| In the world of interpretation you basically have two | | | | speaking at the same time. Now, you may be |
| modes or types of interpretation. They are | | | | thinking, "if they are speaking at the same time then, |
| simultaneous interpretation and consecutive | | | | how can anyone hear anything? It would just sound |
| interpretation. Simultaneous is sometimes also called | | | | like two people speaking over each other." This is |
| simultaneous translation or conference interpretation. | | | | true. To get around this specialized simultaneous |
| The most common form of interpretation is | | | | interpretation equipment (sometimes called |
| consecutive interpretation. In this type of | | | | "simultaneous translation equipment") is used so that |
| interpretation a speaker says something and then | | | | those needing to hear the interpretation can do so |
| pauses while the interpreter interprets what they said | | | | using wireless interpretation receivers. |
| into another language. Then the interpreter stops and | | | | This way the interpreter doesn't have to be standing |
| the speaker continues with the rest of his or her | | | | right next to them for them to hear the |
| statement. This pausing is the reason that it is called | | | | interpretation. Instead, the interpreter can speak |
| "consecutive", meaning, one after the other. In | | | | quietly into a microphone connected to a wireless |
| situations in which there is more than one person | | | | transmitter (or from within a sound proof |
| having a conversation, they will each pause after | | | | interpretation booth). This way those that need to |
| their statement allowing the interpreter to interpret | | | | hear the interpreter can do so without the |
| what they said. | | | | interpreter's voice drowning out that of the speaker |
| This back and forth continues until they are finished. | | | | and making it difficult for people to hear him or her. |
| Often a consecutive interpreter will have pen and | | | | Another difference is that simultaneous interpreters |
| paper so that they can take notes about the | | | | almost always work in teams of two or more, |
| person's statement. This helps them to remember | | | | whereas consecutive interpreters normally work |
| what was said after a very long statement. | | | | alone. Simultaneous interpreters take turns switching |
| Sometimes the speaker will speak a little too long | | | | on and off every 20 to 30 minutes. This is necessary |
| without stopping and the interpreter will have to | | | | because simultaneous interpretation is very |
| interrupt them so that they can interpret before the | | | | challenging and is a mentally exhausting activity so |
| statement gets too long to remember. Consecutive | | | | the interpreters need to rest frequently. Having at |
| interpretation is often used in court, in one on one | | | | least two of them working together allows the |
| interviews, doctor appointments etc. | | | | speaker to continue and helps to maintain a high |
| In simultaneous interpretation, on the other hand, the | | | | quality in the level of interpretation. Doing |
| speakers do not pause to wait for the interpreter. | | | | simultaneous interpretation well requires significant |
| Instead, the interpreter interprets while the speaker | | | | training, experience and a heavy dose of God given |
| is speaking. This is why it is called "simultaneous", | | | | talent. |
| because the speaker and the interpreter are | | | | |