allow hearing impaired participants access to meetings and performances.

A global society means a global economy and Landmark Audio Technologies assistive listening systems are cost-effective as well as versatile.  The company will help you decide which configuration is most suitable for your particular needs.  Richie Bamberger, managing partner, says, “We work hard to come up with the best solution for that particular interpreter.  Our job is to make your job easier.  Whether you’re interpreting for the masses, or for a single person.”