Simultaneous Interpretation
Types of interpretation
In this mode of interpretation, the interpreter delivers the message in the target language in real-time, at the same time as the speaker is still talking.
Simultaneous interpreting is a very challenging mode of interpretation as the interpreter must listen to a speech in one language, make sense of it in their head and deliver it in another language, in real-time and while the speaker talks. This is the mode of interpretation that is used in large-scale conferences, governmental meetings or any other meeting or event where the duration and flow of the meeting are important factors.
In traditional simultaneous interpretation setups, interpreters work from an interpreting booth where they get a view of the room, wear a headset and interpret into a microphone. They work in pairs and interpret for intervals of 20-30 minutes.