This is a picture of diverse people, maybe composed of people who speak different languages. This is good whether it is a business trip with intercontinental counterparts or a conference where the main language of communication is different from the speaker’s native language. Instead, in order to make sense of such practices, interpretation is essential.
However, when there are different types of interpreting services in the market, we ought to establish which is suitable for the event. Specifically, knowing the difference between simultaneous and consecutive interpretation will help you determine which interpretation method is effective for your event.
So, without further ado, let’s explore the breakdown of each:
What is SI (Simultaneous Interpretation)?
Interpreting for concurrent translation or conference interpreting is a mode where the message is interpreted as being said during the speech delivery. Usually, the CI/RI for effective and consecutive interpretation of the message into the target language is provided by two interpreters.
The interpreted speech is relayed in realtime to the listener using specific devices including headsets, microphones, speakers, and transmitters for the process . SI is employed in large events including conferences, group discussions, web conferences, board meetings and guided tours.
This is where SI excels especially in the speed or rate at which it transmits information to the user. There is no interruption during the switching of the next line, which is befitting for large populations requiring directions. This method is of great use especially when providing a lot of information during live events for people of different language comprehension.
What is Consecutive Interpretation?
Consecutive interpretation, however, takes place when the speaker has completed his or her speech. After the speaker says something or a message has been passed halfway through, the interpreter will then translate and bow the message to the listener.
When the listener responds, the interpreter relays the person’s answer. This back-and-forth style is most used when people are of a familiar nature, such as in interviews, at school, or when visiting a doctor.
One has to remember, though, that consecutive interpretation may make the talk last longer, as someone has to wait for an interpreter to translate all the points made.
When to Choose SI
That is why simultaneous interpretation is becoming a preferred choice of many companies as can be seen from the following reasons. Although it may not meet the appropriateness of one-to-one communication, it is the standard tool for massive meetings. The apparatuses utilised for SI make for good, professional interpreting.
Interpreters who interpret in formal situations sit in soundproof booths and interpret into a microphone so that one cannot hear the other one. That said, in other cases, headsets provide adequate attenuation to background noise so the listeners can focus on the interpretation.
As a consequence, there are no additional pauses or breaks between the delivery of source and target messages since SI occurs in real-time, and native-speaking linguists are used for interpretation.
Every message goes through strong and prompt, making it very personal to the intended spectators. This makes SI very useful for conferences, presentations, or any other event where the dissemination of information is done quickly in more than one language.
Choosing the Right Interpretation for Your Event
It is very important to decide on the type of interpretation service to offer to the event in question. While consecutive interpretation seems more suitable for small and informal meetings or simply a conversation with an interlocutor.
Yet for every major convention internationally, business meetings, diplomatic conferences and the like, simultaneous interpretation provides the greatest gain. It helps toward ensuring that all audiences who are in different languages get their required information with efficiency and without any barriers.
In addition, it is not only fast but it also makes sure that all the essential information gets passed to a diverse audience without misinformation.
