Medical Translation
As expected, 2021 will be a challenging year. We are all waiting to be vaccinated in order to return to normality, and that won’t happen quickly. Bearing this in mind, Medical translation is expected to be one of the major trends in the translation industry for the year to come. It has played an important role in 2020 and as more people access healthcare services, it will be even in high demand. An accurate medical translation can make sure people from different backgrounds have access to the same information. It might have to do with the handling of drug information sheets about the vaccine, instructions on use, documents about distribution, or any other text that has to do with delivering or administering the COVID vaccine. As interpreters help patients to talk to doctors, a translator will be needed to handle written instructions for patients to follow. And all of it on top of what the industry already demands.
Machine Translations:
Machine translation has become more and more a part of the translation industry; that will continue in 2021. This is where a translator revises content after it has been through a machine translation. Today, neural machine translation engines can quickly translate text, but with 60-90% accuracy, depending on the target language. Although it is a long way from being completely reliable, it definitely speeds the translation process. With a market valued at $550.5 million in 2019 and expected to grow to $1,042.4 million by 2025, machine translation certainly isn’t going anywhere in 2021.
Video Remote Interpretation
Video remote interpretation (VRI) has been around for years. Ever since higher speed internet connections and portable devices made accessing video anywhere so much easier, it has been common to have an interpreter present over video. VRI is used in a wide variety of environments, like business meetings, courtrooms, and hospitals. However, VRI saw a massive explosion in popularity with the pandemic and it is this that has caused VRI to make it onto the list of translation industry trends for 2021. Now, interpreters can be digitally present with patients getting treatment for COVID and their doctors without the risk of infection, making healthcare far more accessible. With social distancing guidelines in place in all industries, remote interpreters have been able to help with everything from international business meetings to court cases as well.
What other major translation and interpretation trends can you add to this list?