What is the difference between consecutive, simultaneous and whispered interpretation?
Simultaneous interpretation is when the interpreter sits in a booth and then translates what is being said almost instantly. This means your meeting is not held up. Simultaneous interpretation is best for any meeting or conference involving a lot of speeches or a large number of participants. Consecutive interpretation means that the interpreter lets the speaker talk for a few minutes and gives a translated summary. This is only suitable for small groups and a limited number of languages. Because the translation is given afterwards, the meeting takes nearly twice as long. Whispered interpretation is basically simultaneous interpretation without equipment. Whispering does not hold the meeting up at all. It is mostly used when only one or two people need translation.
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Meetings can last for several hours. How long can an interpreter work without a break?
That depends on the type of meeting and the type of interpretation used. Simultaneous interpretation requires intense concentration, and a single interpreter cannot work for more than 45 minutes at a time. Meetings lasting longer than 45 minutes need a team of two interpreters who take it in turns, thus ensuring a consistently high standard of work. Consecutive interpretation only requires one interpreter per language, as long as there are breaks at regular intervals. If your meeting has a very full agenda or involves several languages, you will need more than one interpreter. Whispered interpretation can only be heard by one or two people at once, and is suitable for short presentations in a small group. For intensive meetings where breaks at regular intervals are impossible, you will need two interpreters per language.
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What technical equipment do I need?
Simultaneous interpretation requires technical equipment such as booths, headsets, sound system etc. No technical equipment is needed for consecutive interpretation. Whispering interpretation requires a portable headset and a microphone, if more than two people will be listening.
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Is there a difference between translators and interpreters?
Translating and interpreting are two separate professions. There are significant differences between a translator and an interpreter. Translators translate written words, while interpreters translate speech. Translators have sound drafting skills, stick close to the original and have time to think of the best possible translation to use. Interpreters are strong on communication, are intuitive and flexible and can think on their feet. They must be able to translate any word almost at once, without prior warning.
Most translators and interpreters have a university education and a great deal of general expertise. Depending on where they work, they may specialise in a number of fields, such as scientific, technical, medical, legal, or economic issues. Interpreters and translators work in the public and private sectors, either as salaried staff or as self-employed freelancers.
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Does Congrestolken charge commission for finding interpreters?
Congrestolken is a not-for-profit organisation. We do not charge commission on top of the fees for the interpreters we recruit for you, although we do charge administrative expenses for putting your interpreting team together.
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