Frequently Asked Questions about Conference Interpreting
Should you have questions of a general nature about the topic of conference interpreting which have not yet been asnwered in this FAQ, you can use the form at the end of this page. We will answer your questions as quickly as possible on this page.
- How does simultaneous interpreting work?
- Which different types of interpreting are there and for what purpose?
- What is the minimum number of interpreters needed per team?
- What are the hallmarks of a professional interpreter?
- What kind of equipment do I need?
- Why do interpreters need information material for their preparation?
- What do I have to consider as a speaker?
- What do I have to consider when organizing a conference?
How dows simultaneous interpreting work?
In so-called simultaneous interpreting the interpreter renders a speech or presentation in another language at the same time (= simultaneously) as the speaker.
Owing to the diverging grammatical structures of source and target language - unlike in English the verb in German sentences comes at the end of the sentence - interpreters have to actively recast sentences for simultaneous rendition in order to be able to reproduce the content as precisely as possible.
Thus, simultaneous interpreters do not just passively "repeat" what they hear in another language. Since this kind of translation work requires utmost concentration, the simultaneous interpreters sit in sound-proofed booths which shield them against distracting influences.
What different types of interpreting are there and for what purpose?
All in all there are five different types of interpreting, namely simultaneous, consecutive, whispered, liaison and community interpreting.
Whispered and liaison interpreting are akin to simultaneous interpreting insofar as a speaker's presentation is transposed into another language at the same time (= simultaneously) as the speaker speaks.
Unlike with simultaneous interpreting (SI) in whispered interpreting the interpreters do not sit in sound-proof booths but "in the audience", i.e. next to their listener(s), which is why this type of interpreting is suitable only for a maximum of three listeners.
In liaison interpreting your interpreters will "liaison" you, e.g. during a business trip abroad or a guided plant tour. The mobility aspect inherent to this type of setup makes the use of interpreting booths impossible. Portable equipment, so-called bidules, can remedy this inconvenience.
Conversely, in consecutive and community interpreting the spoken word is transposed into another language after the speaker has finished (= consecutively). The main difference between these two types of interpreting is that in consecutive interpreting the interpreter takes notes with the help of a special note-taking technique, i.e. he works with a written mnemonic aid, whereas in community interpreting the interpreter transposes the speech on sentence-by-sentence basis taking turns with the speaker. This entails a doubling of speaking time.
Since the appropriate type of interpreting depends on the event in question, it is not possible to deliver generic advice. Feel free to contact us. We will determine the interpreting solution most suitable to your needs.
What is the minimum number of interpreters needed per team?
The high mental stress incurred in interpreting results in a steep fatigue curve after 20 to 30 minutes, which has also been confirmed by international studies. As a rule of thumb, it can be said that one single interpreter can work alone for a maximum period of up to 45 minutes. After this period two interpreters will have to take turns in interpreting on accounts of health protection and quality assurance.
For this reason a day-long event, during which interpreters work into one language, usually requires two interpreters. At least three interpreters are needed with several languages, so that they can take turns after approximately 30 minutes - according to the subject in question.
What are the hallmarks of a professional interpreter?
The title "interpreter" or "conference interpreter" is not protected by law. For this reason the quality in this market segment varies greatly. Interpreters who work professionally and have an internationally recognized degree in interpreting sciences offer you the quality and peace of mind you seek.
An additional seal of approval is membership in the International Association of Conference Interpreters (aiic) whose members all possess several years' working experience. A prerequisite for membership is a high standard of professional practice born out by several active members.
What kind of equipment do I need?
During stationary events simultaneous interpreters work in sound-proof booths which - if no built-in booths are available on site - are hired and set up for the event in question. In the booths interpreters listen to the speakers over headphones and speak their interpretation into a microphone. The audience listens to the interpretation over headphones which are connected to a small cordless (radio or infrared) receiver.
Conversely, during mobile events, such as guided tours of company premises, so-called bidules are used. These bidules are portable, radio-based transmission systems consisting of microphone and headphones. As the interpreters are not sitting in sound-proof booths, this setup is very taxing for them and their audience.
For these reasons bidules are only suitable for short periods or small groups. By the way, equipment and interpreters can either be hired indepedently or together.
Why do interpreters need information material for their preparation?
Due to the plethora of topics interpreters encounter in their working life, it is impossible for them to cover all subjects in extenso by themselves. We contribute our long-standing experience, our interpreting technique and the foundations for the most diverse terminologies. In addition, we specialize on individual subjects. To prepare for an assignment we need your assistance in order to be up-do-date specifically for your product or topic.
What do I have to consider as a speaker?
We have summarized all important points in our "checklist for speakers" to avoid a breakdown of communication due to questions such as "At what distance does a speaker have to hold the microphone to be heard?" (Downloadable as Word or PDF file).
What do I have to consider when organizing a conference?
We have summarized all important points in form of a "checklist for conference organizers" (Downloadable as Word- or PDF file).
You have a question which has not yet been answered on this page? Do not hesitate to ask us. We will answer it as quickly as possible on this page.