Interpreting

If you should require the assistance of an interpreter, it is always important to know what type of interpreter will be the most appropriate for your particular situation. For example, do you need someone to interpret a small meeting between two parties, or to interpret at a press conference involving several participants, or is it for presentation purposes? There are actually various interpreting techniques, so it is helpful to know which method would best suit your requirements.

  • Consecutive Interpreting(may also be called liaison interpreting) is mainly used for discussions, tours, company presentations and interviews. Such situations could include a meeting with a lawyer, deeds being executed before a notary public or perhaps consultations with healthcare specialists. As soon as the speaker has spoken a few sentences, the interpreter then relays the meaning of what has just been said in the other language for the other party and vice versa. This method of interpreting may be slightly more time-consuming.
  • Simultaneous Interpreting (may also be called congress or conference interpreting) is mainly used for congresses, conferences and major events. This is the most intensive method of interpreting and requires a great deal of concentration on the part of the interpreter. That is why simultaneous interpreters work in two’s and require specialist equipment, such as soundproof interpreting booths or whispered interpreting equipment. The interpreter uses headphones to listen to the speaker, and subsequently interprets virtually simultaneously into the other language. The audience hears the interpreting on their headphones and can thus follow the presentation.
  • Whispered Interpreting is yet another interpreting method that is very similar to simultaneous interpreting. It can be used for smaller groups where the interpreter sits beside the listeners and simultaneously whispers what is being said. In some cases, the interpreter may also use whispered interpreting equipment, when the interpreter is seated somewhere else within the hall at some distance from the audience. In this particular situation, the listeners will use a headset to hear what is being said.