Several types of multinational meetings and conferences often require simultaneous interpretation. It is one of the most common forms of interpretation although it is quite difficult. In simultaneous interpretation, the interpreter has to translate what was said within the time allowed by the speaker’s pace without changing the natural flow of the speech.
In simultaneous interpreting, the interpreter has to interpret what the speaker says at the same time as the speaker is giving the speech. There should be no waiting time between the interpretation and the receipt of what is being said. A short pause is allowed to process the words of the speaker. Simultaneous interpreting is often used at the United Nations. Presidential speeches also use simultaneous interpreting.
It was during the Nuremberg Trial that was held after World War II ended that The first time that simultaneous interpreting was used.
What is Interpretation?
Language interpretation involves the verbal translation of a speech being delivered. The interpreter converts the speech in the source language into the required target language, just like a written translation. Six types of interpretation are widely used around the world: simultaneous, consecutive, whispered, travel/escort interpreting, over-the-phone interpreting (scheduled) and on-demand phone interpreting.
It is the job of the interpreter to successfully deliver all the semantic elements in the speech including its tone. The interpreter also has to deliver the intent of the message the speaker wants to convey.
Very Demanding Work
In the world of language services, simultaneous interpretation can be classified as the most demanding. The interpreter must have excellent language skills and more than average fluency in two languages. Further, he or she must be mentally prepared. Especially if the meeting or conference is a long one and involves many speakers. Being a simultaneous interpreter means correctly interpreting what is being said while injecting the nuances necessary in the target language. The environment itself can already be stressful. The interpreter cannot consult a dictionary to look up unfamiliar expressions and terms, which is reason enough to have excellent proficiency in the source and target languages. The interpreter must be fully confident of their speaking skills. The job demands that the interpreter must also be skilled in improvisation.
Typical Scenario
In simultaneous interpretation , the interpreter translates e the thoughts and words of the speaker as he or she speaks. There’s a delay of about 30 seconds after the speaker starts talking. The interpreter is located within the confines of a soundproof booth, while the participants in the meeting or conference listen to the interpreters using headsets.
Simultaneous interpreting is very intense work, therefore, it often requires at least two interpreters. Each one typically interprets for about 20 to 30 minutes and takes a 10-minute break in between meetings. It is important that the interpreter remains alert or the interpretation might suffer. Thus, it is essential to have two interpreters to take turns in interpreting simultaneously.
The interpreter wears a headset to listen to the speaker in full concentration. The interpreter listens to the speech and interprets it immediately. They then transmit the translation to the headsets of delegates or participants who speak that particular language.
Pros of Simultaneous Interpretation
In simultaneous interpreting, the interpretation happens in real-time. The speaker doesn’t pause and wait for the interpreter to translate any part of the speech. They can continue speaking while the interpreter does the work of translating the speech into another language.
The interpreters aren’t part of the group of participants. This means it is possible to interpret the speech in different languages at once. The participants choose their preferred language by changing their headsets’ channel.
Maintaining the smooth flow of the presentation is one of the main benefits of simultaneous interpreting. Time is precious, and in this type of interpretation, there is only a small delay before the delivery of the information from the source language into the target language.
Simultaneous interpreting keeps the audience focused and attentive. Conference attendees often talk among themselves or read conference materials. Their attention isn’t always with the speaker. When you have a simultaneous interpretation, event participants have to give their full attention to what the speaker is saying through the interpreters so they can understand the message. Simultaneous interpreting is ideal for large multilingual conferences.
Cons of Simultaneous Interpretation
Simultaneous interpreting is not interactive like the other forms of interpreting work. Likewise, it is more expensive because it typically requires two interpreters per target language. Due to the high concentration demanded from the interpreter when doing simultaneous interpreting, they need to rest every half hour.
This type of interpreting requires special equipment, like soundproof booths, conference headsets, wiring from the booths to the headsets and microphones. Cameras and video screens are useful so the interpreters have visuals of the speaker in case the booth isn’t in the same location as the conference.
Whispered Over the Shoulder, Or From a Booth
Simultaneous interpretation generally comes in two types – whispered and interpreting booth.
In whispered interpretation, the simultaneous interpreter is standing or sitting together with the delegates. The interpreter translates what the speaker is saying directly to the delegates. Whispered interpreting is effective when there are only a few delegates at the meeting, and they are either sitting or standing close together.
Whispered interpreting works well for small groups or bilateral meetings where the participants do not speak one language. It is more time saving than consecutive interpreting.
Whispered interpretation can also use headphones for sound clarity. In this case, they use portable simultaneous interpreting equipment. This includes portable transmitters with microphones and receivers with headsets. It is suitable for occasions where the participants have to move around such as during factory visits or museum tours.
For large conferences, you need a simultaneous interpretation booth. This ensures the interpreters have complete silence during the session. Therefore, the booths have to be soundproof and large enough to fit a table as well as between two and four interpreters.
Why Is It Important?
Language services, such as interpretation, are concerned about ensuring proper understanding and effective communication by breaking down language barriers. With simultaneous interpretation, it is very easy for a participant to follow what the speaker is saying almost immediately.
Simultaneous interpretation is important for several reasons:
- It is an efficient communication provider as it allows delegates to enjoy the equal opportunity of sharing their knowledge or ideas. It also offers the chance for the delegates to listen to the speech in their mother tongue.
- Messages don’t go lost since it happens in real time. It allows the participants to express their views, thoughts and ideas comfortably in the language they commonly use.
- Since this method of interpreting facilitates proper and correct communication, it makes multilingual conferencing easier. Participants can communicate freely in their own language, knowing that they can reach out to fellow delegates effectively.
- Simultaneous interpretation avoids the time-consuming task of translating the documents and speeches in the languages spoken by all the participants.
- Since the interpreter immediately translates the message, it’s an accurate service. In consecutive interpreting, the proper communication of the messages depends on the notes and what the interpreter remembers.
Interpretation Skills
Interpreters doing simultaneous interpretation need to hone their language and interpreting skills regularly. The number of international events in various parts of the world creates a high demand for the expertise of simultaneous interpreters. Using their skills is one of the best methods of delivering your message to a multilingual audience. Individuals and businesses benefit from simultaneous interpretation for efficient communication.
With the help of an experienced simultaneous interpreter, business owners can close deals through the excellent language skills of the interpreter during a business presentation. You can ensure business success by making a simultaneous interpreter as part of your strategic business plan.
Request Simultaneous Interpretation For Your Next Event
Whenever you need professional simultaneous interpreting, get in touch with us at Day Translations, Inc. You can call us at 1-800-969-6853 or send us an email at Contact us any time of the day, wherever you are located. Day Translations is open every day, 24/7 throughout the year. Our in-country interpreters are not only highly proficient in specific language pairs but subject matter experts as well. They have professional experience to effectively adapt to the conference requirements and the certifications if you need them. We work with more than 100 language pairs, to ensure that you get the best simultaneous interpretation services you expect. We are also capable of providing the specialized equipment needed for simultaneous interpretation.
Image Copyright: By European People’s Party (EPP Congress Warsaw) [CC BY 2.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons
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