In many events, seminars and meetings where there are speakers of different languages, interpretation may be needed. Often, however, it is unclear what preparations should be made so that everything related to the interpretation succeeds.
The main precondition is obviously using trained interpreters. Yet, in addition to the experience and knowledge of interpreters, there are other nuances to pay attention to.
The client should always make sure that the interpreter gets the materials at least two weeks before the event. The interpreter should also be given the phone number of the contact person to address with possible topical questions. Often, the interpreted text seems simple for people who are familiar with the topic and the same is told to the interpreter. However, interpreters who have to know many different subjects might not find the particular topic as simple. Thus, it would be good if the interpreter could prepare for the relevant subject.
Interpretation is generally divided into three types..
1) Simultaneous interpretation
Simultaneous interpretation means that the interpretation is produced almost simultaneously with the output of the speaker. The main advantage of simultaneous interpretation is speed. Simultaneous interpretation requires special equipment. The interpreter is in a separate room or a specially installed booth and the audience hears the interpretation through headphones. The speaker always has to use a microphone so the interpreter can hear the original text. When communicating with the audience, the microphone should not be forgotten either, because otherwise, the interpreter does not hear the questions asked by the audience. The speaker should not forget to take the microphone when he or she leaves the podium, for example, to point at the data projected on the wall.
As a rule, simultaneous interpretation is not done alone. The only exception is events that last only a couple of hours. If two interpreters are doing simultaneous interpretation in the booth, the interpreter that is not currently speaking into the microphone is working as well (he or she is listening to the speech from the hall in order to write down numbers, terms, names for the partner and is ready to switch when necessary). In addition, the other interpreter can prepare speeches that were received only in the course of the event.
2) Consecutive interpretation
Consecutive interpretation does not generally require any interpretation equipment. In case of this type of interpretation, the message is rendered in up to 5-minute chunks. The interpreter takes notes and uses the slides projected on the wall, if any. Consecutive interpretation always takes more time than simultaneous, because the time spent on interpretation is added to the original speech. Consecutive interpretation is suitable for meetings because it gives the party speaking in the source language more time to think about its positions. In seminars, people speaking both working languages can use the time spent on interpretation for taking notes.
Although consecutive interpretation is less intense than simultaneous interpretation, it is advisable to use two interpreters for long and complicated interpretation.
3) Whispering interpretation
Whispering interpretation is used when there are a couple of people among the audience who do not understand the working language. An interpreter sits next to them and 'whispers' simultaneously with the speaker.
Certainly, you want to impress your guests or participants. One way of doing it is to hire a well-trained and prepared interpreter and choose the right manner of interpretation.
The interpretation article by Külli Sula
1992 Tartu University - English language and literature
2000 Tartu University - Conference Interpretation
