One wrongly translated sentence has the potential to prevent a boardroom transaction or puzzle all delegates. This is the reason why live language assistance in major events is different from informal language assistance. Conference interpreting service is a part of professional interpretation and requires skills that most bilingual people have never practiced. Before you engage someone for your next international conference, it would be helpful to understand what distinguishes conference interpretation services from all other forms of interpretation services.
So, What Does Interpreting Actually Mean?
The term interpreting refers to the act of converting a person’s words from one language to another instantly without altering the actual meaning or intention behind them. Unlike translation, which is concerned with written material, interpreting involves spoken communication in real time. Conference interpreting refers to interpreting taking place during formal occasions.
Five Ways Conference Interpreting Stands Apart
Booth, Headset and Short Delay
Conference interpreters sit in soundproof booths using microphones, while the delegates hear through headsets. This is called simultaneous interpreting, with only some seconds of delay. General interpreting is mostly done face-to-face, by means of whispers or short turns of speech, without using special equipment.
Tag-Team Interpreting
Because this job is very tiring mentally, interpreters work in pairs and change every 20 – 30 minutes in order to stay accurate during a long work process. In contrast, the general interpreter in hospital activities as well as in short meetings works alone because the duration of the work is shorter.
Preparation Before the First Speech
Conferences deal with professional matters such as energy, finances, or medicine. So interpreters study materials, texts, and terminology in advance to ensure that challenging terms are spoken correctly. General interpreting is usually performed with common words that do not need much preparation.
One Speaker for Everyone
A conference can be attended by hundreds of people. But everyone is relying on one interpreting voice in their ears. On the contrary, general interpreting is either aimed at one or two people only.
Confidentiality and Professional Voice
Moreover, conference interpreters have much tougher rules regarding confidentiality and neutrality than interpreters working in the field of general interpreting. They have access to unpublished data and information on negotiations. Moreover, conference interpreting is done in a formal language, while general interpreting can be done in a more relaxed, adapting tone.
Final Words
Conference interpreting is a skill in itself, based on various elements such as the booths, teamwork, preparation, and trust. When the success of your event is dependent on every word being interpreted correctly, choose interpreting services with proven expertise and experience. Semantics is ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certified and has a global network of over 5000 native language experts in 150 languages. With more than 2500 assignments under its belt, Semantics has extensive experience in finding the best interpreters for clients. Want to know more? Contact Semantics for professional interpreting services.
FAQs
Is a bilingual speaker able to perform interpreting duties for my conference?
Not really. Knowing one language well is not the only factor in meeting the necessary requirements for interpretation, as interpreters have to master other aspects, such as special terminology or taking notes, to deliver the best services.
What are the distinguishing features of simultaneous and consecutive interpreting?
The first type of interpreting occurs in real time through listening devices, while in the case of consecutive interpreting, the speaker stops speaking, allowing the interpreter to proceed with interpretation afterwards.
When should I book interpreters for my event?
As soon as your plans are locked in. Booking at an early stage allows interpreters to understand your plans and prepare terminology.
What equipment does a conference need?
It usually requires soundproof booths, interpreter consoles, microphones, and receivers with headsets for each delegate.
What languages can be interpreted during the conference?
Generally, any type of language can be interpreted, although for more uncommon pairs, more research will be needed.
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