The interpreter works in a soundproof booth, alternating at regular intervals (usually every 20 to 30 minutes) with at least one colleague. They receive the sound feed through the headsets from the meeting room and interpret the speech into the target language in real time. Meeting attendees listen to the interpretation through a receiving device where they can select their language channel of choice.
Simultaneous interpreting is usually recommended for large events and conferences, as well as for European and international institutional meetings. This mode of interpretation can also be provided through a tour-guide-system, commonly known as Bidule, as well as remotely (RSI, remote simultaneous interpreting), through dedicated platforms, telephone and video services.
Simultaneous interpretation during the European conference “Future of Europe”, European Parliament, Strasbourg
Simultaneous interpreting during the international conference “ABA – The Behavior Analyst” with the keynote speakers Dr. Neil Martin, Jalene Moreno and Fabiola Casarini.
EDGAR REITZ
DIRECTOR
ALAN PARKER
DIRECTOR
ETTORE SCOLA
DIRECTOR
LEWIS HAMILTON
RACING DRIVER
SIMON BILES
GYMNAST
DON LUIGI CIOTTI
PRIEST AND ACTIVIST
MICHELE DE LUCCHI
ARCHITECT
DAVID LEWITT
AUTHOR
DAVID QUAMMEN
AUTHOR AND SCIENTIFIC JOURNALIST
LAWRENCE RIGHT
AUTHOR
These two modes of interpretation are often combined. During consecutive interpreting, the interpreter is usually seated next to the speaker and takes notes before delivering the interpretation in the target language. In consecutive interpretation, the speaker and the interpreter alternate at regular intervals and the interpretation is provided in passages or chunks. Whispered interpretation, commonly referred to by its French name “chuchotage,” is a special form of simultaneous interpreting where no equipment is required. The interpreter delivers the interpretation by whispering it in the ear of one or two individuals.
Consecutive and whispered interpreting are generally used during smaller meetings, press conferences and short presentations. In addition, whispered interpretation is commonly seen during TV interviews, workshops and, more generally, where no more than one or two participants require an interpretation service.
Consecutive / whispered interpreting during the Bif&St, Bari International Film Festival 2015. Interpreted guest; Katja Riemann, picture by Rosaria Pastoressa.
Consecutive / whispered interpreting during the cinema Festival “Registi fuori dagli sche[r]mi”. Interpreted guest: Abel Ferrara, picture by Rosaria Pastoressa.
ABEL FERRARA
DIRECTOR
ALEK KESHISHAN
DIRECTOR
GIANNI AMELIO
DIRECTOR
GIULIANO MONTALDO
DIRECTOR
SUSAN GEORGE
AUTHOR AND JOURNALIST
BRUNELLO CUCINELLI
BUSINESSMAN
MADS NIESSEN
PHOTOGRAPHER
ERIK KESSELS
ARTIST
WOLE SOYNKA
AUTHOR AND NOBEL PRIZE WINNER
Liaison interpreting is a shorter form of consecutive interpretation and is generally used during trade fairs and business meetings. The interpreter is seated between the parties and facilitates communication by translating from and into the relevant languages with or without notes.
Liaison interpreting during the electronic trade fair “Productronica”, Munich. Company: Errebi.
OPI, over-the-phone interpreting AND VRI, video-remote-interpreting: These interpreting modes fall into the category of Remote Interpreting Services and are performed on the phone or through videoconference platforms.
They are recommended and used in the healthcare sector (emergency services, anamnesis and diagnostics, doctor-patient conversations) as well as in the social sector (services for pregnant women in need, women subject to violence, ethics lines, job placement interviews) and in customer care.
RSI, remote simultaneous interpreting: The recent challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic have accelerated the continued development of remote interpreting solutions. Therefore, simultaneous interpreting can also be performed remotely on dedicated platforms and from hubs.
