BACKGROUND
A large number of Finns have their mobile phone with them at all times. The mobile phone has become a crucial means of maintaining contact both in and outside work. For Finland’s 5,000 Deaf, mobile phones have already provided a vital means of communication via text messaging. Furthermore, the arrival of 3G video phones enables the Deaf to use the phone in their own native language – Finnish sign language.
Finland is one of the countries where sign language is recognised in the Constitution. The right to interpreting services is thus protected by law. In future, the implementation of mobile interpreting will help these rights to be met. It is still too early to speak of an existing, functional mobile interpretation service, offered by interpretation centres as a natural part of their services. In future, however, mobile interpreting will offer a flexible alternative to traditional interpreting in everyday situations such as banking or doctor’s appointments.
The development of operator services and mobile phones has had a significant impact on the initial stages of mobile interpreting in Finland. Properly functioning technology is the basis for successful remote interpreting. It is however equally important that the content of the message comes across clearly, and that common ground-rules be established for the medium. Diak’s mobile interpretation testing and training is focussed on the development of these areas.
