The oral translation of speech is known as interpretation. The interpretation could also mean the translation of sign language into another language. An interpreter is, therefore, a person who converts the source language into the target language. An interpreter carries out this process either simultaneously, that is, in ‘real time’ or consecutively, that is, when the speaker takes a pause after completing a couple of sentences. There are three modes of interpretation widely used world over. These are:

• Simultaneous
• Consecutive
• Whispered

It is the objective of the interpreter to successfully convey every semantic element of the speaker’s speech as well as the tone and also register the intention of the message that the speaker is directing at the recipients. In cases where written speeches or lectures need to be interpreted, pre-translated texts are often used.

Simultaneous interpretation is one of the most common types of interpretation in the world, and the interpreter has to do the best within the time permitted by the pace of the speech, while at the same time not disturbing the natural flow of the speaker.

Simultaneous Interpretation

Simultaneous interpretation is the process where the interpreter needs to interpret what the speaker is saying at the same time as they are speaking. There is no delay between the interpretation and what the listeners are receiving. The interpreter can pause for no more than a couple of words behind the speaker. The pause is also only taken just to process the speech and process the interpretation. This type of interpretation is used commonly in the speeches given at the United Nations. Even presidential speeches or any large international conferences often make use of simultaneous interpretation.

Simultaneous interpretation is one of the most demanding professions in the world. Only by being fluent in two languages does not mean that the nuances of correctly interpreting in a stressful environment come easily. There is also no time to consult a dictionary in case if there is an unfamiliar term or expression. The interpreter needs to be completely confident about their speaking skills. Improvisation is, therefore, an essential skill in this job.

Interpreters become the voice of these international meetings and therefore, they need to be mentally prepared for carrying on through lengthy meetings and interpreting technical materials as well. Due to the intense nature of work, each interpreter usually works for 20-30 minutes at a stretch and then takes a break of 10 minutes in between each meeting. If the quality of interpretation suffers due to the interpreter being tired, listeners are the ones who are going to bear the full brunt of this. It is generally a standard industry practice to hire two interpreters for simultaneous interpretation assignments.

An exciting tidbit to know is that the technique of simultaneous interpretation was first employed at the Nuremberg Trial after the end of World War II.

Types of Simultaneous Interpretation

Generally speaking, there are two types of simultaneous interpretation that exist, and these are segmented on the basis of whether any equipment has been used during interpretation or not.

Whispering Interpretation

When the interpreter is sitting or standing amongst the delegates and interpreting simultaneously directly to the delegates, it is called whispered simultaneous interpreting. Some of the features of whispering simultaneous interpretation are:

• It can be used for very few number of delegates who are standing or sitting close to each other.

• It is generally used in bilateral meetings or in groups where some delegates do not share a common language.

• It is often used in place of consecutive interpretation to save time.

Many times, the whispering interpreter can also use a headphone so as to achieve the best possible sound coming from the original speaker.

Interpretation with portable simultaneous interpretation equipment

Often called a bidule in Europe, an interpretation with portable simultaneous interpretation equipment involves a small set up. In this setup, interpreters have a portable transmitter with a microphone with them. Delegates also get receivers with headsets. This mode of interpretation is used in situations when tours have to be set up, such as museum visits or factory visits, places where one needs to move around. The portable simultaneous interpretation equipment does not replace any original interpretation equipment and is used alongside that if any is to be used.

Simultaneous interpretation booth

In order to carry out the interpretation process in complete silence, one can make use of proper simultaneous interpretation booths. In this process, the interpreters are placed inside of a soundproof booth. These booths can be either permanent or portable/mobile. Some features of these booths include:

• The portable booths are quick-to-assemble
• There is space for two people, though the booth can be extended for up to four people.
• A table and two roof elements are included in the booths along with eight wall panels
• Wall panels are extendable up to 13 – 15 panels.
• Booths are available in multiple sizes
• These booths are generally built according to the ISO Standard 2603 on built-in simultaneous interpretation booths.
• These are ideal for workshops or small meetings

Interpretation booths allow interpreters to do their work in complete silence and with full confidence, without any disturbance. Delegates can also thus enjoy the best quality of work in multilingual communication.

Importance of Simultaneous Interpretation

Simultaneous interpretation helps to break down language barriers around the world. No matter which language a delegate communicates in, he or she can easily follow the speaker in real-time now with the help of simultaneous interpretation. Reasons, why simultaneous interpretation is so important, are given below:

• It provides efficient communication – simultaneous interpretation offers all delegates an equal opportunity to speak their mind and listen in their own language. This is genuinely called interactive communication where no one gets left behind due to a communication barrier.

• Communication in all its Entirety – As the interpretation happens simultaneously in real-time, the advantage is that none of the messages gets lost. It allows all the participants of an event the freedom to choose their words and present their views in the language that they are most comfortable with.

• A Better Result – Usually international events require a lot of work in putting everything together. Interpreting facilities at a conference can avoid a disappointing outcome by ensuring the correct communication is put out there to all the participants.

• It saves time – simultaneous interpretation saves time in having to translate all the documents of the speeches at a later stage and having them distributed to the participants. Time is of the essence at all international events, mainly if hosted by the United Nations. Real-time interpretation ensures that everyone present at the conference is aware of what is being discussed.

• Simultaneous interpretation is more accurate – Consecutive interpretative really depends on what the interpreter remembers by memory and their notes. It is more of a reproduction of the speech, whereas, simultaneous interpretation is more accurate and better as it is an actual reproduction of the speech as it happens.

Conclusion

Simultaneous interpretation is all about honing and practicing the skill for interpreters. With an increase in international events around the world and the growing prominence of making a mark with your speech at the United Nations, the role of a simultaneous interpreter has come under the spotlight more now than ever before. It is one of the best ways of conveying your message to your audience who speak a foreign language. Be it for businesses or individuals, simultaneous interpretation is now crossing language and communication barriers and ensuring that everything runs smoothly between the parties concerned. An excellent simultaneous interpreter can clinch that deal for you with their superb language skills during the presentation, which otherwise would have been difficult for you to conduct without the proper foreign language. In fact, such is the job of an excellent simultaneous interpreter, which a good interpreter is not even noticed.

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At a meeting of the Portuguese Language Division some time ago, Tereza Braga, a former administrator of the Division, sang the praises of a book written in Portuguese about the translation and interpreting professions. When Gabe Bokor asked me to review a copy of it, I jumped at the chance. Expectations were high for this small volume whose title translates: "His Majesty, the Interpreter: the Fascinating World of Simultaneous Translation." And, overall, my expectations were not disappointed.

The skills required for interpreting and translation are not identical.

Ewandro Magalhães Jr., in his biographical recounting of his entry into this fascinating world, reveals a path taken by the majority of working interpreters in the world today. He fell into it, unaware of the rivalries, the efforts to professionalize the field both through professional organizations and professionals lobbying for and staffing training programs. He soon discovered that there are pitfalls and he has taken steps to become trained through his recent (2008) classes at the Monterey Institute.

Thankfully, in an early chapter aptly called: "Before They Crucify Me," the author, Ewandro Magalhães, Jr., proceeds to explain his interchangeable use of simultaneous translation and simultaneous interpretation to mean the same act. My own preference would be to maintain a somewhat more purist view here since one of the T&I professions' basic problems concerns understanding just what it is we do and how we do it all. And if one of our own perpetuates a basic misconception, our professional image takes another blow for inaccuracy. Perhaps, it is the conflict between the conference interpreter (Mr. Magalhães' works mainly in conference interpreting) and the court interpreter. Many hold the opinion that court interpreting has a higher level of accuracy. Be that as it may, the skills required for interpreting and translation are not identical, and I would have preferred to have the situation explained in a footnote, and of course, change the book title a tad.

From his start as an interpreter, Mr. Magalhães' career illustrates another major hazard of our profession: assumptions. The others (non-T&I professionals) seem to assume that interpreters are available at a moment's notice without any preparation of prior notice. In Mr. Magalhães' case, he truly was baptized by fire: his first major assignment fell out of the sky and put him between the president of (what he calls) the Parliament and Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh. He (Mr. M) was able to handle the small talk, had a bit of anxiety with the more technical aspect, and was beginning to feel comfortable as the jokes began when the president of the Parliament presented the Prince with the gift of a book about the Amazon Region. Ewandro chose not to relay the Prince's comment concerning what remains of that tropical area. Here, another clear division between conference, or in this case, more correctly diplomatic interpreting, and court interpreting. In court, we do not get to decide what to add and what to omit.

This experience launched him into a trajectory that has given him rare opportunities. Those recounted in his small, but well-written tome show him to be a thoughtful, reflective interpreter. He recognized the need for training, and as he touches upon in his book, the need for collegiality instead of rabid competition in the profession.

Traveling with Evandro through his experiences, philosophical detours and evolution as a professional leaves me looking forward to a second volume which he says he is preparing; this next one deals with training and I can't wait to read it!

 

By Ewandro Magalhães Jr.,
reviewed by Arlene M. Kelly

xingukelly [at] comcast . net