The 7 Types of Interpretation

In a consecutive interpretation situation, the interpreter interprets the message after the speaker has finished speaking. Once the speaker rounds up an idea or sentence, the interpreter, who is standing or sitting by the speaker listening and taking notes, steps in to render what was said into the target language. Remote interpretation is a broad category that includes various interpreting services conducted where participants are in different physical locations, such as over-the-phone interpretation.

In general, the interpreted fragments are shorter than 10 minutes long as it has been proven that people feels uncomfortable when listening to somebody speaking in a language they don’t understand for long. Our interpreters are highly trained in memory and note-taking techniques that enable them to accurately render fragments of speech as long as 6 or 8 minutes long. Remote interpretation services, including over-the-phone interpreting (OPI), are utilized by public sectors like healthcare and law, though they face challenges such as the lack of visual cues and potential for confusion during conversations.

Consecutive interpretation is especially suited for those situations in which a small number of people are involved or in which a personal touch is required. Amongst the social situations in which a consecutive interpreter can be required we can mention:

Liaison interpretation is a type of consecutive interpretation where the interpreter acts as a mediator between parties speaking different languages. This method is commonly used in business meetings, negotiations, and other scenarios where precise and clear communication is crucial. During liaison interpretation, the interpreter listens to the speaker, translates their words into the target language, and facilitates a smooth and natural conversation. This requires the interpreter to be highly skilled in both languages and capable of quick thinking to maintain the flow of dialogue and ensure mutual understanding.

Travel interpretation, also known as escort interpretation, involves an interpreter accompanying a client on trips or business ventures to provide interpretation services as needed. This service is invaluable for business travelers, diplomats, and other individuals who require language assistance in a foreign country. Travel interpreters must be adept in both languages and able to think on their feet, as they may need to interpret in a variety of situations, from formal business meetings to casual cultural events. Their role is to ensure that communication remains clear and effective throughout the trip, regardless of the context.