Simultaneous interpretation is a specialized form of live interpretation services in which the interpreters respond to a Speaker as he or she is speaking. This is usually done in a separate soundproof room with the help of technology in the form of headsets used by the speakers, microphones, and wiring connecting speakers and listeners.

Simultaneous interpretation is different from consecutive interpretation in which interpreters interpret what a speaker has said after a natural pause. The consecutive interpreter listens to what the speaker has said for some time before the speaker pauses while the interpreter relays what was said in the selected language.

Both simultaneous and consecutive interpreting is best left to professional interpreters who have fluency in the chosen languages and experience in the appropriate type of interpreting needed. Here are some tips if you have the job of recruiting and organizing a meeting or conference in which simultaneous interpretation services are required.

Simultaneous interpretation tips

Tip#1 Make sure the equipment provided is sufficient for good recording

The interpreter is reliant on being able to hear the speaker(s) clearly and instantly and also able to relay the interpreted speech to the intended listeners. This may require specialized rooms and monitors if the face of the speaker is not in clear sight. The communication quality should be tested before the session and speakers, in particular, shown how to use the handsets and microphones. Typically, the interpreters, as professionals, will be familiar with the sort of equipment used.

Tip#2 Make sure there is sufficient time for both the speech and the interpreter’s rendition

Even though the live interpreter will be giving the interpretation simultaneously as the speaker gives his or her speech, there will be inevitably a time delay and this should be incorporated into the planning for the session.

Tip#3 Good, clear speakers translate into the good, clear interpretation

It’s not always possible to make a choice of who speaks and who listens, but it should be made gently clear to all speakers involved in the session that any rambling presentations may not translate into clearly enunciated interpretations. Speakers who are aware that their speech is being relayed into at least one other language, possibly several simultaneously, may be more conscious of clear enunciation and giving a slower delivery so that there is less room for error. Live interpreters generally must make judgments about what they are interpreting and do not have the luxury of stopping the speaker to clarify what they have just said.

Tip#4 Avoid slang, idioms, and puns

Professional interpreters should be fluent in the native language of the speaker and will be familiar with many of the colloquialisms used in that language, but not all idiomatic and colloquial language is necessarily easily converted into another language. This is especially true of humor that may be funny and appropriate in one language but not appropriate in another language. The live interpreter may then be forced into making a judgment call about whether a particular phrase or even a whole segment of the speech is actually relayed in case of confusion or

Conclusion

Simultaneous interpreting services have a number of advantages over not providing any interpreting services at all (this should be obvious!) or consecutive interpreting, which does not capture the essence of what the speaker is saying as well, even though it may be actually a more accurate version of the speech. If you are planning a session in which an interpreter or interpreters are needed, make sure you use professional interpreters who are experienced in simultaneous interpreting and follow the tips given above.

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