How Simultaneous Interpretation Works
How does a simultaneous interpretation (or simultaneous translation) system work?
First of all, it´s important to clarify that you will need an interpreter, which means that a person, that can be a volunteer or a professional, paid one, must translate the speech of the person speaking (pastor, presenter, professor, attorney, etc.) in real time. Despite the enormous advances in technology, as you need translation of context and meaning of the sentences –not just random words-, there is still no software able to perform a reliable simultaneous interpretation.
This being said, a basic system consists on a set of receivers with their corresponding headphones for the audience, and a transmitter and microphone for the interpreter. The goal is for the audience to understand the speaker while he/she is speaking, without having to stop for the speech to be translated. The interpreter listens to the speaker and carries out the simultaneous interpretation, also called simultaneous translation in real time. The interpreter´s microphone is connected to the transmitter, which sends a signal to the personal wireless receivers, so every person can listen to the interpretation through their headphones in their own language. FM systems require one transmitter per language. FM transmitters can be portable (also called tour-guide or belt-clip transmitters) and run on batteries and stationary transmitters (also called base or table transmitters) are mostly used for events at fixed locations that do not require the interpreter to move around.
What is Simultaneous Interpretation?
Simultaneous interpretation is a mode of interpreting in which the interpreter converts what the speaker says into the foreign language in real time without disrupting the original flow of delivery. In other words, the interpreter has to interpret what the speaker says at the same time as the speaker is saying it. Only a small pause is allowed to process speech. Simultaneous interpreting is used at the United Nations, Presidential speeches, courtrooms, business or board meetings, large scale conferences, lectures and presentations. This type of interpreting usually requires simultaneous interpretation equipment.
Why is Simultaneous Interpreting Important?
Simultaneous interpreting is important to break the language barriers around the world. Interpreters become the voice of international meetings allowing delegates speaking different languages to communicate no matter their native language. Some of the advantages of simultaneous interpreting over other interpreting modes are: it saves time and none of the message gets lost as interpretation happens in real time and without altering the flow of delivery; it is more accurate as the interpreter doesn´t rely as much on memory as in the consecutive mode where the interpreter relies mostly on memory and notes to reproduce speech; and it ensures correct communication to all participants.
How do you do simultaneous translation?
Simultaneous translation also referred to as simultaneous interpretation is performed by an interpreter who is knowledgeable in both the source and the target language to a foreign speaking audience who talks in a language differently than the one of the presenter. This means that a person, that can be a volunteer or a professional, paid one, must verbally translate the speech of the person speaking (pastor, presenter, professor, attorney, etc.) in real time, usually using language interpretation equipment. Despite the enormous advances in technology, as you need translation of speech in context–not just random words-, there is still no software able to perform a reliable simultaneous interpretation.
How does simultaneous interpretation work?
Simultaneous Interpretation / translation requires that both the interpreter and the foreign speaking audience use simultaneous interpretation equipment. A basic SI system consists of a set of wireless receivers with headphones for the audience, and a transmitter and microphone for the interpreter. The goal is for the audience to understand the speaker while he/she is speaking, without having to stop for the speech to be translated. The interpreter listens to the speaker and carries out the simultaneous interpretation, also called simultaneous translation in real time. The interpreter´s microphone is connected to the transmitter, which sends a signal to the personal wireless receivers, so every person can listen to the interpretation through their headphones in their own language. FM systems require one transmitter per language. FM transmitters can be portable (also called tour-guide or belt-clip transmitters) and run on batteries and stationary transmitters (also called base or table transmitters) are mostly used for events at fixed locations that do not require the interpreter to move around.
Differences between Consecutive vs Simultaneous Interpretation
When performing consecutive interpretation (CI), the interpreter needs to wait for a pause or a break in the speaker’s speech, usually at the end of a long sentence or when a concept is finished, and then provides the verbal translation of the message in the desired language. The interpreter in consecutive interpretation relies heavily on memorization and notes. Whereas in simultaneous interpretation (SI), the interpreter translates as the speaker is delivering the speech usually with a slight delay, and the participants receive the broadcast directly into headphones provided by the venue. Most of the times, interpreters perform their job in sound-proof booths without interfering with the audience or presenters. Because this way of interpreting saves time, simultaneous interpreting is recommended for conferences and meetings in which a lot of information has to be presented. The use of audio devices also allows an unlimited number of participants within the capacity of the setting to listen to the interpreter. Simultaneous interpretation is generally more accurate than consecutive as it happens in real time. It demands a lot of concentration on the part of the interpreters, that´s the reason why usually a team of two interpreters of the same language combination share the booth.