If you’re organising a meeting or conference in South Africa, then you know that effective communication is key. But what do you do when you have participants who are spread out all over the world? When they speak multiple languages? Enter Remote Simultaneous Interpretation (RSI): a game-changer in translation and interpretation.
Remote simultaneous interpretation is a great way to ensure that everyone can participate in the conversation, regardless of location. This method allows expert interpreters from around the globe to provide real-time translation services for online meetings, webinars, and hybrid events, all through a cloud-based platform.
In this post, we’ll look at remote simultaneous interpretation, its benefits, and some tips for making it as effective as possible.

What Exactly is Remote Simultaneous Interpretation (RSI)?
Remote interpretation services have become increasingly popular in recent years as they provide a convenient and cost-effective way to communicate with people who speak different languages. Remote Simultaneous Interpretation (RSI) is a type of remote interpretation that allows interpreters to provide real-time interpretation from a remote location. This means that they can interpret multiple languages providing accurate and precise interpretation for various clients. Interpreting remotely is ideal for companies or organisations that need to communicate with clients or employees who speak different languages, as it ensures that everyone can understand the conversation.
The Mechanics of RSI
Speaking Phase: It starts with a presenter speaking in their native language. This speech, including the presenter’s image, is broadcast live to a remote interpreter, typically via a web browser on a standard computer.
Interpretation Phase: Armed with a high-quality headset and microphone, the interpreter can listen to and see the speaker. They then translate this content into the desired language in real time, ensuring that the essence and context remain intact.
Transmission Phase: Once the interpreter finishes translating a segment, their rendition is sent to a specialized RSI platform in the cloud. From this platform, the interpreted speech gets distributed to the audience.
Reception Phase: On the other end, attendees connect to the RSI platform or another web conferencing tool using their devices. They can then select their preferred language and listen to the interpretation. For those who prefer the traditional touch, interpretation can also be accessed via infrared (IR) headsets.
The Evolution of Simultaneous Interpretation
Historically, simultaneous interpretation was a luxury service, often reserved for large international conferences or governmental summits. However, with the introduction of RSI, this invaluable service is now accessible to a wider audience, including small businesses, NGOs, and associations all over the world
Why Choose RSI for Your Event?
Flexibility and Scalability: The RSI platform is designed to meet user needs and ensure that attendees can experience content in their chosen language. The platform can be adapted to suit events of various sizes and types.
Cost Efficiency: Gone are the days of allocating large budgets for equipment, interpreter travel, and accommodation. With RSI, interpreters work remotely, eliminating many traditional overhead costs.
Increased Language Options: With no need to physically bring interpreters to a location, event organizers can offer a wider range of languages, catering to diverse audiences.
Benefits of Embracing RSI
- Seamless Integration with Popular Tools: Modern RSI platforms, including Kudo, integrate smoothly with popular conferencing tools like Zoom, MS Teams, and GoToMeeting.
- Accessibility and Participation: By hosting events online and offering multiple language channels, you ensure that more people can participate and engage.
- Enhanced Accuracy: Especially in technical seminars or discussions, remote interpreters can concentrate better on translating intricate content, ensuring precision.
- Breaking Down Language Barriers: In business settings, RSI can foster better communication among global teams, allowing members to converse confidently in their native languages.
The Power of Language
At its core, language connects us. It’s the medium through which we share ideas, gain knowledge, and understand diverse perspectives. In today’s interconnected world, multilingualism is not just a nice to have; it’s essential. And with RSI technologies like those offered by Frenchside translation Services, we can bridge communication gaps and bring people closer than ever before.
FAQs
- What is the main difference between traditional interpretation and RSI?
Traditional interpretation often requires physical equipment and on-site interpreters, while RSI operates remotely through cloud platforms.
- Can RSI be used for small meetings?
Absolutely! RSI is versatile and can be used for meetings of any size, from large conferences to small team discussions.
- Is there a delay between the speaker’s speech and the interpreter’s translation in RSI?
The delay is minimal with advanced platforms like Kudo’s RSI, ensuring smooth communication.
- How does RSI promote multilingualism in events?
RSI allows events to offer multiple language channels, catering to a diverse audience and promoting understanding across cultures.
- Is RSI suitable for technical or industry-specific events?
Yes, specialized interpreters with in-depth knowledge can work remotely, focusing on translating complex content accurately.
Need a Reliable consecutive interpreter for your meeting in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape town or Durban? Contact Frenchside!
Frenchside is one of the industry’s leading providers of RSI in South Africa. We work in and around Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town. We have over 10 years of experience in the conference interpreting industry. This extensive knowledge enables us to provide highly efficient and experienced interpreters for major international conferences, business meetings, seminars and trade missions throughout the country. Our RSI interpreters are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us today for a Free Quote
Email: info@frenchside.co.za
Cell: 081 347 6060