Basic Facts about Interpreting

What to do to Understand the World and For The World to Understand You!

Or Basic Facts about Interpreting

Good to know:

Interpretation is usually divided into two basic variants according to method:

Firstly, simultaneous interpreting, where the interpreter translates the content into the required language almost in real time (that is, simultaneously with the speaker, with only a small time shift). This is suitable for a larger number of people and is most often used at conferences, congresses or workshops.

It usually uses some interpreting technology (for example, an interpreting booth, headphones, microphones…), which on the one hand guarantees the comfort of the participant, who can listen undisturbed to the speaker in real time and in the language he understands, and on the other hand allows the use of a larger number of interpreters with different language combinations.

Simultaneous interpretation in a nutshell:

• it is suitable for larger events, but it is also used for smaller chamber events
• uses interpreting equipment
• participants listen undisturbed to the speech in their chosen language and in real time
• saves time – due to simultaneous interpretation, there are no delays, as it is case of consecutive interpreting, and thus the event is not prolonged

What to watch out for:

This type of interpretation is demanding for the interpreter, therefore, with exceptions, it is necessary to have two interpreters for a given language combination, who alternate after approx. 20 minutes.

The second option is consecutive interpreting, i.e. interpreting in sections. This is usually used at smaller business meetings, press conferences, interpreting at civil registries, weddings, police interrogations, at court or in a driving school, etc. It is suitable for a smaller number of participants and usually uses minimum of interpreting technology or none.

Consecutive interpreting in a nutshell:

• it is suitable for smaller events, such as business meetings or press conferences, visits to registries, wedding ceremonies, etc.
• no interpreting technology is used, or only a minimum of it
• it is more time-consuming – since it is a subsequent interpreting, it is necessary to count on twice the duration of the event

What to expect:

During consecutive interpreting, it is necessary to take into account not only the length of the speech, but also the time needed for interpreting.

If you are not sure which type of interpreting is right for you, give us a call and we will be happy to advise you.