Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for enabling a first user at a first communication device to communicate with a far-end user at a second communication device via a relay service providing translation services for the first user. The communication system may be operable in a plurality of modes, including a tone mode in which an audible tone conveying a message may be transmitted to the second communication device regardless of a format of the character data generated by the first communication device. A text mode may include sending a text signal corresponding to the message being displayed at the relay service regardless of the format of the character data. Switching modes may be responsive to a determination that the far-end user is a live person. Related methods of operating the communication system are also disclosed.