Interpretation services by fasttxt.es
The different types of interpretation services available depend on the client’s needs. However, the most common are: simultaneous interpreting, consecutive interpreting, bilateral interpreting and telephone interpreting and more recently, also videoconference interpreting. In this article, we will describe the most significant characteristics of each one of them.
In the professional world, there are situations where the presence, physical or otherwise, of an interpreter is required.
Remember that interpreting consists of translating the message of an oral or sign language speech from one language to another. All this must be done in a natural and fluent way, and the interpreter should follow the expression, tone and conviction of the speaker.
Simultaneous vs. consecutive interpretation
The most frequent interpretation services are consecutive and simultaneous interpretation.
Simultaneous interpretation
Simultaneous interpretation takes place while the speaker is speaking. In other words, the translation takes place above the speaker’s speech. Usually, interpreters work in soundproof booths, together with booth partners. In meeting rooms, the speaker speaks into a microphone, while the interpreter receives the sound through headphones and transmits the message, almost simultaneously, through another microphone.
This mode of interpretation is often used for presentations in front of large audiences, and each of the foreign language speaking attendees wears a receiver or headset set to the frequency of their language.
The advantages of simultaneous interpretation are that it is much faster and more efficient; however, it is also much more expensive because it requires more technical equipment.
Consecutive interpretation
In this mode of interpreting, the interpreter waits for the speaker to finish speaking before interpreting. In addition, the interpreter usually sits close to the speaker and takes notes so as not to forget any details.
But how can you remember everything? The speaker usually makes short interjections in order to give the interpreter enough time to do their job. However, consecutive interpreters must have a good memory so as not to forget anything, as well as to interpret their notes as accurately as possible, something for which they prepare and work on throughout their career.
Thus, consecutive interpretation is more suitable for small events, where there are not many attendees, or for press conferences, meetings, medical consultations, etc.
The advantages of this type of interpretation are that it allows the conversation to sound more normal as it allows the parties to speak directly to each other. However, twice as much time must be allowed, since the interjections are repeated in both languages.
Bilateral interpreting
Bilateral, also known as accompanying interpretation, is the most appropriate mode for negotiations or meetings between two people or a small group of people who speak different languages.
In this way, the interpreter is present during the meeting and, after each interjection, translates to each of the parties in their respective languages. In addition, it is customary for the interpreter to accompany clients outside of work meetings in order to facilitate their relations during the duration of the service.
To do the work correctly, the interpreter should ideally receive a brief summary of the context in which the meeting will take place before the meeting, even if it is an oral one. In this way, they will know the topics of conversation and may be able to prepare the terminology or vocabulary to be used beforehand.
Telephone and videoconference interpreting
This type of interpretation, as a result of recent events, is becoming more and more common in public services, international business meetings, and a host of other areas.
The main advantage over face-to-face interpreting is the speed of the procedure, as the interpreter does not have to travel. Thus, it is carried out via cell phone, landline or, depending on the case, also via video call.
When the parties are in different locations, video calls are used. In these cases, the interjections must be short and the interpreter translates in real time to both parties so that communication is as fluid as possible.
How to choose the most suitable interpreting service
First of all, it is essential that you clarify and define the event details with your interpretation service provider. Thus, they should provide you with as much information as possible regarding the place where the event will be held, the technical resources at your disposal, the program of the sessions, if there will be any travel, etc. It is also important that before the event your supplier sends you all the material they have about the event: theme, presentations, information brochures, written speeches, etc. In this way, the interpreter will be able to prepare the sessions in advance, which will have a positive influence on the quality of their interpretations.
If everything is still not clear to you, we can help you. Contact us to resolve your doubts or request a quote for your interpreting service.
Mercedes Pajuelo