Oral Translators: More Than Meets the Lips

At 121 Captions, we count ourselves fortunate to boast some of the most exceptional oral translators globally, dispersed across various locations and proficient in multiple languages.

Yet, there’s a common hurdle—many people aren’t quite sure what an oral translator does.

Decoding the role of an oral translator

Contrary to a conventional translator, an oral translator specializes in a unique skill set. Their proficiency lies in reading someone’s lips as they speak and comprehending the spoken content. It’s not merely a matter of observing lip movements; facial expressions, speech patterns, and hand gestures all intertwine in the intricate dance of communication.

Considering that a significant portion of communication is non-verbal, facial expressions play a pivotal role, particularly in the realm of lip reading. Consider poker players hiding their thoughts behind sunglasses at the table—facial expressions, even more than lip movements, reveal intent.

While many Deaf and hard of hearing individuals may naturally pick up some lipreading skills, performing it professionally demands exceptional expertise.

The diverse applications of oral translation

The need for an oral translator extends beyond those with hearing loss.

In our interactions at 121 Captions, we frequently collaborate with security firms, legal professionals, and law enforcement agencies seeking assistance. Many CCTV systems lack accompanying audio, prompting lawyers and police to employ forensic lip readers to analyze footage for crime prevention or post-incident legal proceedings.

The media landscape, especially in sports coverage, has also embraced oral translation. Reporters and news outlets enlist professionals to decipher player conversations during games, hoping to unveil noteworthy headlines.

Oral translation finds applications in medical scenarios where patients are unable to communicate verbally, offering valuable support to healthcare professionals.

Meet the best oral translators in the world

Tina Lannin, the founder and owner of 121 Captions, stands among the foremost experts in professional lip reading globally. Born deaf, Tina’s professional journey includes serving solicitors, courts, private investigators, and the media.

Tina’s expertise extends to being the official lip reader for high-profile public events like the Royal Weddings of Prince William and Kate Middleton for Sky, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for the BBC. Her accolades include winning a prestigious award at the Expert Witness Awards. Notably, Tina is proficient in lipreading Arabic, German, Japanese, and Spanish.

In essence, when the need arises for an oral translator, it’s prudent to turn to the best in the business. Contact us today for more insights, and we’ll promptly connect with you.