What is simultaneous interpreting?
Simultaneous interpreting is a branch in the interpreting conference field. The objective of the interpreting conference is to transmit and exchange information, and ease communication. During simultaneous interpreting, the interpreter “ listens and speaks at the same time and selectively listens, concentrating more on the message rather than the words” [1]. Contrary to the translation, during this type of interpreting, the reformulation of the original speech is carried out simultaneously and uninterrupted.
Who interprets?
During simultaneous interpreting, an interpreter transmits the information while the orator speaks. The interpreting is done in real time and requires a high level of concentration and training. The interpreters work in a cubicle, where they listen to the orator speaking in one language, via headphones, and interpret into the other language at the same time, using a microphone. At the same time, the participants of the conference or meeting use headphones to listen to the interpreter.
The interpreters, there for simultaneously:
- Listen in one language and speak in another
- Analyze the structure of the discourse, so as to transmit the same message as the orator
- Listen to their own interpreting, to verify that it is clear and does not contain errors of expression
Simultaneous interpreting is widely used today, because you can work in several languages at once depending on the audience, and it does not lengthen the meetings or conferences.
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[1] Los intérpretes del Parlamento Europeo: Babel funciona (2007). Cited on August 29, 2013
