Interpretation Brief Guides - Interpreting Kinds & Interpreter Considerations

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The communication among countries is more and more frequent than before. Language services play an important role in driving off language barrier and culture hurdle. Among all the language services, interpretation service…

The communication among countries is more and more frequent than before. Language services play an important role in driving off language barrier and culture hurdle. Among all the language services, interpretation service is one of the most noticeable and the most charming. Here is a brief introduction to interpreting service, including interpretation kinds and considerations.

Interpreting service common kinds:
Whispering interpretation - In such interpreting, the interpreter sits or stands next to the small target-language audience, usually one or two people and whispers the interpretation of the speech simultaneously. Only suitable for short-time meetings, whispering interpreting is not appropriate when there are more than two listeners or when several interpreters need to work at the same time in the same room.

Sight interpretation - In such kind of interpreting, interpreter takes another copy of speaker’s speech – he/she needs to interpret whilst listening to speech and reading the copy in case his/her interpreting does not conform to the speaker’s speech or the speaker inserts other content that is not on the original speech. The content of sight interpretation is usually confidential, so interpreter could only get the copy of the speech a few minutes before the speech. Sight interpreting is easier than other interpretation, as interpreting speech usually has some patterns to follow.

Consecutive interpretation - This language interpretation means that the interpreter interprets after the source-language speaker has finished speaking. The speaker's speech is usually divided into segments of about 1 to 3 sentences and speaker's speaking time should not exceed 15 minutes. After the speaker finished one segment of the speech, the interpreter will render that segment message in target language. Consecutive interpreter often needs to take down note since human brain always couldn't remember too long sentences.

Alternating interpretation - Interpreter of this interpreting service serves source-speaker and target-listener at the same time by using the native language of both the speaker and the listener. Alternating interpretation is widely used, especially in business negotiation or on banquet.

Simultaneous interpretation - It requires the interpreter to render the message in target language as fast as he or she can comprehend it from the source language, whilst the source-language speaker continues speaking. Simultaneous interpretation needs specific equipment, for example, sound-proof booth and microphone. The interpreter always sits in the booth, hearing the source-language via earphones, then delivers message to the target-language listener via earphones.

Interpretation considerations:
1. Prepare fully. Learn as much information about the interpreting project as possible in order to ensure smoothness in the interpretation.
2. Express message clearly and concisely.
3. Have a general idea and intimate familiarity with both cultures.
4. Offer a complete rendition, avoid omissions or additions.
5. Clearly know how to get to the interpreting sites and how long it takes. Arrive early, don’t be late.
6. Dress properly and act politely.
7. Take down notes when necessary.
8. Stick to accuracy and efficiency.