Terms and Definitions

TRANSLATION VS. INTERPRETING

Translation is the written transfer of written text into another language.

Interpreting, by contrast, is the oral transfer of the spoken word into other languages. A distinction is made between the two main types of interpreting, namely consecutive and simultaneous interpreting, both of which have different forms.

CONSECUTIVE INTERPRETING

In consecutive interpreting, the speaker’s words are relayed with a slight delay, either once the original speech has finished or after individual passages of speech. When planning, therefore, it should be remembered that twice as much time is required for consecutive interpreting as for simultaneous interpreting. The individual passages of speech may vary in length although they are generally around 5 minutes.
While the speaker delivers his or her speech, the interpreter takes notes using a particular note-taking technique. Once the speaker has finished a section, the interpreter will transfer what has been said into the other language. The interpreter will be in the same room as the speaker. Depending on the length of the assignment and the degree of difficulty involved, it may be necessary to use a team of two interpreters.

LIAISON INTERPRETING

In liaison interpreting, the interpreter sits / stands with the discussion partners and interprets the speaker’s words with a time delay. The sections of speech are generally shorter than is the case with conventional consecutive interpreting.

SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETING

In simultaneous interpreting, the interpreter sits in a soundproof interpreting booth. They hear what is said through headphones and convey what is said simultaneously (with a slight time delay) into the other language. Since simultaneous interpreting requires the highest levels of concentration, simultaneous interpreters generally work in pairs who switch over every 20-30 minutes and who support one another.

CHUCHOTAGE OR WHISPERING INTERPRETING

In whispering interpreting, the speaker’s words are ‘whispered’ into the listener’s ear. This form of interpreting is therefore only suited to particular situations with one or a maximum of two listeners. Whispering interpreting places a particular strain on the voice and levels of concentration so it is only suitable for short events. Whispering interpreting generally requires two interpreters.

ESCORT INTERPRETING

In escort interpreting, the interpreter accompanies his listeners on a trip / at an event and interprets whenever required.

RELAY INTERPRETING

Relay interpreting is used at conferences where spoken material needs to be interpreted into and out of more than two languages. For example, if English is spoken at a conference in Germany, the interpreters in the English booth will interpret the speaker’s address into German. This interpretation is then heard not only by the German-speaking audience but, as a rule, also by the interpreters in the other booths who in turn interpret what is said from German into their respective working languages.

MOBILE INTERPRETING EQUIPMENT

See interpreting technology

INTERPRETING TECHNOLOGY

In additional to the general conference technology (speakers’ microphones, sound system, etc.) simultaneous interpreting technology (soundproof interpreting booths, microphones, receivers, transmitters, headphones, etc.) are also required for interpreting. Generally speaking, either permanent or mobile soundproof booths are used for simultaneous interpreting but these must fulfil certain requirements. These requirements are set out in the following standards: ISO 4043, ISO 2603, CEI 914 and DIN 56924. In certain cases, e.g. site visits, it may be wise to use mobile interpreting equipment together with a handheld wireless microphone and wireless receivers.

NOTE-TAKING TECHNIQUE

A particular note-taking technique is used when carrying out consecutive interpreting. As opposed to shorthand, signs and abbreviations are used to note down thoughts, not words. The notes serve principally as a memory aid. Using this technique, a whole sentence can be adequately noted down by using just a single sign. Although there are certain symbols and abbreviations that are used by a lot of interpreters, each interpreter develops his or her own note-taking technique during the course of their training.