INTERPRETING MODES
CONFERENCE INTERPRETING
“Conference interpreting” refers to the use of consecutive and simultaneous interpreting at a conference or a meeting. Nowadays simultaneous is far more common and is almost exclusively used in international organizations.
Simultaneous Interpreting
In simultaneous interpreting the listener hears the interpretation into the target language (= language into which the interpreter conveys the meaning), at the same time as the original speech is delivered in the source language (= language in which the speaker gives the speech). Special technical equipment and infrastructure (booths, microphones, and headphones) is required for simultaneous interpreting; it, however, allows meetings to progress smoothly without unnecessary interruptions, thus considerably increasing the time available. Simultaneous interpreting is the only recommended solution in events where more than two languages are used.
Consecutive interpreting
In consecutive interpreting the interpreter listens to a speech or part of a speech while taking notes. When the speaker has finished, the interpreter stands up and delivers the speech in the target language. The speech may last up to ten minutes today, although in the past thirty minutes was not unusual. Consecutive interpretation is not a summary; it is a complete rendition of the original speech in another language. Obviously this method is time-consuming as the time element is almost doubled. However it is the only solution in the event of low budget events. Today consecutive interpreting is most commonly used at bilateral meetings and negotiations where small groups of people participate. No technical equipment (interpreter booths, consoles, headphones, etc.) is required.
Whispered interpreting (chuchotage)
Whispered interpreting is used when only one or two participants do not understand the source language. The interpreter listens to the speaker and simultaneously renders the interpretation to the listener or the listeners. No technical equipment is required for whispered interpreting. This technique is only used only in special cases and for a limited period of time. Acoustics can be a problem for both interpreter and listener.
OTHER INTERPRETING MODES
Legal or court interpreting
In interpretation theory legal or court interpreting is classified as a subcategory of community interpreting. Legal interpreting services are supplied not only in the courts of law but also at the police station and the border or immigration agency. They are also provided to foreigners at notary offices for the reading and signing of notary acts, agreements, contracts etc. Although this type of interpreting is particularly demanding, quite often (also because of the lack of related legislation in Greece) people who just speak the language are called upon to perform this difficult task. Experience has shown that only properly trained professional interpreters can meet the requirements of this highly demanding interpreting modus, where a full understanding of legal terminology and familiarity with international cultures is of the essence.
Community interpreting
Community interpreting is a specific type of interpreting service needed more in community-based than organisational situations. It is a particularly critical service in communities with large numbers of ethnic minorities, enabling those minorities to access services where, due to the language barrier, they would otherwise find it difficult to communicate. Situations where community interpreters are necessary include medical, educational, housing, social security and legal areas, as well asylum proceedings.
Interpreting for market research purposes
Simultaneous interpretation of individual or group qualitative or quantitative interviews mainly in the pharmaceutical sector or/and in relation to consumer products. It is carried out in a room equipped with simultaneous interpretation equipment and a unidirectional mirror dividing the room from the interviewees. Interpretation is carried out in the presence of foreign clients.
Remote interpreting
Remote interpreting refers to meetings with interpretation taking place at a distance. With reference to the remote parties three situations can be distinguished: 1. The interpreter(s) are the only parties located in a place different than the meeting room, whilst those who will use interpretation are assembled in a single venue; this means interpreters may not have a direct view of the speakers, the rostrum or what is going on in the room;2. Both interpreter(s) and all participants in the meeting/call/videoconference/broadcast are remotely located; 3. One or more participants are only remotely located, whilst the interpreter(s) and some other participants are in one physical location.
Bilateral or Liaison Interpreting
During liaison or bilateral interpreting (sometimes referred to as ad hoc interpreting) the interpreter uses two languages to interpret for two or more persons. This type of interpreting is most commonly used in informal situations, for business meetings or community interpreting.
