The types of interpreting
Interpreting can be done in different ways, depending on the setting, how much time is available, how many languages are used, and whether or not technology is available. Conference interpretation can be simultaneous, consecutive or, more rarely, whispered.
Simultaneous interpreting
The interpreter sits in a booth, listens to the speaker in one language through headphones, and immediately speaks their interpretation into a microphone in another language.
The interpreting equipment transmits the interpretation to the headphones of listeners in the meeting room.
Simultaneous interpretation is appropriate in bilingual or multilingual meetings and has the advantage of not lengthening the meeting.
It encourages a lively discussion and more spontaneous contributions. Simultaneous interpretation requires a high level of concentration, since the interpreter is doing several things at once:
- listening and speaking,
- analysing the structure of what is being said in order to present the speaker's argument,
- listening to his/her own interpretation to check for slips of the tongue.
Interpreters therefore take turns of about 30 minutes.
Consecutive interpreting
The interpreter is in the same room as the speaker and follows their speech while taking notes before presenting their interpretation.
Very long speeches may be broken up into parts, with interpretation after each part, but a trained interpreter is capable of consecutive interpretation of speeches several minutes long.
This kind of interpretation is suitable for scientific and technical presentations given by a single speaker, or in meetings where only a small number of languages are spoken, since it makes the meeting longer.
Note taking is an essential part of consecutive interpreting. It involves committing to paper the logic and structure of the statement as an aid to memory, rather than recording everything that is said.
Whispered interpreting
Whispered interpretation is essentially simultaneous interpreting without a booth. The interpreter sits very close to the listeners and provides a simultaneous interpretation in a quiet voice. At least two interpreters take turns.
The practice is hard on the voice and appropriate only for short meetings.
Whispered interpreting is not recommended for more than two people. If several interpreters are working at the same time in the same room this can be as noisy and unpleasant for the participants as it is inconvenient for the interpreters.
Source: AIIC. 'How interpreters work' aiic.net November 28, 2011. Accessed March 7, 2020.
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