Article: Simultaneous Translation
What is simultaneous translation?
Simultaneous translation occurs when one person interprets spoken or signed words into another language for a listener. The translator or interpreter must listen to what is being said and render it accurately and intelligibly to the audience.
Unlike consecutive translation, simultaneous translation happens at the same time as the words are being spoken. There are subtle differences between simultaneous translation and simultaneous interpretation. Simultaneous translation services operate across many different areas, including international conferences, focus group marketing, graduation ceremonies and public service interpretation.
Simultaneous interpretation or simultaneous translation?
Simultaneous translation is another phrase used for simultaneous interpretation. The two phrases, however, have very different meanings. Translation is the act of rendering words and meaning into another language accurately and faithfully.
Interpretation is more flexible. Few of us seldom say what we mean. As a result, interpreters communicate the meaning of a sentence, rather than its accurate rendition. Interpretation involves an understanding of general knowledge and cultural references. Since simultaneous interpretation occurs within a very short period of time, interpreters have to overcome foreign accents, jargon and the subtle nuances of language to extract the meaning of the speech.
How do simultaneous interpreters work?
Simultaneous interpretation occurs when a speaker is talking in one language and the audience is waiting for the speech to be translated into another language. As the speech is made, the interpreter listens and renders the spoken language into the target language. There are no pauses in the speech for the interpreter to speak to the audience. Translation must take place quickly.
In multilingual environments, interpreters use their linguistic training and studies, general knowledge, cultural norms and mores and an intricate knowledge of the subject being discussed.
The simultaneous interpreters use very basic equipment. Some sit beside their audience and whisper the translation. This is effective when the intended audience is small. Sign language translation occurs when the translator reads sign language and speaks the translation to the target audience, requiring no equipment at all. At larger conferences, the interpreter sits in a sound-proof room, listens to the speech on headphones and relays the message through a microphone to the audience, which listens to the translation on headphones.
Where do simultaneous translators work?
The largest employer of simultaneous translators and interpreters is the European Union (EU). They are employed full-time and work at multilingual conferences across the EU. The United Nations (UN) has operates in only six official languages but still employs a large body of interpreters.
Freelance simultaneous translators work around the world in public and private occupations.
Focus-group marketing interpretation and public service interpretation is in great demand. In these areas, simultaneous translators must observe participants to note their behaviour, emotions and stress in group situations. These factors often affect language, meaning and, consequently, translation.
In legal and court situations, interpretation involves an understanding of the judicial system and legal procedures, as well as language and psychology.
Sign language interpreting is one of the original forms of simultaneous translation. The ability to translate meaning from one language into another is a difficult and complex procedure, but is a valuable skill for our modern world.