Simultaneous Interpretation

Several types of multinational meetings and conferences often require simultaneous interpretation. It is one of the most common forms of interpretation although it is quite difficult. In simultaneous interpretation, the interpreter has to translate what was said within the time allowed by the speaker’s pace without changing the natural flow of the speech.

In simultaneous interpreting, the interpreter has to interpret what the speaker says at the same time as the speaker is giving the speech. There should be no waiting time between the interpretation and the receipt of what is being said. A short pause is allowed to process the words of the speaker. Simultaneous interpreting is often used at the United Nations. Presidential speeches also use simultaneous interpreting.

In the world of language services, simultaneous interpretation can be classified as the most demanding. The interpreter must have excellent language skills and more than average fluency in two languages. Further, he or she must be mentally prepared, especially if the meeting or conference is a long one and involves many speakers. Being a simultaneous interpreter means correctly interpreting what is being said while injecting the nuances necessary in the target language. The environment itself can already be stressful. The interpreter cannot consult a dictionary to look up unfamiliar expressions and terms, which is reason enough to have excellent proficiency in the source and target languages. The interpreter must be fully confident of their speaking skills. The job demands that the interpreter must also be skilled in improvisation.

In simultaneous interpretation, the interpreter has to translate the thoughts and words of the speaker while he or she is still speaking, with a delay of about 30 seconds after the speaker starts to talk to process what is being said. The interpreter is located within the confines of a soundproof booth, while the participants in the meeting or conference listen to the interpreters using headsets. Simultaneous interpreting is very intense work, therefore, it often requires at least two interpreters. Each one typically interprets for about 20 to 30 minutes and takes a 10-minute break in between meetings. It is important that the interpreter remains alert or the interpretation might suffer. Thus, it is essential to have two interpreters to take turns in interpreting simultaneously.

In simultaneous interpreting, the interpretation is delivered real-time, and the speaker does not have to pause and wait for the interpreter to translate the part of the speech that has been delivered. They can continue speaking while the interpreter does the work of translating the speech into another language. The interpreters are isolated from the conference participants thus it is possible to have the speech interpreted in different languages at once. The participants choose their preferred language by changing their headsets’ channel. This type of interpreting requires special equipment, like soundproof booths, conference headsets, wiring from the booths to the headsets and microphones. The interpreters may also need to use cameras and video screens to see the speakers if the interpreters’ booths are placed in a different location from the conference.

Simultaneous interpretation is important for several reasons:

• It is an efficient communication provider as it allows delegates to enjoy the equal opportunity of sharing their knowledge or ideas. It also offers the chance for the delegates to listen to the speech in their mother tongue.
• As the interpretation is done real-time, messages are not lost. It allows the participants to express their views, thoughts and ideas comfortably in the language they commonly use.
• It ensures that the multilingual conference gains a better result because correct and proper communication is achieved with interpretation. Participants can communicate freely in their own language, knowing that they can reach out to fellow delegates effectively.
• Simultaneous interpretation avoids the time-consuming task of translating the documents and speeches in the languages spoken by all the participants. Everyone attending the conference becomes aware of everything that is being discussed because the interpretation is quick and immediate.
• Accuracy is assured with simultaneous interpretation as the interpreter immediately relays what the speaker is saying. In consecutive interpreting, the proper communication of the messages depends on the notes and what the interpreter remembers.