Yes, we translate. On the spot.

What is conference interpreting?

 Do you need an interpreter or a translator?

  • Interpreters are translators who have been specially trained to convey the meaning of a speaker's message orally and in another language to listeners who would not otherwise understand.

  • Interpreters are required in multilingual settings, such as international conferences, events, meetings, working groups, delegations, official visits, etc.

  • Depending on the setting and the means available, interpreters can render the message simultaneously with technical equipment or consecutively, often with the help of note-taking. In the absence of technical means, interpreters may also whisper the message into someone’s ears.

  • Interpreters have traditionally worked in booths. These are soundproof and have the right equipment so that they listen properly to the speaker’s message –which is a must– and render it into another language. In the absence of booths, portable interpreting sets are used. In this case, the interpreter will stand at the back of the room with a microphone while the audience uses receivers. This is often challenging for the interpreter as they are exposed to background noise.

  • Yes! Platforms such as Zoom or KUDO have features that mimic an interpreter console and allow for simultaneous interpretation. Listeners just have to choose the right channel and interpreters will do the rest! It is easy, convenient and cost-effective.

  • Interpreters translate spoken language orally while translators translate the written word.

  • A sworn interpreter is a language professional who is authorised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to interpret before the courts, civil registries, notaries or any other public entity or official. And again, yes! We also provide this service.

  • Relay interpreting is used when there are multiple target languages at an event, when no interpreter can be found for a certain language combination or there are speakers and listeners who only speak rare languages. Here the interpreter listens to the speaker and translates the message into a language known by the rest of the interpreting team, who render that message they received into their assigned language.

What do interpreters need to do their job?

01 — Details

Assignments are often highly technical and the speakers are experts on the topic they will discuss. They often use highly technical terminology and talk about complex concepts. Their sentences include figures, percentages, dates, acronyms, names in foreign languages, long names of institutions and so on. Interpreters usually need at least a week to learn all of them and that is why they always request information –in the form of documents and presentations– to prepare the assignment. This is the key to your event’s success!

02 — Technical means

The ideal setting for an interpreter is a booth. They can concentrate properly, hear the speaker clearly and choose the volume that allows them to listen and speak at the same time. The interpreting consoles found in booths allow them to mute their microphone momentaneously in case they need to clear their throat, take a sip of water, ask their colleague for clarification or take the relay from another interpreter.

03 — Breaks (and a booth mate)

The levels of concentration and stress experienced by conference interpreters are comparable to those of air traffic controllers –the most stressful profession in the world. The human brain is able to focus for up to two hours on a normal activity but under stress that concentration lasts around 20-30 minutes. In order to regain concentration, the brain needs a 20-30 minute break. That is why, ideally, interpreters work in pairs, taking turns of 20-30 minutes and allowing the other interpreter to rest.

04 — Seeing the speaker

Experts agree that 70 to 93 per cent of all communication is nonverbal. This means that for an interpreter to understand what the speaker wants to communicate, their body language is even more relevant than the message itself. If there is no visual access to the speakers from the booths, please make sure there is at least one screen in the booth with a camera pointing at the speaker.

04 — Spontaneity (no reading!)

Please be aware of your speaking speed. An interpreter’s brain has to decode the information in the source language, translate it into the target language and render it in the most effective, clear and appropriate way. This takes time! When people read, they are likely to speed up and the emphasis and body language become monotone. This makes it harder for interpreters to process the message and often leads to an inability to interpret it. If you are going to read a fragment, presentation or speech, please make sure to give a copy to the interpreter well in advance so that they can prepare.

Together we can make your event a success

Take into account the above recommendations to ensure the quality of our service

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