Interpretation Services

Simultaneous Interpretation:

In simultaneous mode, the interpreter sits in a booth with a clear view of the meeting room and the speaker and listens to and simultaneously interprets the speech into a target language. Simultaneous interpreting requires a booth (fixed or mobile) that meets ISO standards of acoustic isolation, dimensions, air quality and accessibility as well as appropriate equipment (headphones, microphones).

Consecutive Interpretation:

The interpreter providing consecutive interpretation sits at the same table with the delegates or at the speaker's platform and interprets a speech into the target language after the speaker has spoken. The length of speeches varies. For this purpose the interpreter may take notes (see note-taking).

Whispering Interpretation:

Whispering is an interpreting mode whereby the interpreter is seated next to one or two meeting participants and whispers the interpretation of the speech. This mode is used mainly when only very few people need interpretation. Whispering is not recommended when there are more than two listeners or when several interpreters need to work at the same time in the same room (since this could create too much noise and is as unpleasant for the interpreters as for the audience). A team working in this mode requires at least two interpreters. Since this technique is hard on the vocal chords, it is only appropriate for very short meetings.

Relay:
Relay refers to double or indirect interpretation into the target language of the audience. The speaker is first interpreted into one language, which is then interpreted into a second language. It is a very difficult technique.

Double Relay:
Double relay refers to a method whereby the speaker's language reaches the listener after three successive interpretations. Example: the speaker speaks in Japanese, the Japanese is interpreted into English and the English is interpreted into Spanish. Although double relay sometimes cannot be avoided with certain so-called "rare" languages or where interpreters of these languages only work into one language, it increases the risk that the initial message may be distorted. Therefore, it should be avoided whenever possible.

Pivot:
When relays are used, “pivot” is used to designate the interpreter who interprets not only for those listening to his/her target language, but also for the other interpreters who take the relay. The pivot's role is even more demanding since he/she knows that colleagues are entirely dependent on the quality of his/her work.

Booths:
The ISO (International Standardisation Organisation) has established standards related to interpretation. ISO 2603 sets standards for fixed booths and ISO 4043 sets standards for mobile booths. CEI 60914 sets standards for electrical and audio systems.

Video-conference:
The term video-conference refers to any conference whose participants are located at several different venues and who communicate via telecommunications.