Conference interpreting
As a conference interpreter for German, English and Spanish based in Berlin I offer the following modalities:
- Simultaneous interpreting – this is sometimes referred to as synchronised interpreting, synchronised translation or simultaneous translation. The correct term is, however, simultaneous interpreting.
- Consecutive interpreting
- Whispered interpreting (Chuchotage)
I am happy to advise on a case by case basis as to which type of interpreting would be best suited and what conference technology might be required. I can reach out to a technology supplier on your behalf and have them contact you directly, or I can organise things myself.
Simultaneous interpreting
The speech is conveyed into the target language almost at the same time as it is being made, hence the name simultaneous interpreting. In this situation a high degree of concentration is demanded of the interpreter, meaning that the interpreter changes every 20 to 30 minutes. For simultaneous interpreting the interpreters sit in a soundproofed booth.
Compared to consecutive interpreting, simultaneous interpreting saves a lot of time and is a more cohesive experience for both speakers and listeners as the flow of the speech is not interrupted. This form of interpreting is particularly advantageous in the case of discussions. Regarding the equipment required for this kind of interpreting, I can provide the details of suppliers.
Suited to:
- (multilingual) conferences
- congresses
- seminars
- presentations
- podium discussions
Whispered interpreting (Chuchotage)
The interpretation of the speech is whispered directly into the ear of at most two listeners. The interpreter sits or stands beside or behind the listener or listeners at the event location. This type of interpreting is quite demanding for both the listener and the interpreter, as well as being potentially viewed as quite disruptive by others present. The advantage of it is that no interpreting booth needs to be hired. Should there be more than two listeners, a mobile guide system is recommended for accompanying interpreting.
Suited to (on a small scale):
- discussions
- meetings
- presentations
- factory tours
Consecutive interpreting
The interpreter takes notes of the speech. The passages are then interpreted either sentence by sentence or section by section, depending on the nature of the speech. For consecutive interpreting the interpreter either stands or sits beside the speaker.
The advantage of this type of interpreting is that the costs of an interpreting booth can be saved. The amount of time required is, however, considerably greater and the conversation or speech won’t have the same dynamic it usually would.
Suited to:
- business meetings
- bilateral discussions
- presentations
- negotiations
