Many people confuse translation and interpretation. They are both different jobs and require different skill sets. The difference between them is quite noticeable. Translation deals with written content, whereas interpretation services deal with spoken words. In other words, the translator provides document translation services for written content. and the interpreter interprets the spoken words. For these services, the interpreter should be proficient in linguistics. Moreover, he should know how to handle a word expression. For this, the interpreters can take leverage from dictionaries and other materials of reference.
The worth of the global interpreting market was USD 9.49236 billion in 2022, and it is expected to reach USD 26.60 billion by 2031.
Different Types of Interpretation Services
Document translation services are passive, whereas interpretation services are in active form. Both help to convey information from a source language into the target language. There are many different types of interpretation services but you have to select them according to your communication needs. The requirements for speakers and listeners are different and sometimes you have to adopt more than one interpretation method.
Let’s explore different types of interpretation services.
Simultaneous Interpretation
In simultaneous interpreting, the interpreter translates the conversation in real-time, allowing the speaker to proceed without waiting for the interpretation of each spoken part. The speaker can continue the conversation without any pause, and on the other hand, the interpreter keeps on translating the speech into the target language.
This method finds common usage in large international conferences, business meetings, and diplomatic events to facilitate seamless communication among participants who speak different languages. It is called simultaneous interpretation because conversation and interpretation occur side by side. The interpreter isolates themselves from the speakers during this process. The audience can change their preferred language from the options on the handset.
Consecutive Interpretation
Consecutive interpretation services are a method of interpretation in which the speaker makes the speech and the interpreter jots down the notes. For this purpose, the interpreter stands or sits beside the speaker. He uses a pen and notepad to jot down what the speaker says. He uses the microphone only when the speaker stops speaking and it is his turn to speak.
Consecutive interpretation services are used in court proceedings, medical treatments, and social events where communication is required in sequence.
For a good consecutive interpreter, you should be a good listener so that you can jot down the information accurately and analyze it properly. In this method, the interpreters listen for different purposes. They don’t listen to join the conversation but they listen to remember and reproduce the content accurately in the target language.
Whisper Interpretation
Chuchotage is the term used for whisper interpretation. In this method of interpretation, the interpreter sits beside the client and whispers everything that the client speaks. In this way, the person can understand what is going on in the meeting and he can join the meeting whenever it is required. This method is suitable for small meetings, business negotiations, interviews, and informal gatherings where only a few participants require language support. People use this method when the option of simultaneous interpretation is not available.
The challenge with this interpretation is a disturbance in the information that the interpreter wants to delegate to the listener. Anyone standing or sitting beside the interpreter disrupts this method as they can hear the whispering. Therefore, to avoid this problem, the interpreters usually sit in a covered area. The best part of this interpretation is that it can work both in simultaneous and consecutive interpretation situations.
Over the Phone Interpretation
Telephonic interpretation is an alternative term for over-the-phone interpretation. People go for this interpretation when they are not available physically. Scheduled interpreting is another name for this process. It is commonly utilized in scenarios such as remote business meetings, client consultations, medical discussions, or any situation where participants are not in the same location. For this method, both parties have to make an appointment. During this process, the speaker can only listen to the voice of the interpreter.
Liaison Interpretation
Another name for liaison interpreting is escort or bilateral interpreting. Are you conducting a small and informal meeting? If so, then liaison interpreting is suitable for you. This interpretation helps in the real-time action of two or more parties. Moreover, it is best for interviews and negotiations among two or more participants.
The best part is that this kind of interpretation is cheap because it doesn’t require specialized equipment. Simply the interpreter sits beside the person who is speaking. Moreover, the interpreter doesn’t have to take notes. Therefore, it is a practical choice for dynamic and interactive conversations.
Wrapping Up
Well, don’t confuse yourself with different types of interpretation services. You must be clear about your business communication requirements. If you are conducting a large multi-lingual conference then you should opt for consecutive interpretation services or if you are dealing with two or three people, then you can go for liaison interpretation. Moreover, if you are in a confidential meeting then whisper interpretation is a viable option. Additionally, if you are not in the same location, over-the-phone interpretation can work best for you.
