Simultaneous Interpreting
During simultaneous interpreting the interpreter speaks at almost the same time as the words to be interpreted are spoken. It involves the use of special equipment.
When a speaker’s words are interpreted simultaneously, this means that the interpreter renders them in the target language with virtually no delay. The interpreter listens to the speech via headphones, formulates the translation and speaks into the microphone almost at the same time, so that the listeners hear the result almost at the same time as the original is being spoken. The effect may be that one appears to be listening to a ‘speech robot’.
Simultaneous interpreting requires a great deal of concentration and attentiveness. Generally, it is performed by a team of two or three interpreters per language combination and direction who operate alternating shifts of 20 minutes each.
Simultaneous interpreting involves not only linguistic competence, but also requires wide ranging general knowledge and careful preparation of the subject matter.
Simultaneous interpreters generally work in a specially designed booth wired with the necessary conference equipment. The process is altogether quite expensive and therefore only used for major events with many participants. However, the costs should be set in relation to the potential advantages, for simultaneous interpreting may represent the only feasible method for ensuring the success of an important function.
Consecutive interpreting requires less infrastructure, but the communication process takes altogether more time.