Styles of interpretation

Interpretation concerns spoken language, whilst translation is used in written format. The two forms of interpretation commonly used are:

In simultaneous interpretation, the interpreter delivers the message in the target-language as quickly as he or she can translate it from the source language. The source-language speaker talks continuously whilst the SI interpreter sits in a soundproof booth and, observing and listening to the source-language speaker through earphones, interprets into a microphone. The SI is delivered to the target-language listeners via their earphones. SI is often used in seminars and workshops when the target language is delivered to a large group of people and timing is important.

Consecutive interpreting (CI)

In consecutive interpreting, the interpreter speaks after the source-language speaker has finished. The speech is divided into segments, with the interpreter sitting or standing beside the source-language speaker and listening and taking notes as the speaker progresses. When the speaker pauses, the interpreter delivers that segment in the target language. CI is usually used in business meetings and negotiations and no equipment is necessary.

SI tends to be more expensive, reflecting the fact the interpreters are highly trained and usually work in pairs in blocks of half an hour due to the high concerntration required. 

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