Phone Interpreting

Q: What is LanguageLine’s Over-the-Phone (OPI) Interpreting service?

LanguageLine’s Over-the-Phone (OPI) Interpreting is a scalable, on-demand phone interpreting solution that connects your staff with professional interpreters in 240+ languages, 24/7, within seconds.

The Global Leader in Over-the-Phone (OPI) Interpreting Since 1982

Lightning-fast access to 25,000+ professional interpreters
Available 24/7 for healthcare, legal, customer service, government, and more
Founded the phone interpreting industry in 1982
Support materials and equipment available
Detailed usage reporting to improve language access outcomes

Language challenges can arise when your staff need to provide medical care, serve customers or deliver legal or government services.

LanguageLine founded the over-the-phone interpreting (OPI) industry in 1982. Today, we’re the global leader in phone interpreting services, handling more than two interactions per second.

Why the World’s Top Companies Choose LanguageLine

Industry-Leading Scalability

The need for language access is unpredictable. Our solutions meet your demands without fail, no matter how large or unexpected they may be.

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Rigorous Security

Safeguarding your organization’s private information and supporting regulatory compliance are top priorities and a subject we treat with the gravity it deserves.

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Pioneering Technology

Our services are transformational. We have a long history of innovating industry-leading technology and new language access pathways.

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Customization

Offer Inbound Callers an In-Language Experience

When language barriers lead to callers hanging up or not participating in your programs, LanguageLine^® DirectResponse^SM can help. Callers enjoy a complete in-language experience by connecting to your agent with one of our professional interpreters on the line, ready to assist. It’s an ideal solution to ensure accessibility and improve outreach. Learn More

Improve Agent Call Handle Time with Custom Connectivity

Create workflow efficiencies and improve call handle times by streamlining connectivity to LanguageLine for your contact center. Your agents can easily access interpreters with custom menus prioritizing the languages they most commonly encounter. Plus, we can support SIP connectivity so agents simply, “click to connect” to communicate in the language they need.

Provide Overflow Support for Your Staff Interpreters

It’s not unusual for a contact center to experience more inbound traffic than in-house bilingual agents can handle. With our overflow solution, people seeking language assistance can be routed automatically to one of our LanguageLine^® Certified^SM interpreters.

Smiling woman using smartphone to connect with interpreter for immediate language support

LANGUAGELINE^® APP

Connect to Audio Interpreters Quickly

Empower your frontline staff with easy access to LanguageLine^® Certified^SM Interpreters from most digital devices. The LanguageLine App not only increases productivity and saves team members time, it helps improve your customer or patient experience.

FAQs

What is LanguageLine’s Over-the-Phone (OPI) Interpreting service?

It’s a scalable, on-demand phone interpreting solution that helps you overcome language barriers by connecting your team with professional interpreters in 240+ languages, 24/7, within seconds.

How quickly can I connect to an interpreter?

LanguageLine offers lightning-fast connections, allowing your staff to reach a professional interpreter in seconds after placing a call.

How many interpreters are available through the service?

The service provides access to a network of more than 25,000 professional interpreters, ensuring responsiveness even during high-volume needs.

Can the phone interpreting service be customized for my organization?

Yes. LanguageLine can customize your phone interpreting solution to meet your specific operational needs. Customization includes call routing, interpreter connection preferences, and access controls—all designed to improve user experience and efficiency.

What type of implementation support is available?

LanguageLine provides support materials, equipment, and 24/7 guidance to ensure smooth implementation, staff adoption, and long-term success.

Does the service include reporting and analytics?

Yes. You’ll have access to detailed usage reporting to help monitor program performance and optimize your language access strategy over time.

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Let’s Talk Solutions

Learn how our expert audio interpreting services can help you enable total understanding with the people you serve. Read our Checklist for Choosing a Language Services Provider eBook or choose a time to speak with our experts about solving your language access challenges.

The ability to seamlessly enable live, real-time interpretation services is a differentiator and incredible client experience. "

— Royal Bank of Canada

We’re interacting with the public over a million times a year. You can imagine the frustration level of the police officer and (members of the public) when they can’t communicate. This puts them at a comfort level. "

— Spokesperson for Nassau County Police

My Arabic Interpreter did a great job assisting me. We were doing a medical history with a non-English-speaking member. The call was long and time-consuming. The interpreter was very patient. It surprised me that I didn’t have to repeat the medical questions to her that I was asking the client. "

— Nurse at a major health insurance company

ON-DEMAND PHONE INTERPRETING

Over-the-Phone Interpreting Services – Instant, 24/7 Access in 240+ Languages

The Global Leader in Over-the-Phone (OPI) Interpreting Since 1982

Why the World’s Top Companies Choose LanguageLine

Industry-Leading Scalability

Rigorous Security

Pioneering Technology

Customization