How does simultaneous interpreting work?

Simultaneous interpreting, as many people know, consists of translating a language to other in real time. That is, as the speaker talks, the professional in charge translates everything that is said. While it is a well-known work, a recurring question emerges: how does simultaneous interpreting work?

Simultaneous interpreting is performed in different occasions, such as events, meetings, seminars, talks, TV shows, interviews and many more.

Although it is a very well-known service, it is a fact that few people know exactly how simultaneous interpreting works, from the equipment that is used to the techniques that are involved.

Throughout this article, let’s find out together how simultaneous interpreting is performed with all the details. Check it out!

After all, how does simultaneous interpreting really work?

Basically, we may say that simultaneous interpreting consists in verbally translating to the language of the target audience everything that is being said by the speaker.

The way the translation is made varies according to each event, depending on the equipment that is available, on the translation method, among other factors.

Most interpreters use tools that facilitate the translation work, such as translation booths, microphones, transmitters, receivers, audio equipment, among others.

In some events, for example, translators stay inside a soundproof booth. In this case, the interpreter uses the microphone to say in the language of the target audience what the speaker is saying in their native language.

In order to understand better how simultaneous interpreting works, let’s use some practical examples.

In the World Cup, the largest sports event in the country, the responsible for the translation listens to the questions of the journalists in the headphones, and simultaneously translates them to the players in their native language, who, in turn, listen to the question duly translated in their phones. As they answer, the translator steps up again, this time translating the answer to the journalists’ language.

This type of translation is very common also in televised events with many interviews, such as in the Oscars and Golden Globe ceremonies, sports events and events with audience (large or small).

Finally, it is important to note that both the dynamism and the agility and speed in the moment of translating are vital for a good and professional simultaneous interpreting.

Requirements for good simultaneous interpreting

Obviously, one of the most important requirements for good simultaneous interpreting is to count on a professional with good communication skills and, especially, fluent in the language to be translated.

Also, it is recommended to look for professionals who have the ability to deal with the presence of an audience, as in many cases the translator will work with a significant number of people.

Where to find good simultaneous interpreting professionals?

The best way to ensure a precise, dynamic and high quality simultaneous interpreting service, is to count on the support of a specialist company.

Only a company that performs simultaneous interpreting services, such as Brazil Translations, is capable of providing good professionals and appropriate equipment for the most different types of translation.

So, now that you know more about how simultaneous interpreting works, it is possible to better understand the importance of this service for the good operation of events of various types. 

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