Interpretation
Interpretation is the process of verbally rendering one language into another language without loss of meaning. Interpretation involves spoken language, whereas translation centers on the written word.
The professional interpreter impartially assists with language interactions between those who do not share a common language. Such interactions might be face-to-face, over the telephone, or in a conference setting. Interpreters are primarily used in business exchanges, for public service support, in legal matters, and in the medical system.
Interpretation Services
aboutLanguage Inc. offers interpretation services in tens of languages throughout the Mid-Atlantic region on a daily basis. The vast majority of our interpreters are court approved, and all possess the skills and experience necessary for a successful interpretation.
To request an interpreter or to inquire about rates, please call the Sales Department. When you call, please have the following information available:
- Language
- Date required
- Estimated duration
- Purpose of interpretation (legal, medical, etc.)
- Name(s) of person(s) who require interpretation
- Any case or file reference
- The precise location of the interpretation (including room number)
- An on-site emergency contact person and telephone number
Consecutive interpretation is the most common of all interpretations performed by aboutLanguage Inc. If you are not sure which type of interpretation you require, please refer the Interpretation Techniques section.
Interpretation Techniques
There are several interpretation methods, each of which is employed according to the specific set of circumstances.- Consecutive (or Liaison) Consecutive interpretation involves listening to short statements spoken in one language and then rendering the speech into a second language. Often times, the interpreter will take notes, especially for dates and numbers, in order to provide an accurate rendition of the speaker's meaning. The interpreter uses no other aids.
- Simultaneous Simultaneous interpretation involves listening to the speaker and providing a virtually simultaneous oral translation into a second language. Unlike consecutive interpretation, simultaneous interpretation is mono-directional; that is, the interpreter listens to only one language and interpreters into a second.
- Chuchotage (or Whisper) From the French “chuchoter” [to whisper], this is a form of interpretation where the interpreter provides a simultaneous interpretation of the speaker's words in a low voice to a small group of listeners sitting in front of or along side him. The interpreter occasionally may switch to consecutive interpretation when providing feedback or posing a question from a listener to the speaker. Unlike simultaneous interpretation, which uses teams of interpreters, chuchotage uses only one interpreter. Common usages include small meetings, conferences, seminars, or events where the listeners themselves generally do not intend to speak.
- Escort Escort interpretation is where an interpreter accompanies a person or a delegation to a function, official and unofficial, formal and informal.
- Telephonic Telephonic interpretation is a form of consecutive interpretation. Less desirable than face-to-face interpretation, it is used in situations where it would be too expensive or inconvenient to provide an interpreter in person. In a telephonic interpretation, the interpreter sits in a remote location with a telephone, and is connected with the parties who require the interpretation service. Those parties for whom the interpreter is working may be together in the same physical location, or also on the telephone in remote locations.
- Videoconference Videoconference interpretation is an exciting and emerging form of interpretation that promises to lower costs and increase interpreter availability. In recent years, videoconferencing technology has moved from high cost, corporate applications to the mass consumer market. There are, consequently, several organizations, particularly in health care and correctional services industries, which are testing this form as a viable substitution for standard face-to-face interpretation.
Consecutive interpretation is the most common method of interpretation employed today. It is primarily used where the subject does not share the same language as the other involved parties. Typical usage includes administrative hearings, depositions and court room proceedings, and medical exams.
Because both parties must stop speaking while the interpreter is providing the oral translation, this technique can take almost twice as long to deliver as other interpretation methods. [Top]
Typically, simultaneous interpreters work in teams and sit in isolated booths away from activity. With headsets on, they listen to what is being said and speak the translated word into a microphone that is then broadcast to those in the audience equipped with electronic receivers.
This method of interpretation is most commonly used during international conferences where speakers of two or more languages meet together to discuss common interests. Perhaps the most famous example of simultaneous interpretation occurs at the United Nations, where multiple languages are simultaneously interpreted.
The advantage of simultaneous interpretation is that there is practically no delay between the speaker's words and the listener hearing those words in his native tongue. But because of the mental demands made on the interpreter, interpreters must work in teams, with each interpreting for only ten to twenty minutes at a time before taking a break.
Simultaneous interpretation requires significant practice and skill to master. Consequently, simultaneous interpreters command the highest rates for their services. Since they must work in teams, and also require electronic equipment in order to perform their services, simultaneous interpretation is the most expensive form of interpretation. [Top]
One drawback of chuchotage is that the interpreter must be in close range to the speaker to hear what they are saying, and their interpretation may disturb other listeners. Another is that, if the surroundings are noisy, the listeners will have a difficult time hearing the interpreter.
Historically, this form of interpretation has been used only where a very limited number of listeners are involved, typically a maximum of four, in a stationary setting. Today, however, with the advent of inexpensive electronic broadcasting and listening devices, chuchotage is entering a new era of usage. New wireless equipment permits the interpreter to reach a much larger group of listeners equipped with wireless receivers. Appropriate new uses include such things as guided tours, and situations where movement may be necessary. [Top]
Escort interpreters are often employed for individual or small tours. [Top]
Usually, an agency facilitates the conference connections. Since some companies keep interpreters “on call,” the benefit of telephonic interpretation is that it can be set up with little or no advance notice.
The drawback to telephonic interpretation is that both the subject and the interpreter miss the visual clues which aid in clear communication. Also, distractions at remote locations, poor telephone quality, or other noise might interrupt the interpretation and cause confusion between parties. [Top]
An improvement over telephonic interpretation, videoconference interpretation permits the interpreter and subject to see each other and, therefore, gain some of those visual clues that would otherwise be lost. Also, since the interpreter does not need to travel to locations, this technology can offer increased interpreter availability at lower costs.
The drawbacks to videoconference interpretation are many, however. One, both the interpreter and the client will require broadband Internet connectivity, which many institutions do not yet have. Second, while the interpreter does not need to be present, it may be necessary to retain a technician on site for technical support. Finally, interpreters often report feelings of alienation and isolation, which can affect their performance. It remains unclear whether this last point is due to the novelty of the technology, or whether it is a permanent aspect to which consideration must be given. [Top]