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Are you planning an important event that will include speakers of various international languages? In order for the listeners to fully comprehend the information that the speakers present, you will need to make arrangements for simultaneous interpretation. You must correctly arrange every event component, from the number of interpreters to the availability of a dependable sound operator, if you want it to be flawless. What must be made sure in order to provide simultaneous interpreting?

Simultaneous interpreting is a very demanding job, especially mentally. Interpreters are subjected to rigorous requirements concerning preparation, the cultural and historical context of the nation, and, first and foremost, complete focus. Furthermore, it is a common practice to have two interpreters per language interpreted because of the exclusive emphasis on solving.

What is simultaneous interpretation?

When a translator listens to the speaker and then interprets what they hear into another language while the speaker speaks, this is known as simultaneous interpretation. When the speech is delivered, the audience is going to hear it alongside. Additionally, it permits non-disruptive real-time communication without pauses or interruptions. Simultaneous interpretation is often appointed for multilingual conferences, seminars, and other events where participants need to speak different languages but still communicate in real time. It can be done by a human interpreter or a translation program driven by AI.

Now that we have a better understanding of simultaneous interpretation, it is time to talk about other performance-related approaches. Now, let’s talk about consecutive interpretations. It’s a classic skill that helps to turn the linguistic barriers transparent. Well, numerous other techniques and methods help break the linguistic barriers.

Whether you whisper or you interpret!

There are two main types of simultaneous interpretation: whispered and interpreting booths. The simultaneous interpreter stands or sits next to the delegates using whispered interpretation. Directly speaking to the delegates, the interpreter translates what the speaker says. 

When there are few delegates present, and they are sitting or standing close to one another, whispered interpreting works well. When multiple language speakers are in a small group or during a bilateral meeting, whispered interpreting is useful. Compared to consecutive interpreting, it saves more time.

For clearer sound, headphones can also be used for whispered interpretation. They make use of a portable simultaneous interpreting apparatus in this instance. This includes headset-equipped receivers and mobile transmitters with microphones. It works well in situations where participants must move around.

Whispered interpretation can also be headphones for sound clarity. In this case, they use portable simultaneous interpreting equipment. This includes mobile transmitters with microphones and receivers with headsets. It is suitable for occasions where participants must move around, such as factory visits or museum tours.

For large conferences, you need a simultaneous interpretation booth. This ensures the interpreters have complete silence during the session. Therefore, the stalls must be soundproof and large enough to fit a table between two and four interpreters.

Why simultaneous interpretation is needed for my event?

  • It is a productive means of communication because it offers participants an equal chance to share their expertise or concepts. Additionally, it allows the delegates to hear the speech in their native tongue.
  • Since everything is done in real time, messages are always under preservation. It enables participants to easily communicate their opinions, ideas, and thoughts in their familiar language.
  • This type of interpreting makes multilingual conferencing easier because it makes proper and correct communication easier. Knowing they can effectively connect with other delegates, participants can speak openly in their native tongue.
  • By using simultaneous interpretation, the tedious task of translating speeches and documents into each participant’s native language is not necessary.
  • It’s a good service because the interpreter translates the message right away. The notes and the interpreter’s memory ensure the messages are conveyed correctly in consecutive interpreting.

What makes the simultaneous interpretation so effective? 

Eliminating linguistic barriers, language services like interpretation work to ensure correct understanding and efficient communication. With simultaneous interpretation, a participant can almost instantly follow the speaker’s words easily.

Active listening 

Listening actively is the most crucial step in any interpretation technique, whether simultaneous, consecutive, or another. It is a real task to listen to the speakers and comprehend the conversation and the emotions they are expressing through their words. It results in improved communication of the content.

Structuring content

Listening to and analysing the content simultaneously is essential because it influences how the content is organised. Dividing the content into manageable chunks and interpreting each with a consistent tone and set of feelings is the best way to organise it. 

Reproducing content

Producing something that is similar is essential as it is the last step. It is important to communicate the interpreted content in the target audience’s language. Regardless of your chosen interpreting technique, it is imperative to convey information efficiently. 

In what events are simultaneous interpretations essential?

Simultaneous interpretation is frequently essential for a variety of international meetings and conferences. Despite its difficulty, it is one of the most popular methods of interpretation. Simultaneous interpretation requires the interpreter to translate within the time allotted by the speaker’s speed without interfering with the speech’s organic flow. 

International conferences

Various international conferences are under organisation globally, whether educational or informational. Such conferences bring different cultures together. However, it is very difficult to understand the whole program in any other language. Here’s when simultaneous interpretation enters the room, as it ensures effective communication and facilitates the exchange of points of view. 

Political gatherings

Different politicians are showing up at such gatherings, as they ought to attend these gatherings. However, to cover linguistic diversity, hiring simultaneous interpretation is better.

How much simultaneous interpretation cost?

Make sure you budget for the cost of technical equipment as well as the paychecks of the interpreters. Remember that interpreters who work simultaneously usually come with teams. They must focus intensely on their work, and to do it to the best of their abilities, they must pause every twenty minutes. The more time an event lasts, the more expensive it gets for interpreters, typically paid by the hour.

What equipment is required to make the simultaneous interpretation successful? 

Various equipment are necessary to make any multilingual event successful. 

Audio system processing

  • A distinct booth where the interpreter can work without interruption or annoyance. The booth needs a desk inside, a glass window, air conditioning, and seats for the interpreters. Set up a booth for every language that requires translation. In the interim, if the cabins are not arranged such that interpreters can see the projection screen and speaker, the recommendation is to add an internal monitor. 
  • Particularly for Q&A sessions, speakers, microphones, and a cordless handheld microphone are necessary. The audio transmission to the interpreters’ receivers must be audible to the speakers’ audio and requests made through the participant’s microphone.

Hearing system processing

  • Participants receive headphones equipped with infrared receivers to comprehend the speaker’s interpretation. Typically, a table is set up with all the headphones division according to need and other technical issues. Establish a service to supply and collect the recipients during the conference reception.
  • The translation signal is sent from the control room to the participants via infrared signal transmitters attached to their headphones. Ideally, it must be in a position within a 20-metre radius on both sides of the room. 

Transmission processing 

Each interpreter has one in front of them and the actual interpreting devices. The interpreter listens to the speaker through specialised headphones while translating into the transmitter’s microphone. However, all participants receive a listening device, like a headphone, that allows them to hear the translation instantly.

How any av hire tech-team is important? 

If there are technical issues during the speech or interpretation, the AV hire staff stays on site the entire time. Suppose the rental company hires a professional who can handle any unexpected challenge and guarantee a seamless transition of the simultaneous interpretation without disrupting the event. In that case, that is the only reason you should conduct a background check on them. 

AV tech support monitors the setup during the event. It modifies in real-time to keep the sound quality of the event intact.

For the past 25 years, EMS Events in London has been known for providing the best services for AV hire companies. Projectors, fast fold screens, public address systems, digital mixers, microphones, monitors, vision mixers, camcorders, and other equipment for audio-visual hire are all part of their extensive inventory. EMS Events also offers the most comprehensive technical assistance for setting up AV rental equipment

Wrap-up

In this fast-forward world, many challenges are in association with the language barrier. Simultaneous interpretation, however, acts as a bridge to help people appreciate and comprehend the warmth of different cultures and viewpoints. On the other hand, AV hire are essential to enabling simultaneous interpretation. 

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Picture of Charlotte Brookes
Charlotte Brookes
Charlotte Brookes is a seasoned event production specialist with a passion for creating captivating atmospheres through expert audiovisual coordination. With over 15 years of experience in orchestrating lights and sound, she expertly crafts environments that evoke emotions and make events memorable.