The interpreter translates what the speaker says while the speaker is giving the speech, with a time lag of a few seconds.
What is simultaneous interpretation?
Simultaneously, the speaker’s speech is translated into another language. The interpreter works in a soundproof booth equipped with a microphone, while the participants of the meeting or conference listen to the interpreter’s oral translation in their headsets.
When do we use simultaneous interpretation and what are its advantages?
This type of interpretation is usually used in events with a high number of participants, for example for multilingual conferences, seminars and congresses. It is the ideal solution for the participants, who can basically follow the speaker simultaneously and select the desired language on their individual headset. Simultaneous interpretation is time-saving and promotes active involvement of participants without interruptions for the translation.
How does it work for the interpreter?
Simultaneous interpretation can be classified as the most demanding interpreting technique. It requires maximum concentration, ability to analyze and faithfully reproduce the original speech in a very short time, while respecting extra-linguistic aspects (e.g. mimicry, irony and cultural specificity). Given the very high level of concentration required, the number of interpreters needed at an event may vary according to the working hours requested. Therefore, only one interpreter will be needed for a maximum of 1 hour, two interpreters for a maximum of 7 hours, three for more than 7 hours.