Why “on-demand” doesn’t always mean “instant”, especially for rare languages
In the fast-paced world of public services, healthcare, social work, education, and emergency response, effective communication can make all the difference. This is particularly true when engaging with individuals who speak little or no English. That’s why interpreting and translation services are vital partners in supporting equity, accessibility, and legal compliance across the public sector.
However, a recurring challenge we face in delivering these services is the common misunderstanding of the term “on-demand.” While it may evoke images of instant access – akin to pressing play on a streaming platform, the reality in the world of language services is a little more nuanced, especially when it comes to rare or low-demand languages.
The myth of instant access for on-demand interpreting
Let’s start by clearing up a misconception:
“On-demand” interpreting does not automatically mean “immediately available.”
In our sector, on-demand interpreting refers to services requested as needed, outside of pre-scheduled appointments. It does not imply that an interpreter will be available at a moment’s notice for every language.
For common languages such as Arabic, Polish, or Hindu, we may indeed be able to connect you with an interpreter within minutes – either over the phone or via video. But when the request involves languages like Tigrinya, Karen, Kinyarwanda, or Rohingya, the process looks very different.
Why rare languages pose unique challenges
Rare languages come with unique logistical constraints such as a limited pool of interpreters. There may be only a handful of qualified interpreters available nationally or regionally for certain languages. Scheduling conflicts can occur. A small number of interpreters often means high demand, so availability cannot be guaranteed without advanced notice. Also, in regulated settings like healthcare or legal proceedings, interpreters may need specific advanced qualifications, further narrowing the field.
What service users can do
The key to delivering inclusive, timely services lies in understanding these constraints and working proactively:
Pre-book whenever possible
If you’re aware of an upcoming appointment or meeting that will require interpreting, especially in a rare language, schedule it in advance. This affords us ample time to coordinate and secure a qualified interpreter.
Communicate urgency clearly
If a request is urgent, let us know why. This helps us prioritise appropriately and potentially reallocate resources.
Use tiered access options
Explore multiple access methods such as telephone interpreting or face-to-face interpreting. Some rare language interpreters may only be available through specific channels.
Set realistic expectations: If you’re requesting a rare language at 10pm for an immediate session, understand that delays or unavailability are likely. This isn’t a reflection of poor service, but of natural limits in interpreter supply.
Work with us, not against us: Our goal is the same as yours: To provide equitable, high-quality communication support. Trust that when we say a language isn’t instantly available, it’s not due to a lack of effort, but rather to industry-wide realities.
We understand the critical nature of your work and how vital timely communication is to your service users. For language services to be effective, they must also be realistic and collaborative.
“On-demand” interpreting is a valuable feature, but it’s not magic. For rare languages, it’s a prompt to begin coordinating, not a guarantee of instant response. Together, with a shared understanding, we can ensure that every interaction (regardless of language) is handled with respect, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity.
Are you looking to add on-demand interpreting services to your organisation and want to find out more? Contact our team today on info@silent-sounds.co.uk
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