Mastering Simultaneous Interpretation

Interpreting denotes the process of communication from one language form into its equivalent, or approximate equivalent ,in another language form, while Interpretation denotes the actual product of this work, that is, the Message thus rendering into speech, sign language, writing, or other form language. This is to avoid perfect understanding and to avoid confusion.

Simultaneous Interpretation means the Interpreter renders the message, speech in the target language as quickly as he can or she can formulate it from the source language. The speaker continuously speaks, in a spoken language and the Interpreter, sitting in a sound proof booth speaks into a microphone, clearly seeing and hearing the source language speaker via earphones. Simultaneous Interpretation is the common mode used by sign language Interpreters, although the person using the source language/speaker, the Interpreter and the target language recipient/audiences, must necessarily be in close proximity.

Simultaneous Interpretation can be quite difficult without sufficient experience and expertise. In order to master this and to become an expert, the following basic process has to be practiced quite regularly and eventually mastered:-

(1) Listen to what the Speaker is saying
(2) Translate it in your mind
(3) Render the translation in the Microphone
(4) (MOST DIFFICULT PART) Simultaneously, listen to what is being said while speaking yourself.

The Interpreter has to gain experience in the field of Interpretation at different levels and has to concentrate at every level. The success / failure of any meeting, negotiation, agreement etc. very much depends upon the efficiency, accuracy and agility of the Simultaneous Interpreter. There are no second chances in this field.

Simultaneous Interpretation- as the words itself suggests that there is little or no gap between what source language speaker is saying and it is Simultaneously Interpreted into Target Language. This action is continuous and fast. The audience listening to the Interpreter in Target Language should also cope up with this speed and to understand what the speaker is speaking with perfect understanding. A Good Interpreter has to buildup his sound base, and needs to possess the following traits:-

(1) He should be attentive and alert.

(2) He should possess good grasping power.

(3) He should have decent experience of both the languages—Source Language and Target Language.

(4) He should possess sound knowledge of what the speaker is saying.

(5) He should be well conversant with the culture and behavior of that country to which speaker belongs.

(6) He should study the background or be prepared on the subject of the meeting / conference.

(7) He should attend these type of conferences before undertaking the job himself.

Experience, knowledge, practice and hard work are the keys to his success in this field.

Article written by Mr. Ram Kesarwani, Director of Translation India - offers simultaneous interpretation equipment for conferences, meetings and seminars from India.