Types of interpreting
There are four main types of interpreting:
Simultaneous interpreting
The interpreters sit in a sound-proofed booth and render what the speaker says immediately in the target language. This means that the speaker and the interpreter speak at the same time (i.e. simultaneously). Simultaneous interpreters should be engaged for larger events, conferences with two or more languages, and meetings where too much time would be lost with consecutive interpreting. As simultaneous interpreting requires a great deal of concentration, the interpreters have to swap over every 20 to 30 minutes. The organisers therefore have to engage a sufficient number of interpreters.
Consecutive interpreting
In consecutive interpreting, the interpreter renders the text in the target language after the speaker has spoken. This means that the target language follows the original in sections while the speaker takes a break. Consecutive interpreting is suitable for relatively short speeches (e.g. after-dinner speeches) and for negotiations where the interpreter is required to be present with those negotiating. Consecutive interpreting requires about twice as much time as simultaneous interpreting.
Whispering (“Chuchotage”)
Whispering / chuchotage means that the interpreter speaks at the same time as the speaker, but without any technical aids. Whispering / chuchotage is appropriate for work in small groups, e.g. during site visits, but it cannot replace simultaneous interpreting because the speaker and the interpreters talk at the same time in the same room, which is always slightly disruptive. As whispering / chuchotage requires the same level of concentration as simultaneous interpreting (or even more), longer events will also need two interpreters for each target language.
Liaison interpreting
Liaison interpreting is used for face-to-face situations. Short passages are spoken in the original language and then rendered in the target language.