Simultaneous interpretation and how to get better at doing it
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(Last Updated On: June 27, 2018)
A simultaneous interpreter is someone that translates speech simultaneous in real time from one language to another and the other way around. Back in the day, during a simultaneous interpretation session, the interpreter used to sit in a booth that was sound- proof and relay the received message or speech to the listener in their preferred language. But that wasn't the only thing interpreters did, they also used to work in live broadcasts, in courts, and in corporate meetings.
Things have changed since. The interpreter doesn't have to be there in person anymore thanks to the internet and modern phones. You can now have an interpreter providing simultaneous interpretation at any time, anywhere in the world, by using phone interpretation.
One thing that hasn't changed is the fact that this type of interpretation is quite tasking to master because it takes a few seconds to assimilate the speech or message and to relay it to the targeted audience. Interpreters to do simultaneous are fewer than ever, and the new ones looking into providing it still have to learn how to do it better and faster. Here are the ways you can follow to become better at doing it.
Make sure that your phone, speakers and earphones are in good order
If you are using a phone, make sure it's a good quality one and the signal is strong in your area. While you could be providing interpretation from just about anywhere thanks to mobile phones, make sure there isn't much background noise. We however still recommend using landlines for their stability.
Some interpreters usually make the mistake of increasing the volume of the earphones to the highest volume which makes it impossible for them to hear the voice. As a good interpreter, you must be able to balance your voice so that you will be able to get feedback on what you are saying. These will allow you to be able to control your pitch.
Shadowing
Shadowing means the repetition of what has been said in the in the same language a few seconds after the speaker. A great way to start is to shadow a message while writing things that are not related to the topic simultaneously.
Improve your decalage
The decalage is the time difference between the start of a speech from the speaker and the beginning of the interpreter speech in the audience language. You can improve on your decalage by increasing it to give you ample time to figure out what you are about to say. Avoid the temptation of immediate interpretation wherever possible.
Speak your native language frequently
A good interpreter will not wait until the day of the meeting to speak his language as they do evolve. A good interpreter will want to deliver the original message to the audience in time, without thinking too much on what words to use.
Prepare for the meeting
Preparing for the conference will allow you to work out your plan or method on how you want to deliver the speech. You should have the document related to the speech and go through it. You should also be familiar with the speaker; maybe he is a difficult, fast or slow speaker so that you will be able to adapt to his speech.
Although conferences are rare nowadays and interpreters get more person-to-person jobs, the above tips will help you to provide better simultaneous interpreting services no matter how the client wants it done.
A simultaneous interpreter is someone that translates speech simultaneous in real time from one language to another and the other way around. Back in the day, during a simultaneous interpretation session, the interpreter used to sit in a booth that was sound- proof and relay the received message or speech to the listener in their preferred language. But that wasn't the only thing interpreters did, they also used to work in live broadcasts, in courts, and in corporate meetings.
Things have changed since. The interpreter doesn't have to be there in person anymore thanks to the internet and modern phones. You can now have an interpreter providing simultaneous interpretation at any time, anywhere in the world, by using phone interpretation.
One thing that hasn't changed is the fact that this type of interpretation is quite tasking to master because it takes a few seconds to assimilate the speech or message and to relay it to the targeted audience. Interpreters to do simultaneous are fewer than ever, and the new ones looking into providing it still have to learn how to do it better and faster. Here are the ways you can follow to become better at doing it.
How to get better at doing simultaneous interpretation
Make sure that your phone, speakers and earphones are in good order
If you are using a phone, make sure it's a good quality one and the signal is strong in your area. While you could be providing interpretation from just about anywhere thanks to mobile phones, make sure there isn't much background noise. We however still recommend using landlines for their stability.
Some interpreters usually make the mistake of increasing the volume of the earphones to the highest volume which makes it impossible for them to hear the voice. As a good interpreter, you must be able to balance your voice so that you will be able to get feedback on what you are saying. These will allow you to be able to control your pitch.
Shadowing
Shadowing means the repetition of what has been said in the in the same language a few seconds after the speaker. A great way to start is to shadow a message while writing things that are not related to the topic simultaneously.
Improve your decalage
The decalage is the time difference between the start of a speech from the speaker and the beginning of the interpreter speech in the audience language. You can improve on your decalage by increasing it to give you ample time to figure out what you are about to say. Avoid the temptation of immediate interpretation wherever possible.
Speak your native language frequently
A good interpreter will not wait until the day of the meeting to speak his language as they do evolve. A good interpreter will want to deliver the original message to the audience in time, without thinking too much on what words to use.
Prepare for the meeting
Preparing for the conference will allow you to work out your plan or method on how you want to deliver the speech. You should have the document related to the speech and go through it. You should also be familiar with the speaker; maybe he is a difficult, fast or slow speaker so that you will be able to adapt to his speech.
Although conferences are rare nowadays and interpreters get more person-to-person jobs, the above tips will help you to provide better simultaneous interpreting services no matter how the client wants it done.