Simultaneous

Simultaneous interpreting is just that: the interpreter renders the speaker’s words into the target language more or less without interruption. This demands enormous concentration – so much so that the interpreter must take turns with a colleague to allow periodic breaks.

Simultaneous interpreting saves time and is preferred by speakers and audiences for lectures. In most cases, interpreters work in a soundproof booth. There they receive the source language via headphone and use a microphone to transmit the target language to headphones worn by audience members.

In contrast to simultaneous interpreting, the consecutive interpreter renders the speaker’s words into the target language only after the speaker finishes speaking a certain message segment. Depending on the length of the segment, interpreters might have to take notes using special notation.

This mode of interpreting does not require the use of special equipment. But because it contains built-in delays – the speaker remains silent whenever the interpreter conveys the message – it takes more time. As a result, consecutive interpreting is better suited for brief, informal occasions (toasts, receptions) than for big conferences.

When the use of an interpreter booth isn’t practical (as with museum or factory tours), clients can request so-called whispering equipment. The interpreter speaks softly into a wireless microphone that broadcasts the words clearly and audibly over the headphone receivers worn by the listeners.