Since, due to the used equipment, a translator performs interpretation simultaneously with a speaker, there is no need to make pauses so that the translator could manage to perform interpretation. Such simultaneousness apprehension of oral speech and generation of interpretation are the main features of simultaneous interpretation.
Special equipment is a system of simultaneous interpretation (stationary or based on wireless speech transmission), usually it is made in the form of stationary or movable booth (box) where installation for simultaneous interpretation is which includes two pairs of earphones (headphones) and microphones for interpreters and also a set of earphones or portable receivers for the number of participants who need interpretation. During interpreting, a simultaneous interpreter stays in the isolated booth in earphones with sound insulation so that their own voice could not dampen a speaker’s voice. With the help of amplification equipment, the interpretation is transferred to the earphones of the audience.
Using the technology of simultaneous interpretation, generally, such events are organized with the participation of a large number of people and it is held in big conference rooms or lecture halls, such as conferences, seminars, presentations, etc. The possibility of simultaneous interpretation as itself is explained by the fact that in modern languages there are approximately 50% of words that do not contain any new information. Besides it should be borne in mind that particular part of information at any way cannot be perceived by the audience.
As a matter of practice there are three varieties (variants) of simultaneous interpretation which refer to different types of interpretation:
simultaneous interpretation “by ear”, when simultaneous interpreter perceives through earphones ongoing speech of a speaker and performs interpretation in blocks as new information becomes available. It is the most popular and difficult case.
simultaneous interpretation “sight interpretation” with preliminary training or without it. Simultaneous interpreter receives text of a speaker in written form in advance and performs interpretation in correspondence with presented materials making necessary adjustments during the speech.
simultaneous reading of previously translated text. Simultaneous interpreter follows a speaker’s speech, reads previously prepared text and if necessary he/ she makes corrective adjustments if the speaker deviates from the original text during public speaking.
Advantages of a simultaneous interpreter over a consecutive one usually include the following:
- speech of speaker (orator) sounds without pauses. It lets the speaker to keep attention of the audience, to feel mood and reaction of the audience.
- time of event is reduced by about two times in comparison with the use of consecutive interpretation
- convenience for members: today linguistic skills is a usual thing that is why many participants would like to listen to reports in original foreign language and they get annoyed when during consecutive interpretation the speaker has to make pauses and all participants have to listen the interpretation
- ability to perform interpretation into several languages at once
At the same time simultaneous interpretation also has disadvantages:
- price of simultaneous interpretation is usually higher in comparison with consecutive interpretation because of higher fees of simultaneous interpreters and necessity to pay for renting of special equipment
- necessity to engage at least two or three simultaneous interpreters, who are well-versed in the subject matter of the event
Simultaneous interpretation is characterized by significantly higher level of information loss and a lower level of its assimilation.
Telling no difference between simultaneous and consecutive interpretation
Often, the event organizers who rarely face the necessity to provide interpretation are not aware of the fundamental differences between consecutive and simultaneous interpretation and when interpreters are invited from a translation agency, they say: “We will have a conference and we need 2 simultaneous interpreters”. At the same time, they actually need 2 qualified interpreters for consecutive interpretation in front of a small number of participants, and the organizers do not plan to install any translation booths together with special equipment.
Arrangement of work of simultaneous interpreters
Due to tremendous mental work load and tension in the process of simultaneous interpretation, interpreters work in shifts, notably the shift of one interpreter should not exceed 15-20, maximum 30 minutes of continuous work.
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