What does simultaneous translation or interpretation mean?
The method of simultaneous translation (also known as simultaneous interpretation) is used in
multilingual meetings, where a significand amount of information is transmitted in a limited amount of
time, and involves the existence of interpreters in booths, who translate the oral content
simultaneously.
The interpreters involved in a simultaneous interpretation, two for each target language, are placed in
simultaneous translation booths, places in such a way as to see the speakers and the visual elements.
Visual contact with the speakers is essential and facilitates a better understanding of the discourse
and a good functioning of the simultaneous interpretation.
In the simultaneous translation system, each interpreter translates for a certain period of time and is
then switched with the teammate, thus ensuring the continuity of the service. In the case of
simultaneous translation, two interpreters will be used per booth for each target language, irrespective
of the duration of the discourse. While one interpreter translates, the teammate pays attention to the
numbers and terminology used in the discourse, helping the active interpreter transmit the message
correctly. Considering the rate and flow of information in the discourse, the interpreters switch more
or less often, to ensure the coherence and quality of the simultaneous translation.
Furthermore, in case of anemergency, the teammate can take over and continue the translation until the
situation is resolved.
What is the consecutive interpretation or translation?
Consecutive interpretation or translation is a method of oral translation of the original discourse,
sequentially. That is, the speaker presents a fragment in the source language and then stops. In that
pause, the interpreter translates into the target language, and then waits for the next part of the
presentation.
This interpretation method practically doubles the presentation time, but it involves minimal sound
equipment.
The advantage of consecutive translation is that these types of events take place in small rooms, and
need no special equipment, whereas if they are held in larger rooms, only sound equipment is necessary.
In case of events with a duration of less than two hours, a single interpreter can be used per target
language. Any event exceeding two hours needs the presence of two interpreters who switch every 20
minutes, ensuring the continuity of the consecutive interpretation service.
