The interpreter translates what the speaker says while the speaker is giving the speech, with a time lag of a few seconds.
What is simultaneous interpreting?
The speaker’s speech is simultaneously translated into another language. The interpreter works in a soundproof booth equipped with a microphone, while the participants in the meeting or conference listen to the interpreter’s oral translation in their headsets.
When do we use simultaneous interpreting and what are its advantages?
This type of interpretation is usually used in events with a large number of participants, for example for multilingual conferences, seminars and congresses. It is the ideal solution for participants to follow the speaker simultaneously and select the desired language on their individual headset. Simultaneous interpreting is time-saving and promotes the active involvement of participants without interrupting the translation or the speaker’s flow.
How does it work for the interpreter?
Simultaneous interpreting can be classified as the most demanding interpreting technique. It requires maximum concentration, ability to analyze and faithfully reproduce the original speech in a very short time, while respecting extra-linguistic aspects (e.g. mimicry, irony and cultural specificity). Given the very high level of concentration required, the number of interpreters needed at an event may vary according to the working hours requested. Therefore, only one interpreter will be needed for a maximum of 1 hour, two interpreters for a maximum of 7 hours, three for more than 7 hours.