Understanding Consecutive and Simultaneous Interpreting
When it comes to hiring interpreting services, it’s essential to understand the differences between consecutive and simultaneous interpreting, the pros and cons of both kinds of interpreting, and the applications when each interpreting service is used.
At Andiamo, we offer both interpreting services and have a pool of skilled language service professionals able to help international attendees at your meeting, conference or other event, understand its content in their own language.
Defining both types of interpreting service
Consecutive interpreting is used in conversational settings where the interpreter listens to the speaker, makes notes, and interprets into the required language when the speaker pauses.
Simultaneous interpreting is predominately used in settings where an individual is speaking before an audience. This service is rather intensive, and typically requires two interpreters, who sit together in a booth and take turns to interpret what is being said in real time, with very little lag.
How are consecutive and simultaneous interpreting different?
Service setting
Each interpreting service is used in different settings. Consecutive interpreting is typically used in small meetings, in public service settings such as medical appointments and legal settings like courtrooms.
Simultaneous interpreting on the other hand, is typically used in large conferences, multilingual events and international meetings such as those held in the European Parliament.
In large conference settings with both speaker to audience presentations and smaller roundtable discussions, both consecutive and simultaneous interpreting services may be used together.
Pace of interpreting
Perhaps the biggest difference between consecutive and simultaneous interpreting is the pace of the interpreting. Consecutive interpreters relay the interpreted information in the pauses left by the speaker, doubling the speaking time required. Simultaneous interpreters provide interpreting with minimal delay, listening to the speaker and interpreting the information in the target language, simultaneously.
Equipment
Consecutive and simultaneous interpreting require different equipment. While interpreters need only a notepad and pen for consecutive interpretation, simultaneous interpreting requires soundproof booths, headsets, microphones, receivers for the audience and a PA system.
Audience experience
Consecutive interpreting allows the individual who requires the service to interact directly with the speaker, so they can have a 2-way conversation. However, it disrupts the natural flow of the conversation, with pauses used to interpret the information, providing time for the individual to understand the content fully.
Simultaneous interpreting enables the audience to experience the speech as it happens, promoting real time engagement, with no pauses or interruptions, unlike consecutive interpreting. The audience hears the interpreting via headsets which also enables the event to facilitate interpreting in multiple languages, accessible by different channels to specific language interpreters.
What do both kinds of interpreting have in common?
While there are many differences between consecutive and simultaneous interpreting, both services require skilled language professionals proficient in both the source and target languages, with an excellent understanding of cultural nuances, a knowledge of specialised terminology and a high level of concentration
The pros and cons of consecutive and simultaneous interpreting
The benefits of consecutive interpreting
- Consecutive interpreting is priced lower as only one interpreter is required, interpreting into a single target language.
- While both consecutive and simultaneous interpreting require equipment, consecutive interpreting requires only a notepad and pen to aid the interpreter.
- Due to the pauses left by the speaker during events where consecutive interpreting is required, interpreters can ask for clarification to ensure they convey the message accurately.
- Effective in a range of versatile settings where detailed interpretation is essential, without the need for technology.
The disadvantages of consecutive interpreting
- The natural flow of conversation is interrupted by pauses.
- Impractical for large multilingual events.
- Consecutive interpreting requires double the time, as the event’s content is delivered twice, in both core and target languages.
The benefits of simultaneous interpreting
- Simultaneous interpreting offers real time interpreting as the speaker’s content is interpreted almost instantly.
- No pauses, making for a more natural experience for the audience.
- Provides the opportunity for multiple languages to be interpreted at the same time.
- Effective in large conference settings with international attendees.
The disadvantages of simultaneous interpreting
- While both consecutive and simultaneous interpreting require highly skilled and confident professionals, simultaneous interpreting is exceptionally demanding and requires extreme concentration.
- Simultaneous interpreting is a more expensive service as two interpreters are required, along with costly equipment.
- Relies heavily on technology, requiring soundproof booths, headsets, microphones, receivers for the audience, and on-site technical support.
Our skilled interpreters
At Andiamo, we start by establishing which service you need, before selecting the perfect interpreter, or interpreters, for your event from our pool of trusted language professionals.
For both our consecutive and simultaneous interpreting services, we use interpreters who have a current membership of an approved membership organisation, an interpreting qualification and a wealth of experience in their specialism.
To learn more about how we can support your event with either kind of interpreting services, contact our team today to discuss your requirements.
