Is there a translation service that can help me?
October 4, 2023 7:06 AM Subscribe
I recently reunited with family in South America, but I do not speak Spanish and they do not speak English. I'm learning Spanish, but it's slow going. We're able to chat via text and translation apps, but video calls are much harder. I feel badly asking my friends to translate all the time, and my googling isn't turning up what I'm looking for.
One of the most important people I want to communicate with does not know how to read or write, so we're not able to chat via text. Any programs that would translate what I'm saying in English to Spanish and show it to her in subtitles on video chat isn't helpful, because she would not be able to read them. I have some wonderful friends who speak Spanish and have translated, but it's difficult to get all our schedules synched up.
What I am looking for ideally is a translation service, where an actual person could hop on a Whatsapp video call with us and translate. When I google, all I find are services for international businesses or services that translate documents. I'd also be open to other ideas, but my family in South American can't download any apps that cost anything.
One of the most important people I want to communicate with does not know how to read or write, so we're not able to chat via text. Any programs that would translate what I'm saying in English to Spanish and show it to her in subtitles on video chat isn't helpful, because she would not be able to read them. I have some wonderful friends who speak Spanish and have translated, but it's difficult to get all our schedules synched up.
What I am looking for ideally is a translation service, where an actual person could hop on a Whatsapp video call with us and translate. When I google, all I find are services for international businesses or services that translate documents. I'd also be open to other ideas, but my family in South American can't download any apps that cost anything.
A few things that pop to mind:
First, live "translation" of phone / video calls is generally called "interpretation" rather than translation, so if you look for interpreter services you might find something more reasonable under that term (it's still probably going to be expensive).
Second, how is your Spanish pronunciation? Would you be able to read something translated by DeepL well enough aloud for your family to understand you? Could you then rely on translated subtitles back from Spanish to English?
Lastly, many people recommend italki for learners, as an inexpensive way to find a partner to speak with in their target language. Maybe there are people online there that would be willing to offer interpretation for an additional charge above their regular lessons?
posted by thecaddy at 7:14 AM on October 4, 2023
First, live "translation" of phone / video calls is generally called "interpretation" rather than translation, so if you look for interpreter services you might find something more reasonable under that term (it's still probably going to be expensive).
Second, how is your Spanish pronunciation? Would you be able to read something translated by DeepL well enough aloud for your family to understand you? Could you then rely on translated subtitles back from Spanish to English?
Lastly, many people recommend italki for learners, as an inexpensive way to find a partner to speak with in their target language. Maybe there are people online there that would be willing to offer interpretation for an additional charge above their regular lessons?
posted by thecaddy at 7:14 AM on October 4, 2023
You might try googling interpretation agencies in your local area, and then calling and asking if they can do what you're requesting (a conference call, basically). The org obviously wouldn't have to be local to you but I am guessing a smaller agency like that would be more willing to do a few one-offs without a monthly contract.
posted by lapis at 7:27 AM on October 4, 2023
posted by lapis at 7:27 AM on October 4, 2023
Response by poster: Ah, yes! Thank you - interpretation changes the search results completely.
posted by spacebologna at 7:45 AM on October 4, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by spacebologna at 7:45 AM on October 4, 2023 [1 favorite]
This doesn't involve a person, but TimeKettle makes earbuds that do simultaneous translation. Family member has one set to English to Spanish, you have one set to Spanish to English. They talk, your earbud picks up the Spanish and translates it.
An American friend of mine with a company in Guatemala uses these extensively for business negotiations and finds them very useful.
If you both have a reasonable speaker phone volume and connection, this should work.
posted by ananci at 10:05 AM on October 4, 2023 [1 favorite]
An American friend of mine with a company in Guatemala uses these extensively for business negotiations and finds them very useful.
If you both have a reasonable speaker phone volume and connection, this should work.
posted by ananci at 10:05 AM on October 4, 2023 [1 favorite]
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posted by dr. boludo at 7:11 AM on October 4, 2023 [6 favorites]