Interpretation is an important tool for bridging language barriers. But did you know there are 4 types of interpretation?

The tool is valuable in many areas from conferences, to meetings and even in the practice of medicine. This tool can come in handy in large gatherings or even one on one interactions. 

Conversations between people who speak different languages are now easy to manage. And all this while ensuring that everyone understands each other and there’s no miscommunication.

For different situations, there are different interpretation options that you can choose from. And the type of translation that you choose will vary. The choice often depends on your interpretation needs. Below are the four main types of interpretation services. 

Uncovering the 4 Types of Interpretation

Simultaneous Interpretation

As the name suggests, this is an interpretation that happens while someone is talking. Simultaneous interpretation happens in real-time. There’s usually a small delay between the speaker and the interpreter. This delay allows for the interpreter to hear what the speaker is saying then interpret it.

With simultaneous interpretation, the interpreters need to repeat what the speaker says. The interpreters don’t paraphrase what the speaker is saying. Accuracy and speed are both important in simultaneous interpretation. The interpreter needs to be able to hear what the speaker is saying and at the same time process it.

Being able to do this without making errors is an important skill. The interpreter also needs to keep up with the speaker. Speed is important because there may be no pauses from the speaker

Simultaneous interpretation is often the go-to choice for major events. These include international conferences such as those held by the UN. The interpreters are often situated in booths with a view of the speakers. This enables them to pick up any nonverbal cues from the speaker as well.

Armed with a pair of headphones and a microphone, the interpreters then repeat what they hear. This information, in different languages, is then broadcast to the different listeners. The listeners also wear headsets that receive the information via radio waves.

Simultaneous interpretations leave no room for error or indecisiveness. This is because such an occurrence can cause the interpreter to miss a few things that the speaker says.

Consecutive Interpretation

In consecutive interpretation, the speaker pauses while waiting for the interpreter to translate. These pauses can be at the end of a paragraph or a thought. Once the speaker pauses, the interpreter then goes on to relay what they have said in the other language. This goes on throughout the session of the event or meeting.

Consecutive translation works best for small gatherings and meetings. These include business meetings, interviews, and legal proceedings. The interpreter in consecutive interpretation often relies on their memory. This is because there may be long stretches between pauses that they’ll need to remember. Other than memory, consecutive interpreters can also rely on their note-taking skills.

These notes come in handy when the speaker goes on for a long time before making a pause. The interpreter will be able to keep their points in order while the speaker goes on with their speech. Note-taking also ensures that the interpreter doesn’t miss anything.

Consecutive translation is the best type of translation for accurate information. That, and the fact that it allows for a back and forth is the main reason why it’s best for legal proceedings.

Phone Interpretation

As suggested by the name, this type of interpretation happens over the phone. Over-the-phone interpretation as it’s often referred to is more like consecutive interpretation. But with phone interpretation, there are no face-to-face encounters. This means that all parties in a conversation communicate over the phone.

Once the speaker says something, the interpreter translates it into the listener’s language. This allows the speaker and the listener to have a full conversation. In phone interpretation, the interpreter can’t get non-verbal cues over the phone. This is one of the reasons why simultaneous interpretation often doesn’t work.

Phone interpretation works best in meetings between parties in different places. This makes it one of the preferred types of interpretation during the pandemic. This is especially because of the travel restrictions that don’t permit physical meetings.

Whisper Interpretation

This type of translation comes from the French term for whispering, chuchotage. Like in simultaneous interpretation, this type of interpretation is also live. The only difference is that there is no equipment; booths, microphones, and headsets. Instead, the interpreter whispers what the speaker is saying to the listener. 

The whispering is so that they don’t distract the listener and any other party. This type of interpretation is best for smaller meetings with fewer parties.

Getting Interpretation Services

Choosing the best type of interpretation for your business can be difficult. This is more so when you don’t know much about interpretation logistics. But this shouldn’t stop you from trying to do business with people who speak a different language. With a good interpretation service, you can still expand your business into new markets.

Day Interpreting offers high-quality interpretation services to many different businesses. From big events to smaller meetings, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call today and we’ll advise you on the perfect type of interpretation for your event.

Myles O’Bery

Myles writes about Business, Fitness and Finance. When he isn’t writing he’s enjoying Thailand’s laid-back lifestyle.