Interpretación

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE INTERPRETING

THE HISTORY OF INTERPRETATION

Conference interpreting as such began during World War I as most of the negotiators were not fluent in French.

With the creation of the League of Nations, the official languages of which were English and French in the beginning, interpretation started to earn its prestige. During that time, interpreters would work exclusively doing consecutive interpretation.

Conference interpreting was done only consecutively until 1945. It was during the Nuremberg Trials held after World War II when the need arose for interpretation in English, French, Russian and German. The use of consecutive interpretation would have created a situation of endless hearings and so Coronel Leon Dostert was asked to find a solution to the problem. Dostert was convinced it would be possible to listen and translate to another language all at the same time. And that was how simultaneous interpretation, as we know it today, came about which is so very common at international congresses and conferences.

Simultaneous Interpretation

With simultaneous interpretation, the interpreter orally translates (interprets) the speaker’s discourse in real time. Simultaneous interpretation is often done in soundproof cabins where the interpreters work in pairs who can handle the same linguistic combination.

Simultaneous interpretation is the most appropriate method for meetings, conferences or seminars in various languages where fluid and immediate communication is necessary as the interpreted discourse is instantly received by participants.

Consecutive Interpretation

This type of interpreting does not require any type of technical equipment. In this case, the interpreter orally translates once the speaker has finished talking. If the speaker's discourse is long, they pause now and then so the interpreter can orally translate what was just said. This means of interpreting offers the client more personalised attention than is the case with simultaneous interpretation. It’s perfect for non-static conferences.

Chuchotage (Whispered Interpreting)

Chuchotage (or whispered interpreting) is the most commonly used interpretation technique for corporate meetings where one of the members does not speak the common language and requires the services of an interpreter who sits next to them and orally translates everything being said. The interpreter also translates reversely to the others attending the meeting when the client they are assisting speaks.

Liaison Interpretation

Liaison interpretation is a very common solution when it comes to eliminating barriers between two people. When a meeting is held with two people who speak different languages, the interpreter will act as a liaison between them orally translating to one and then the other.