SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETING - THE DIFFICULT JOB IN THE TRANSLATION INDUSTRY
Everyone knows the pictures of interpreters in small booths at conferences or interpreters whispering in the speaker's ear. But how many know the real effort behind this discipline? Simultaneous interpreting is considered to be the most difficult type of interpreting services, but what makes this type of translation so special and what different variants are there?
What is special about simultaneous interpreting?
Simultaneous interpreting is considered the supreme discipline in the translation industry, because the interpreters have to hear, understand, translate and speak and all of this in real time. These multitasking talents are most successful when they are not noticed at an event and are not remembered afterwards. Simultaneous interpreting is mainly used at trade fairs, conferences, speeches and guided tours. But how does the translation process actually work?
Simultaneous interpreters always translate from an interpreting booth. This is not always part of the equipment of the event location, but can also be conveniently rented on the move. This cabin is relevant because it is soundproof. As a result, the speaker's concentration is not disturbed by annoying background noises and the audience is not disturbed by the interpreter's talk. In addition, the booth is usually set up in such a way that the simultaneous interpreter can not only hear but also see the speaker. The additional equipment always includes headphones, which are only worn on one ear so that the interpreter can also hear and correct himself / herself. Finally, the speaker is first listened to until the first unit of meaning has been grasped and then translated. This process is called décalage. There is no literal translation, after all, simultaneous interpreters are not dictionaries. Instead, only the content is transmitted. However, interpreting is used and the speaker continues to speak happily, so that people listen, understand and translate at the same time. Science is not yet sure how such a process is possible, however there is some ongoing research on the subject.
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What types are there?
The discipline of simultaneous interpreting can be divided into three types: booth interpreting, whispered interpreting and relay interpreting.
In booth interpreting, teams of two usually work together from one interpreting booth. You work in teams because simultaneous interpreting demands enormous concentration and this will eventually wane. To ensure that the quality of the translation remains the same, the interpreters take turns after 30 minutes. However, this is not a real pause because the 'pausing' interpreter listens carefully and notes down some helpful things, such as numbers or proper names, which simplifies the translation process for the other interpreter.
Whispered interpreting can be carried out with or without aids. If it is carried out without technology, the interpreter stands directly next to the person speaking and transmits the information in a very low voice. However, if you use technical aids such as a mobile receiver and headphones, the whole process looks a little different. Because this type of whispered interpreting is used for smaller groups, guided tours and visits. For this purpose, all listeners are equipped with a tour guide system. While the speaker speaks, the interpreter whispers into a microphone so that everyone involved can follow the translation perfectly. However, the group must still be manageable, because the speaker and interpreter speak at the same time, which is why additional, loud background noise would only be annoying.
Finally, we come to relay interpreting. In this case, the translation process is divided into two steps, because in the case of rare languages, the source language is first translated into English by a control center and then translated into the target language by individual interpreters. Here, too, a high level of concentration and attention is important, as the audience should not notice that this translation process takes place in two steps.
How expensive is simultaneous interpreting?
With such a supreme discipline, one could assume that simultaneous interpreters earn a lot and that this discipline is therefore also very expensive. However, the costs also vary here depending on the assignment, subject area and language.
Simultaneous interpreting costs ₹ 6000 per hour. Interpretation services are always charged per hour or per day and the prices include not only the interpreter's fee, but also travel costs, costs for accommodation and meals, as well as conference technology.