INTERPRETER SERVICES

Are you organizing a meeting with people who speak several languages and need interpreters to facilitate communication? Read on to learn how ITC Global Translations, your interpretation agency, can guide you and ensure your event is successful.

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What is interpretation?

In contrast to translation, which focuses on written information, interpreting deals with oral communication. There are two main types of interpreting you will likely need when searching for language interpretation services.

Simultaneous interpreting
Most often used at large conferences or meetings, simultaneous interpreting requires the linguist to interpret what the speaker says while they’re talking. This means the interpreter must listen and speak at the same time. It requires intense concentration. Simultaneous interpreters often work as a team, taking breaks every 20 to 30 minutes, on average. This type of interpretation is also recommended when a presentation must be translated into several different languages.

To provide the best working conditions, interpreters are generally located in soundproof booths with a direct view of the speakers. They listen to the speaker through headsets and work into the target language in real time, with only a few seconds of delay. Participants wear headsets tuned to the language of their choice.

However, you can also opt for portable equipment with a micro-transmitter and receivers for people who need interpretation. This system is similar to those used for museum audio guides and is especially useful for guided tours.

Consecutive interpreting
During consecutive interpreting, the speaker talks for several minutes (a few paragraphs), then pauses. The interpreter takes notes, then orally transmits the speaker’s message in another language during the pause. Note-taking is the key to consecutive interpreting. The interpreter must record their ideas and then translate them into the other language.

Consecutive interpreting is the most common of on-site interpreter services and the most appropriate for small group events like training sessions, meetings and negotiations. It is also used for larger events when it is difficult to distribute headsets to everyone. Consecutive interpreting will lengthen an event, something important to consider when you’re choosing the type of interpreting you want.

Other types of interpreting

There are four other types of interpretation available:

Over-the-phone Interpretation (OPI) connects participants via a phone call, allowing them to communicate in different languages with the assistance of an interpreter. This type of interpretation service is in consecutive mode. The OPI interpreter is remote (on the phone) while other participants can be in the same room or remote. For example, a landlord could use OPI when a tenant comes into the office to ask questions about their lease.OPI is commonly used to reduce costs and facilitate communication in various contexts, including business negotiations with international clients or suppliers, as well as in medical settings where immediate language assistance is needed.
Video Remote Interpretation (VRI) is a service that facilitates communication between people who don’t speak a shared language. It is used for both spoken and sign languages. Settings where VRI is useful include healthcare, educational, courts, and other legal settings, and anywhere that people need immediate or on-demand video interpreting services.
Participants using VRI may be in the same room or in different locations. For example, during a medical appointment, a doctor and patient using VRI are in the same room, while the interpreter is remote. The interpreter can then add another remote participant, such as a family member. VRI is consecutive.

Whisper interpreting (also known as chuchotage): whisper interpreting occurs simultaneously when the interpreter whispers a summary of the words they hear into the ear of one or two people maximum. Chuchotage requires no equipment and is simple to set up. However, it is rarely used because it generates sound disturbance that can be bothersome to other participants and because it can only provide an overview of what’s being said.

Liaison or escort interpreting: the goal of this type of interpreting is to provide a language bridge between people speaking different languages, often in informal meetings. If you are hosting a delegation of visitors from another country, you can work with an escort interpreter to meet clients at the airport and take them on tours and excursions. Escort interpreters generally interpret informal conversations.

Turn to ITC Global Translations, Your Interpreting Agency, for Event Interpretation

At ITC Global Translations, our goal is to make sure your event is successful. To do that:

We help you determine the most appropriate interpreting method for your gathering.
We select the most qualified professional interpreters based on the industry and language combinations requested.
We provide advice about what interpreting equipment you need and how to set up the room.
We oversee logistics for the interpreting team.

Are you looking for professional language interpretation services? Contact us today to discuss your project.