Interpretation is the oral translation of speech, from a source language into the target language, as it happens. It is the interpreter’s job to accurately and objectively translate an oral or sign language into another language, to facilitate communication between the speaker and the listener using different languages. Interpreters play a critical role in helping people connect and communicate with accuracy.
Interpreting services are used in a wide range of settings, from international meetings, conferences, training sessions, interviews, to mediations, court hearings, community education, film shoots, other group situations and many other scenarios.
Three most common types of interpretation
Simultaneous Interpretation: In Simultaneous Interpreting the interpreter listens to a message in one language and immediately after understanding the general meaning of a sentence, translates and renders the message verbally into the target language, while at the same time continuing to listen to the incoming message. Simultaneous interpreting requires a sound proof booth which meets ISO standards of acoustic isolation, dimensions, air quality and accessibility as well as appropriate equipment like headphones and microphones.
Consecutive Interpretation: In consecutive interpreting, the interpreter typically waits every one to five minutes until the speaker has finished a part of his speech. This allows the interpreter to analyze the untranslated version of speech and gives him appropriate time to render a high quality translation into another language. Consecutive interpreting facilitates true and accurate interpretation of one language to another, so that both the speaker and listener can understand each other slowly and deliberately.
Whispered Interpreting: In whisper interpreting the interpreter translates into a target language which is understood by the majority of participants. The whisper interpreter translates the source speech in ears of the listener. Using low voice the interpreter whispers whatever the speaker is saying. Whisper interpreting facilitates two way translation as the listener can also ask the interpreter to translate and communicate with other participants. The whispered interpreter is required to be a native speaker of the main target language. Whispered interpreting is also known as chuchotage.
Other types of interpreting services include:
Conference interpreting
Court interpreting
Medical interpreting
Community interpreting
Business meeting interpreting
Media & film interpreting
Telephone Interpreting
Liaison or bilateral Interpreting