Interpreting is a process of rendering an oral text in one language into an oral text in another language. While interpreting it is important to keep lexical, grammatical and stylistic peculiarities of the original speech as fully as possible.
There are two types of interpreting: consecutive and simultaneous. In the process of consecutive interpreting an interpreter starts to speak after the speaker finishes his speech or makes a pause. Consecutive interpreting is used at the following events:
- different negotiations, including phone negotiations, which accompany transactions, discussions of technical, legal, economic and other issues;
- installation, adjustment, repairs of equipment, as well as training courses conducted by foreign specialists;
- court sessions, examinations of foreigners, notarial consultations, etc;
- meetings, seminars, round tables, presentations, speeches, conferences, exhibitions, etc;
- holyday and informal events.
At simultaneous interpreting an interpreter speaks simultaneously with the speaker. It is one of the most difficult types of interpreting, which requires strong concentration of attention. Moreover, at simultaneous interpreting special equipment is often used. It consists of a room, which is called a booth, and equipment placed in it: a system for simultaneous interpreting, two pairs of headphones and a microphone and also a set of headphones and receivers for participants of the interpreting.
As at the simultaneous interpreting mental stress and concentration of attention is very strong, not any specialist can do it. Moreover, for simultaneous interpreting two interpreters are required. They change each other each 20 – 30 minutes.
Simultaneous interpreting is often used during international conferences, negotiations, presentations. The following advantages of simultaneous interpreting can be named:
- time for interpreting reduces at least by two comparing to consecutive translation;
- the speech can be simultaneously interpreted into several languages;
- the speaker holds the audience’s attention better comparing to consecutive translation.
The most significant disadvantages are the following:
- it causes much bigger information loss than consecutive interpreting;
- the cost of simultaneous interpreting is several times higher than that of the consecutive interpreting;
- it requires the use of special equipment;
- it requires the engagement of at least two interpreters.