Interpretation
Interpreting is the oral act of transcoding the meaning of one language to the other. It is commonly considered an easy task for someone who can speak more than one language fluently. However, it requires an enormous amount of knowledge and experience, and every assignment requires preparation. The interpreter usually works using following set of techniques:
Simultaneous Interpretation
This category is the most preferred for a conference setting. The interpreter sits in a soundproof booth, and translates in real time the speeches and talks on the floor.
Example of simultaneous interpretation during a sales conference
Consecutive Interpretation
This category replaces the simultaneous interpretation in case the latter is not feasible, due to a lack of technical equipment, or appears to not being suitable, e.g. during a press conference, an interview or a public discussion. In this case, the interpreter translates the message with the support of a notepad, after the speaker has held his or her speech or has pronounced his or her sentence.
Example of consecutive interpretation with the actor Bud Spencer
Whispering
This technique is similar to simultaneous interpreting, since the message can be translated in real time and without delays, and even without technical support. In this case, nevertheless, only one or two people can be assisted by an interpreter.
Example of whispering for the Italian director Romeo Castellucci
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