Learn More About Interpreting and Conference Interpretation

What is the difference between interpretation and translation?

Interpreting involves spoken or signed language, while translation involves the written word. Interpreting means to convey meaning through creative judgment - this is an inherently a human activity. It is far more than thinking of equivalent words in another language.

What is Conference Interpreting? What is RSI and how is it different?

Interpreting is done simultaneously (at the same time as the original source) or consecutively (immediately following). These are called ‘modes’ of interpreting. Simultaneous and Consecutive interpretation can both be done remotely, which is known as Remote Interpreting. Remote Simultaneous Interpreting commonly referred to as “RSI” in North America. Conference Interpreting is a subcategory of Interpreting in general - Conference Interpreters are professionally trained, highly-skilled interpreters who interpret orally (or use sign language) for high-level meetings, conferences and other communicative events. Other types of interpretation include OPI (over the phone interpreting), Legal and Court Interpreting, VRI (video remote interpreting which is commonly used in the medical field), Community Interpreting and Medical Interpreting.

Conference interpreting is sometimes referred to as Simultaneous Interpreting (SI) or even Simultaneous Translation because simultaneous is a common mode of conference interpreting at events. Simultaneous interpreting can be done without equipment for a single listener (often called ‘whisper interpreting’) but most often uses specialized technology and equipment to allow professional interpreters to listen to one language as they convey the message in another language at the same time to a group of listeners, enabling seamless communication.

HOW SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETING WORKS

Simultaneous Interpreting (SI) uses specialized technology to allow professional interpreters listen to one language as they speak in another and convey the message to a group of listeners via an audio distribution system. Interpreters can be co-located, working from sound isolation booths in the back of the conference room or from booths in another location (an Interpreting Hub), or they can work , separately from each other (“dispersed RSI”), from home or from other locations. They use a hardware or software interpreting console to listen to the conference proceedings on headsets while simultaneously interpreting into a microphone. Remote interpreters must have additional skills and specialized equipment. The interpreting is broadcast to the listeners via a wide variety of technology solutions and audio distribution methods, who listen on small receivers with earphones or on a smart device if on-site or via their computer or smart device if remote.

WhY IS CONFERENCE INTERPRETING DIFFERENT?

Conference interpreting is a unique skill that requires far more than the ability to speak multiple languages. Conference interpreters have years of highly specialized education and training, the rare talent of being able to listen to one language while speaking another and are able to listen for a period of time and repeat accurately what was said conveying the complete meaning. They must have knowledge of terminology in tremendously varying fields. Many have master’s degrees in Conference Interpreting and belong to professional associations which have rigorous requirements for membership.

The skills and talent required to perform these feats cannot be understated: there are very few people on the planet who are capable of true Conference Interpreting. While some other types of interpreting also use consecutive and simultaneous modes, conference Interpreting is very different from other fields of interpreting such as medical, legal/court, escort and community interpreting, all of which require different skill sets and are more common than Conference Interpreting. Conference interpreting requires additional qualifications and experience from other types of interpreting. Conference interpreters also work in teams which is not typical for other types of interpreting. The professional circle of conference-level interpreters is extremely small; it is estimated that there are fewer than 10,000 professional conference interpreters in the world for all languages and many are employed by international organizations. Many freelance interpreters are booked for events around the world months in advance. International standards for Conference Interpreting are set by the International Standardization Organization (ISO) and ASTM International, as well as by international professional associations.

Why Use Simultaneous Interpretation?

ENGAGE YOUR AUDIENCE AND CONNECT YOUR COMPANY

Conference interpreting is a key factor in helping companies and institutions reach a global or local multilingual audience. You can reach a broader audience, allow your audience to engage and connect, scale your business internationally or collaborate on an international level. There is an interpretation solution to meet every budget and objective. New technology has created new access to conference interpreting through lower prices and software that allows companies of any size to engage on a global level.

An evolving industry - What ABOUT AI?

New technology is certainly changing the landscape for interpreting. Yet the Human element and the need for human interpreters persists, due to the complexities of languages and content at events and meetings. Naomi Bowman is a popular public speaker on how AI impacts the language industry. Recent engagements have included London, the Hague, Leiden, Belgium and Hamburg, and since the pandemic on the global stage.

As our Founder Bill Wood said: “Interpreters will not be replaced by Technology — they will be replaced by Interpreters who use technology”. This quote is now famous in the language industry and it is used by many companies in their marketing efforts, but we are the company that said it! New technology is changing the way interpreters work and creating access to language like never before. It provides a better experience for customers and their listeners. We are committed to making technology work for our clients — to make sure your message gets through accurately.

history of simultaneous interpreting 

Simultaneous Interpreting dates back to the 1920s when two pioneers in two different countries developed similar concepts around the same time. One of the first documented uses was in 1927 at an International Labor Organization conference. The general public, however, had to wait until 1945, when simultaneous interpretation was used for the Nuremberg war crime trials. International organizations such as the United Nations, the European Parliament and the European Commission are perhaps the best known institutions that regularly relies on simultaneous interpretation.  Because of advances in technology and the development of special training programs for interpreters over the last 50 years, simultaneous interpretation is now available to the broader market - and new technology is creating affordable access. Simultaneous interpreters, however, remain an elite group. There are simply very few of qualified simultaneous interpreters around the world, due to the skill level involved to perform this type of interpretation.  Learn more about the history of simultaneous interpretation below, courtesy of Cyril Flerov of Interstar Translations (used with permission).