The Avatar-Interpreter: Simultaneous Interpreting using VR Headsets

While technological innovation has significantly changed the interpreters’ work, few professionals seem to have interpreted in the Metaverse or in Virtual Reality (VR). Limited data are available on simultaneous interpreting (SI) in virtual environments. This paper investigates the feasibility of simultaneously interpreting using VR headsets through a study conducted on 20 students enrolled in the Master's degree programme in Conference Interpreting at IULM University. The study focuses on turn-taking and the need for handover during simultaneous interpreting in VR, leading to the assumption that SI using VR headsets is feasible and constitutes a stimulating and immersive experience for interpreters. Data from this study suggest that SI shifts using VR headsets in virtual reality and in the Metaverse by means of avatars can last up to 20 minutes, followed by longer breaks to allow interpreters to rest from the stimuli and cognitive load perceived as considerably high in virtual environments.