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No two meetings are the same. Depending on the communication situation, different types of interpreting service are available.
Simultaneous interpreting
During simultaneous interpreting, the interpreter sits in a sound-proof booth, listens via a headset and translates simultaneously into the target language, via a microphone. Simultaneous interpreting demands the highest possible concentration. Depending on the duration of the meeting, a team made up of two to three simultaneous interpreters works together, relieving one another every 30 minutes. Simultaneous interpreters are generally deployed during conferences, seminars, symposiums, congresses, television interviews, etc.
Consecutive interpreting
Consecutive interpreting is the form of interpreting whereby the speaker is given time to finish speaking before the interpreter translates what has been said. Generally, the interpreter is seated alongside the speaker but takes notes during the presentation and subsequently translates the statements made into the required language. For consecutive interpreting between two languages, two interpreters are required for a full day. For a half day or less, one consecutive interpreter is often sufficient. Consecutive interpreters are usually employed in working meetings, negotiations and discussions with limited numbers of people, for speeches, trade fairs, business trips, etc.
Whispering interpreting - Chuchotage
This type of interpreting is also known by the French word 'chuchotage'. It is a form of simultaneous interpreting, but without the use of technical equipment. The interpreter does not translate from a booth, but remains close to the speaker and ‘whispers’ the translation to a single listener or small group of listeners. Whispering interpreters are generally deployed for company tours, meetings involving small numbers of people, etc.
Conference interpreting – bilateral interpreting
During negotiations and discussions with small groups, consecutive interpreting is the most common method employed. The interpreter translates the conversation sentence by sentence from the language of speaker A into the language of speaker B and vice versa. These interpreters are generally deployed for negotiations, company visits, police interviews, etc.
