Simultaneous, consecutive, whispered and dialogue interpretation

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Different event

Different forms of interpreting

Simultaneous interpreting

Simultaneous interpreting is the most suitable mode of interpretation for major conferences, on TV and radio.

In summary:
The interpretation is done in real time.
+: Smooth exchanges.
–: A team of at least two interpreters required for the day.
–: Interpreting equipment required.

+ info on simultaneous

Consecutive interpreting

Consecutive interpreting is the most appropriate form of interpreting for speeches and official presentations.

In summary:
The interpretation is done with a time delay:
the contributor speaks, then stops to give the floor to the interpreter.
+: Just one interpreter.
+: No interpreting equipment required.
–: The length of the dual presentation.

+info on consecutive

Whispered interpreting

Whispering is suggested when only one or two participants do not speak the language of the meeting.

In summary:
The interpretation is done in real time.
+: No interpreting equipment required.
Practical when just one or two people do not speak the language of the meeting.
–: Potential disturbance for the other participants.
–: Tiring for the interpreters.

+info on whispering

Dialogue interpreting

Dialogue interpreting is suitable for work meetings and informal discussions.
 
In summary:
The interpretation is done with a ‘time delay’ like consecutive interpreting, however, this time, it is carried out sentence by sentence.

+info on dialogue

Interpretation modes explained

simultaneous interpreter

Simultaneous interpreting

The interpreter listens to the contributor, speaks, and listens to their own voice at the same time.
The translation booth isolates the interpreter from all external noise, boosting concentration.

Simultaneous interpreting always requires a team of two or even three interpreters who switch places every half hour.

This is a complex task as the interpreter must not only listen and speak simultaneously but also process the information to ensure they do not repeat the same words in another language but reflect the meaning.

The information is conveyed smoothly because the contributors are not required to stop to allow the interpreter to speak. All participants receive the information at the same time and no additional time is needed.

Simultaneous interpretation requires equipment – an interpreting booth or a ‘bidule‘ (portable translation equipment).

consecutive-interpreting-conference-interpreter

Consecutive interpreting

The interpreter sits at the same table or is on the stage with the contributor, who speaks for various lengths of time then stops to give the floor to the interpreter.

Consecutive interpreting is undoubtedly the most complex and impressive exercise when done properly, with the interpreter tasked with sections lasting 10, 15 or 20 minutes.

The interpreter does not write the speech in shorthand and faithfully reproduce it; instead, they take notes and translate the meaning, idea and the way the information was presented.

The advantage of this form of interpretation is that, unlike with dialogue interpreting, the contributor can express their ideas without excessive interruption. No interpreting equipment is needed and the interpreter works alone.

The drawback is that, for those who do not understand the contributor’s language, there is a delay in receiving the information. As a result, the speech takes twice as long.

whispered-interpretation-chuchotage-interpreter

Whispering (chuchotage)

The interpreters sit in the conference or meeting room itself and speak into the ears of their ‘clients’.
Although there is no equipment, it is still classed as simultaneous interpreting. Whispering requires a team of interpreters and works in the same way with the interpreters rotating every half an hour.

Whispering has the advantage of allowing participants who do not speak the language of the meeting to follow the debates in real time without interruption. Given the proximity to the interpreter, chuchotage enables the participants listening to the interpretation to ‘sort’ through the information and let the interpreter know the discussion points of interest, for which they would like the translation, and which topics they can skip.

However whispered interpretation entails a number of drawbacks. For instance, participants listening directly to the contributor will also hear the interpreter who must speak very quietly to keep the disturbance to a minimum.

dialogue-interpretation-interpreter

Dialogue interpreting

Dialogue interpreting follows the same principle as consecutive interpreting: the contributor speaks, stops and gives the floor to the interpreter.

However, in ‘real’ consecutive mode, the interpreter translates the speech in long sections lasting 5 or 10 minutes or more, while dialogue interpreting is carried out sentence by sentence.

This form of interpretation does not require real know-how such as note-taking or summary skills.

It is a ‘light‘ form of interpreting as it requires just one interpreter for the day and no interpreting equipment.

In some situations, dialogue interpreting may be more appropriate than consecutive interpreting. This is the case in an interview or work meeting, as it allows attendees to follow what is being said in near-real-time and allows for clarification or questions throughout. Thus, during contract negotiations, this allows points to be raised, one by one.

With CH Trad you get

A professional interpretation service and a responsive and attentive partner who believes that flexibility and speed are essential to a smooth-functioning, successful project

An international network of translators and in-house language professionals to ensure the quality of the translations

An interpreting company founded by a professional interpreter that operates across France

An experienced contact for a holistic approach to your multilingual event, with knowledge of all types of events, forms of interpretation and equipment setup

A team of professional interpreters that we know personally and whose interpreting quality we can vouch for

A competent and reliable technical partner and a comprehensive inventory of interpretation and sound system equipment