Interpreting

What is interpretation? 

It is important to differentiate between translation and interpreting. Interpretation is an oral process whereas translation is a written service. There are three types of interpretation:

• • Consecutive interpretation
  • Simultaneous interpretation
  • Liaison interpretation

When requesting interpreting services please give us as much information as possible, every interpreting situation is different. In order for us to offer the best service possible, most suited to your needs, the more information we have, the more relevant advice we can give.

Consecutive interpretation

With this type of interpretation, the interpreter takes notes during a conference or exchange and then reproduces the dialogue in the desired language. For this, the interpreters need an in depth knowledge of the subject in question and have a good understanding of the resources, abbreviations and symbols that are used to take notes during the discussion. Only with these skills can an interpreter correctly and successfully reproduce the discourse maintaining the structure and tone of the original. The interpreter intervenes at the end of every phrase or idea spoken by the speaker. The speaker stops talking to allow the interpreter to speak and then continues.

Simultaneous interpretation

The most well-known of all types of interpretation, like consecutive translation it consists of an interpreter translating the discourse into another language. The key difference is that unlike consecutive interpretation, simultaneous interpretation takes place at the same time as the original discourse takes place. Normally the interpreter will sit in a room in the back of the conference room and the conference attendees will listen through headphones to the oral translation, leading to only a few seconds of difference between the original and the interpreted version. Of the interpreting services we offer 80% of it is simultaneous interpretation; it is common practice in conferences or in television discussions.

Liaison interpretation

Liaison interpretation is far simpler than either simultaneous or consecutive. At TradOnline we offer liaison interpreting for more relaxed events where the language exchange is less formal and the terminology is less technical. The interpreter can assist in interviews and meetings where they can listen to both languages and act as a language intermediary. Given the nature of this type of interpretation, our specialised and more senior translators can also offer this service. If you are still unsure what type of translation you need, watch this video for further information, or alternatively, get in touch