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What is Simultaneous Interpretation and how does it work?   Simultaneous interpreting is a mode of interpreting in which the speaker makes a speech and the interpreter reformulates the speech into a language his audience understands at the same time (or simultaneously).It is when an interpreter translates the message from the source language to the target language in real-time.

Where does SI usually take place?

 

Simultaneous interpretation usually takes place in multi-national conferences, seminars, symposiums, conventions, round table gala dinners etc.

 

How many languages can you support?

 

We can support up to 40 languages and dialects in HK Interpreters.

 

Why conference interpreters have to work in pairs?

 

Simultaneous interpretation requires that three efforts occur at the same time: listening in one language, processing the message, and then reproducing it in another language*. These three efforts happen at the same time, repeatedly, demanding an exhausting level of concentration. Some interpreters manage to work perfectly for 15 minutes, then begin to have difficulty understanding the speaker, indicating that one of the three efforts is suffering more than the other. Others hold up to 30 minutes. However, there are no superheroes here: the speaker's message will not be interpreted correctly for long by an interpreter alone doing simultaneous interpretation.

 

My event only lasts for an hour or two, can I use only 1 interpreter to save the budget?

 

It is all about the quality of the performance of the interpretation. We have a handful of interpreters who can work solo all day but please note this will cause fatigue of the interpreters and result in less quality interpretation, so the organizer have to take this into account.

My event only has 1-2 delegate who needs the interpretation, can I not rent the SI equipment for the interpreters?

 

Yes, we can provide whispered interpreters to whisper the interpretation into delegate ears, but please note this will not be the perfect solution when it comes to noisy environment and the interpreters will have to put extra effort concentrating the speaker without the aid of the SI equipment.

 

What are the differences between simultaneous interpreting and consecutive interpreting?

 

Simultaneous Interpreting

• Method: The interpreter translates the speaker's words in real-time while the speaker is talking.
• Setting: Often used in large conferences or multilingual meetings.
• Equipment: Typically requires interpreter booths, receivers, headsets and microphones.
• Speed: The interpreter must process information quickly, making it challenging but efficient for large audiences.

Consecutive Interpreting

• Method: The interpreter waits for the speaker to finish a segment before providing the translation.
• Setting: Common in smaller meetings, interviews, or legal settings.
• Equipment: Usually does not require special equipment, though a notepad may be used.
• Detail: Allows for more detailed and nuanced translations since the interpreter has time to think.