Whether you have an immediate translation requirement or an important event coming up, foreign-language interpreting, also referred to as spoken translation, can make or break your communication effort.
For best results, different situations will require different types of interpreting. That’s why I’d like to share with you the most common options available and when you might need each type. What’s more, I recommend bookmarking this post for easy reference the next time you have an interpreting need.
On-site interpreting, also referred to as face-to-face interpreting, is the oldest and most widely-known form of interpreting. It allows speakers of different languages to communicate while gathered at the same venue.
On-site interpreting is best for conferences, negotiations and executive-level meetings; for high-stakes events and when it is important for an interpreter to be physically present. Depending on the event setup, the interpreter may be seated near or beside the speakers, or inside an interpreter’s booth and equipped with a headset and microphone.
This type of interpreting is most commonly available in two flavors: simultaneous interpreting and consecutive interpreting.
Simultaneous interpreting is spoken translation that happens in real time. While the speaker talks, the interpreter translates the speaker’s words into the target language. This allows listeners to hear what the speaker says almost at the same as the speaker says it without disturbing the speaker’s natural flow.
Since this type of interpreting requires high levels of concentration, longer events require the use of additional interpreters to ensure that the interpreting remains as accurate and error-free as possible.
Consecutive interpreting is spoken translation that is broken up into segments: the speaker speaks for a period of time, pauses while the interpreter translates the speech into the target language and then the sequence is repeated. If the segments are short, the interpreter will rely on his or her memory to perform the interpreting, but if the segments are long, interpreters will make notes.
Since both languages are heard using this method, consecutive interpreting will take two and a half times longer than simultaneous interpreting. However, bilingual listeners often prefer this type of interpreting because they can listen to both languages.
When you need an interpreter on site, Responsive Translation can provide experienced consecutive and simultaneous interpreters in most languages, for most subject areas and in most cities worldwide. We also have interpreting equipment available.
Telephone interpreting allows speakers of different languages to communicate over the phone without an interpreter having to be physically present. The speakers may choose to be all together in one location or they may be in disparate locations.
Telephone interpreting is best for on-demand meetings and when cost and convenience are important factors. This is why telephone interpreting is widely used in hospitals and federal courts, as well as by offices and individuals who require occasional interpreting services.
Responsive Translation offers telephone interpreting in over 200 languages. Once an account has been set up, our telephone interpreting services are available 24 hours a day and you can connect to an interpreter in the language of your choice in about thirty seconds.
No matter what type of interpreting you ultimately choose, Responsive Translation would like to help.
For more than 30 years, Responsive Translation has been helping organizations to communicate with their stakeholders around the world.
To learn more about our interpreting services, or to receive a quote, please get in touch at 646-847-3309 or [email protected].