.
Blog

Simultaneous Interpretation Series Part 1 of 6: Introduction to Simultaneous Interpretation

The art of simultaneous interpretation is used during United Nations gatherings, presidential speeches, and large international conferences. It is the process in which an interpreter interprets what a presenter is saying at the same time as they are speaking so that listeners receive the interpretation without delay. If the interpreter pauses, it is usually no more than a couple of words behind the speaker, and it is done in order to give the interpreter time to both process the speech and provide the interpretation.

Simultaneous interpretation is demanding. It is doubtlessly one of the most difficult language skills to learn. Just because someone is fluent in two languages does not mean that person will be able to render the nuances correctly in such a fast-paced environment. Simultaneous interpretation doesn’t allow time to search through a dictionary for unfamiliar expressions, and gives no chance to consider how to best reinterpret unknown words or phrases. The interpreter must therefore be confident in thinking and speaking on the fly. Being able to quickly improvise is an essential skill. It is also extremely important that the interpreter is completely comfortable living and working within both cultures and able to convey the nuances of each of them in word, tone, and expression. In other words, it is not enough for them to merely restate a foreign language equivalent; they must assume the role of an actor who is able to convey the speaker’s words perfectly. Since body language differs among cultures, the interpreter must also be comfortable in conveying physical gestures and interpreting these gestures to communicate the same meaning to his or her audience.

Since it is such a mentally demanding profession, lengthy meetings and technical material will cause a single interpreter to tire and the quality of the interpretation to suffer.  It is important to remember that for international meetings and conferences, interpreters are the voice of the one speaking. For an audience who does not understand the speaker’s language, they take every word the interpreter utters to be true and accurate. If the quality declines as the interpreter tires, listeners may not receive the full impact of the original speaker’s words. For this reason, it is common industry practice to hire two interpreters for simultaneous interpretation assignments. By switching off every 15-30 minutes, interpreters can stay fresh and avoid costly misinterpretations.

Simultaneous interpretation may be challenging, but it isn’t impossible. For people with the right language skills and cultural background, simultaneous interpretation can be both personally and financially rewarding. The interpreter is exposed to a great variety of situations, people, and materials, and has an opportunity to help bridge gaps in communication and spread ideas.

Do you currently work as a simultaneous interpreter? What advice would you offer a newcomer to the profession?

Nisar_Nikzad

NISAR NIKZAD

Nisar, the dynamic force behind Translation Excellence, stands tall as its founder and CEO. This isn’t just any company—it’s a global heavyweight in boutique language services. Hailing from the vibrant city of Kabul, Afghanistan, Nisar brought his passion and expertise to the U.S. shores in 2001. In the realm of languages, he’s a titan. With 19 years under his belt, he’s worn hats from a linguist and instructor to a cultural bridge-builder and curriculum craftsman.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top