The different interpreting techniques and their field of application are described below:
SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETINGThe interpreter works with another colleague in a booth (or with visual contact from a monitor) and they interpret the speaker/s simultaneously, i.e. at the same time and with a minimum lag. Resources: headset and console, interpreting equipment.
Recommended field of application:
Specialised congresses and working days, commercial reports and other conferences by international companies (recommended as of 7 people), presentations with more than 50 people, European board meetings, etc.
Advantages:
Agility, flexibility, time-saving and elegant.
Disadvantages:
It increases costs from the fees of 2 interpreters per language, besides booth/s, technicians, etc., it needs a lot of space (interpreting booths and equipment), visually unbecoming on solemn occasions (booth).
Other forms of simultaneous interpreting:
WHISPERED INTERPRETING (CHUCHOTAGE)
The interpreter works alone and simultaneously, but whispering for one, or at most two, listeners.
Recommended field of application:
The interpreting is for 1 or 2 participants at most during a congress or a presentation in a foreign language. Resources: notebook for taking notes and a pen.
Advantages:
It need not be a fixed place, it is flexible and cheaper.
Disadvantages:
An excellent sense of hearing is needed, and they must like the whispered technique.
Interpreting with portable interpreting equipment
The interpreter works alone. Resources: portable interpreting equipment with battery-operated headsets and microphones.
Field of application:
During visits to companies, as a guide for small groups
Advantages:
Flexible and easy to move about. No need for a fixed installation.
Disadvantages:
Only average sound quality, which negatively affects interpreting.
Only suitable for small groups. The cost of the portable equipment.
CONSECUTIVE INTERPRETING
The interpreter works alone. They take notes during the presentation and translate 5- to 10-minute sections of the speech into the other language. Resources: notebook for taking notes and a pen, sometimes microphone.
Recommended field of application:
Commercial meetings at round tables, official openings, solemn speeches, product presentations, speeches at banquets and the like.
Advantages:
Mobility, economical. Solemn atmosphere.
Disadvantages:
It is slower, out-of-synch, sometimes twice the time is needed.
CONFERENCE INTERPRETING
The interpreter works alone and interprets one to two sentences during the pauses of the speaker's speeches in order to maintain a fluent speech. Resources: notebook for taking notes and a pen.
Recommended field of application:
Visits to companies, trade fairs, negotiation conferences, commercial meetings.
Advantages:
Mobility, more economical.
Disadvantages:
Out-of-synch. Only suitable for small groups.
COMMUNITY INTERPRETING
It is a new interpreting method and is applied in institutions, hospitals and other installations.