Simultaneous Interpretation vs. Consecutive Interpretation
When you create content, you want it to be clear and entertaining and for the audience to fully understand the message in its entirety. Persons are social beings; we need to be understood by those around us. In fact, many of our daily activities are based on this need. In a professional environment, during an event or conference, experts on a specific topic are asked to share their knowledge with other people. However, it is common for these presenters to speak a different language. It is precisely on these occasions that you will need the support of an interpretation service, so that everyone can understand the message clearly.
Being an interpreter is a little-known profession. It is normal for interpreters to be confused with translators, who focus on written content, while interpretation is focused on oral communication. In turn, this profession is divided into several branches. Interpreters do not always sit in a booth with headsets and in front of a microphone waiting for a presenter to speak to enter into action. This activity has several variants, with the most common being simultaneous interpretation and consecutive interpretation.
What is Simultaneous Interpretation?
Simultaneous interpretation is the oral translation of a message while it is being spoken. The interpreter is inside a special booth with headsets listening to a speech in real time, while he transmits it in another language through a microphone. The audience listens to this interpretation through headphones. This is the type of interpretation service most often required by various industries. This model has the big advantage of saving time, especially if you count with the support of a highly specialized group of persons that assure a good quality of interpretation. It should be noted that the terms “simultaneous interpretation” or “interpretation by conference” are accepted and used indistinctly.
What is Consecutive Interpretation?
This type of interpretation is known for its simplicity and effectiveness to transmit a message in another language. Technically speaking, it is enough to have a pen and paper to undertake this work. However, it requires a high degree of mental retention and excellent knowledge of the languages involved. That is to say, no special technology or equipment is required. It works as follows: The speaker gives a message while the interpreter analyses it, takes notes and then translates the same message into another language. It may not seem like it, but the taking of notes requires the skill to quickly jot down the key elements of the speech, as well as an excellent memory. An interesting fact is that in the 1950s and 1960s interpreters translated speeches of up to 30 minutes only using their memory, their general culture, and notes.
The Main Differences Between Both Types of Interpretations
To decide which method to use, it is necessary for clients to understand the dynamics and implications of each of them.
Main differences:
- Consecutive interpreters have a greater control of the situation, they may even ask the speaker to repeat a segment of the original message, compare notes to clarify ambiguities or research the meaning of a concept.
- Continuous interpretation continues to be taught in a large number of schools to support events.
- Simultaneous interpretation saves a lot of time.
- The necessity to have a good memory is lower in the case of simultaneous interpretation, as it is not necessary to store a large amount of information in the mind for subsequent use.
- In a way, simultaneous interpretation is more exact, as it is done in real time, while in the case of the consecutive variant, one must trust in the memory of another person and his/her ability to take notes.
- Timelines are very different. In simultaneous translation there is no time to structure the message, it is an immediate activity, while in consecutive translation there is more time available to structure and give meaning to a message.
At Servicio Lingüístico Empresarial we offer your company the best interpretation services in Mexico. We focus on delivering the best quality; our team is 100% professional and committed to provide you with an experience in line with your highest expectations. Get to know all of our services in this website. If you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
