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Interpreting
Interpreting is a quite different skill to translation. Although both interpreters and translators need to be completely bilingual, an interpreter needs to be a very quick thinker and also verbally fluent in both languages, whereas a translator can afford to take time to choose their words very carefully.
What makes an interpreter? Linguistic ability, clearly, but much more than that. Intelligence, organization and an ability to deliver quality service under pressure are essential, as is a keen interest in current affairs and a broad general knowledge. The conference interpreter must be able to master both consecutive and simultaneous interpreting.
Interpreting falls into two main categories – simultaneous interpreting and consecutive interpreting. Simultaneous interpreting is when the speaker does not pause to wait for the interpreter, as in conference interpreting. Consecutive interpreting is the term used to describe the situation in a typical one-to-one meeting, where the speaker will pause to wait for the interpreter.
Consecutive Interpreting:
The only equipment required for this is a notepad and pen (or rather pens, as over-reliance on a single biro could be disastrous for the interpreter and the conference). The interpreter listens to a speech (or an extract), while taking various notes. These notes are not shorthand, but a personal selection of symbols, abbreviations and sometimes words in various languages. They can (and usually do) appear totally incomprehensible to anyone who sees them afterwards! But as long as the interpreter understands them and can use them, that’s all that matters – just don’t use CH for both China and Switzerland if you want to avoid a diplomatic incident! The extracts of the speech are rarely longer than six minutes or so and the interpreter has the opportunity to clarify any vital points with the speaker before interpreting, so the delivery is often smoother and ‘truer’ than simultaneous. However, this also means that the level of quality must be excellent and consecutive interpreters are expected to give a highly accurate translation in a fluent, confident and professional style.
Simultaneous Interpreting:
This corresponds to the traditionally-held view of interpreting (or at least Nicole Kidman in 'The Interpreter’) and involves sitting in a booth with headphones and a microphone and speaking at the same time as listening. Simultaneous interpreting has now replaced consecutive as the mode of choice for conferences. The main advantage is that time is saved and that delegates are not forced to sit through long speeches which they do not understand. Simultaneous was first used in the Nuremberg Trials after the Second World War and is now practised both at the international institutions (the United Nations and European Union) and also on the private market. Due to the intense mental pressure involved, simultaneous interpreters rarely work for more than thirty minutes at a stretch. They then let their boothmate take over, while still listening to the conference and providing any help required (looking up terms on the internet, writing down difficult figures/names etc.).
French Interpreting Conference Interpreting Telephone Interpreting Business Interpreting