DOLMETSCHTEAM Frankfurt
Your
Guide to
What
is a conference interpreter?
A conference interpreter is a professional language and communication expert who,
at multilingual meetings, conveys the meaning of a speaker's message orally and
in another language to listeners who would not otherwise understand.
The
work of a conference interpreter is quite distinct from written translation and
requires different training and qualifications.
Conference
interpreters usually work in a team put together for a specific conference by a consultant
interpreter who will take
into account the language needs and other requirements of the event.
Conference
interpreters use different types of interpretation that depend on the type of
conference and the number of participants. You can choose among:
Simultaneous
interpretation
Consecutive
interpretation
Chuchotage
or 'whispered' interpretation
Simultaneous
interpretation
– is the most frequent type of interpretation used.
The spoken word is translated via a headset and microphone by the interpreter as
it is spoken - i.e. simultaneously - into another language. Interpreters hand
over every 20 to 30 minutes. Simultaneous interpretation is real-time
translation.
Consecutive
interpretation
– ideally suited for meetings of small groups where only two, or at most three,
languages are spoken.
The interpreters take notes while speakers give the presentation and interpret
subsequently what was said into the target language. It can also be provided
after each section of a speech; depending on the speaker's rhythm.
Chuchotage
or "whispered" interpretation
- The interpreter works for at most two listeners and "whispers into their
ears" whilst the speaker talks. Chuchotage is extremely tiring for both the
interpreter and the listener and should only be used in specific situations. In
some cases it may be advisable to use a mobile interpretation unit, through
which interpretation can be provided to a theoretically unlimited number of
listeners, when, for example, visiting a museum, a production plant or a
building site.
For
making things easier for you and us, we have listed some items to be taken into
account for your inquiry:
a) Date and place of the event
b) Nature and subject of the event
e) Languages required
c) Program
d) Number of speaker/ participants
b) Type of interpretation
f) if simultaneous:
Is technical equipment available?
If
not, how many delegates require interpretation?
How
many microphones are required?
Panel:
Speaker: for
delegates:
(table
microphones, portable microphones, stationary microphones)
a)
Inform participants that and which languages will be interpreted.
b)
Provide interpreters with as much information (papers of speakers) and
documentation possible (if possible in the target and
the original language), on the background and on the program of the event.
c)
Inform all speakers/discussion partners that interpretation will be
provided.
(minimum 14 days prior to the event), including drafts, preliminary versions, technical literature, etc.);
- in case of free speech, provide slides, overheads, keynotes, technical literature, official texts or other
publications
specific to the item discussed;
-
do not change language during the speech, neither walk around if microphone is
stationary;
-
talk moderately (not too fast, but not too slow either) and articulate (specially
if reading a written text)
d)
For consecutive and liaison interpreting
(negotiations) calculate time of interpretation to be as long as time of
speaking, as necessary, provide microphone for interpreter.
e)
For simultaneous interpretation, insist
on use of microphones. The interpreters’ booths are sound-proof; the
interpreters wear headphones and are not able to hear delegates not using a
microphone!
f)
Interpreters are always pleased at being provided with beverages in their
booths (water, fruit juice, tea, coffee)
g)
Technical equipment:
If not available, ask interpreters - they cooperate with equipment providers and
are ideally suited to consult you. As a rule, the booths should have the
following dimensions: approx. 2 x 2,50m x 1,50m.
Location of the booths: Place booths
in such a way that interpreters have a good view of the speaker and all
information to be interpreted. As a rule, the booths are placed at the rear wall
of the room, in the back of the audience and with a view to the speakers. If
films, slides or transparencies are to be shown and require interpretation,
please ensure that the screen is clearly visible from the booths and that the
interpreters have received a script or a copy of the texts to be projected in
advance