Simultaneous interpreting – is it rightly considered to be the most difficult?

Currently, simultaneous interpreting is gaining in popularity. The world is constantly developing with numerous meetings of people from all over the world and from different cultures at huge events, creating the need for an interpreter. A translator is the solution, but with the high demands and long period of preparation to become one, most people are discouraged from joining this profession. But, why not give it a try? Simultaneous interpreting – what is it actually?

Have you ever heard about this kind of translation? Maybe you are just wondering what it really is? Simultaneous interpreting (from Latin simultaneus = simultane) is a type of translation in which a statement is interpreted continuously without interrupting the speaker. Now you know why it’s called simultaneous or concurrent. When interpreting, it is very important to convey the content of the speech in the most understandable form, but not as important to choose the most precise equivalent of the translated sentence or word.
_

_

There are two types of simultaneous translation:

Simultaneous interpreting with electronic equipment – this method is used when the speakers speak into microphones, then the interpreters listen through headphones and speak the interpreted text into the microphones. The target language audio reaches the audience through their own personal headsets.

Whispered interpreting – simultaneous interpreting without equipment. It works very similarly, but without the use of microphones and headphones. An interpreter sits next to the person that does not understand the source language and whispers the translation into their ear.
_

The history of simultaneous translation

Simultaneous interpreting has been known since the 1920s. However, it officially began during the Nuremberg Trials (1945-1946), when four official languages were used: English, German, French and Russian. It was during this event that it was decided to change the technique of consecutive interpreting (that is, when the interpreter translates a statement into another language, but only after the speaker finishes his statement) to simultaneous. Initially, in Western Europe, simultaneous interpreters only translated into their mother tongue, as it was thought that they were only able to express themselves naturally in their mother tongue. It was also observed that experienced consecutive interpreters had problems with simultaneous interpreting because they froze when the right word did not come to mind. This was because translation is just like driving a car – practice makes perfect.
_

When is simultaneous translation is the best choice?

This type of translation is very useful, e.g. during large events, conferences or during political speeches. It allows for a direct translation without debate over the deeper meaning of the text, which is a very big advantage. Interpreters usually sit in soundproof booths, which reduces unnecessary outside noise and gives them the opportunity to concentrate on their work. They have computers at their disposal to gain access to documents used during the conference, as well as a database of specialist terminology. The listeners can then listen to the translation through their own personal headsets. The next time you watch a debate of the European Commission or other international meetings on television, note that almost every member present has a headset on.
_

Simultaneous interpreter – requirements

You should know that this is not a job for everyone. An interpreter should not only know the foreign language very well, but also have nerves of steel as it is an extremely stressful job. You must actively listen, understand and translate into the target language at the same time. Therefore, divided attention, responsibility, high concentration, reflexes and, additionally, impeccable diction are required. Interpreting is always done by two people who switch every half hour, because the level of concentration and stress of their job is comparable to that of a passenger plane pilot. Usually, translators achieve translation rates of 100-120 words per minute with a delay between hearing the text and speaking it in another language of 2-4 seconds. Taking notes takes longer than speaking, but over the years, translators have mastered the techniques of quickly preparing them.
_

The International Association of Conference Interpreters identifies the following characteristics of a simultaneous interpreter:

• Excellent knowledge of the mother tongue
• Completed master’s studies in a foreign language (e.g. philology)
• Knowledge of the culture of the countries
• Ability to concentrate and focus
• Composure
• Tact
• Sense of humour
  _

Difficulties of simultaneous translation

Factors that may hinder the work of the interpreter are: a significant speech impediment in the speaker, making it difficult to convey information to the audience, unexpected changes in the topics of speeches, defective equipment, and the difference in grammar between the source and target language. It is also very important to note that the simultaneous interpreter MUST hear his/her own voice, because if he/she does not, he/she starts to speak nonsensically. Try this out by plugging your ears and recording what you say. Another obstacle may be conferences where the participants and the speaker have more knowledge on the topic in question than the interpreter does, and where very specialized topics, e.g. medical or technical, are discussed. There may also be a situation in which, for example, an interpreter translates the conversation between the doctor (in most cases he has more advanced and sophisticated vocabulary) and the patient. Then, the translator has to adapt the appropriate vocabulary to the appropriate person.
_

Simultaneous interpreter – How to become one?

First, the earlier you start learning a language, the faster you will achieve your goal. Nowadays, you can find many courses and language study offers that can greatly help you on your way to becoming a translator. Above all, training is also necessary. The road to becoming an interpreter is quite difficult and demanding.

This is why you should start thinking about your language journey now. Putting more effort into your current development will make things much easier in the future. Click here to learn more about translating. Don’t forget to visit our blog and Facebook page!