The pros and cons for each mode of interpreting
There are four modes of professional interpreting. In this post, you will learn what they are and how to create a setting that allows you and your counterpart(s) to make the most out of each one them.
Consecutive Interpreting
Consecutive interpreting is the most frequently used mode. It consists of translating from the source language into the target language after the speakers stop talking. It relies on good turn-taking and frequent pauses.
This is great for remote interpreting because only one person can speak at a time.
Advantages
It’s quite dynamic and allows the flow of the argument to be quite direct. This works really well for small groups where all parties have an equal need to speak in a setting where only two languages are present.
Challenges
It can feel like a the interpreter is an active part of the conversation and everyone is talking to them.
Very often speakers will feel inclined to use the third person, or to address the interpreter instead of the counterpart(s).
If you have multiple people together, they might start speaking before the interpretes renders the message, which then leaves the interpreter asking and answering questions.
People taking very long turns where the other(s) have to sit through long periods of not understanding a thing and the interpreter is left with a very long message to render.
Solutions:
Always make sure you look at the person you are speaking to instead of the interpreter. If you are the interpreter, make sure you remind people of that.
Avoid using the third person. I find the best sitting arrangement is when people face each other and the interpreter sits either to the left or the right of both of them.
Make sure people are reminded of the rule of turns at the very start. Not sure if that’s just something I made up, but I do tell clients it is a thing and how important it is to respect turn-taking and to let the others know what they will be deliberating about if certain parts are not going to be interpreted. This can happen, for example, if only three people at the conference need to meet later, so there is no need to make the non-English speaker aware of every single thing that is said.
Remind people of how others may feel by sitting through long periods of listening to a foreign language and that the more pauses they take, the more accurately the rendering will be and the more interactive the talk will become.
Simultaneous Interpreting
Simultaneous interpreting consists of rendering a message with only a short delay from when it is transmitted. It requires specialised equipment, such as headsets, microphones, transmitters and interpreting booths.
This is only feasible in remote interpreting if more than one platform/device is used at the same time.
Advantages
It works very well for large conferences and multilingual events, or for a setting where you have three or more languages and everyone needs to understand the message at the same time.
Challenges
For large events, special equipment is a must.
Ideally, the interpreter(s) should be able to see the people who are speaking.
It can be draining.
Distractions can be disastrous.
Solutions
Make sure interpreters have noise cancellation headphones and everything is in working order in advance.
Do not place the interpreters in a place where they can’t see the speakers. Weird as it may sound, I find I start mimicking their hand gestures and get into their mindset almost. Interpreters tend to have a “linguistic crystal ball” and part of our prediction skill have to do with body language.
The best practice for this mode is to have at least two people and allow them to take turns.
Noise cancellation matters (A LOT), especially if you have multiple languages being spoken. If instead of the booth you place interpreters in a room, please make sure people are not going in and out of there and especially that nobody is talking behind or near the interpreters.
Whispered Interpreting
Whispered interpreting is like simultaneous, minus the equipment. It works really well if the person who doesn’t speak English has a role which is more of a listener’s, but still needs to be aware of everything and may occasionally interject. The ideal seating arrangement for this mode is with the interpreter being right next to the person they are whispering to.
This is only works in remote interpreting if the interpreter is in the same room as the listener
Advantages
It is faster than consecutive.
It allows for the pace of the conversation to flow without constant pauses.
It gives the person who doesn't speak English a chance to read body language in real-time.
Challenges
It can be distracting, as two languages are spoken at the same time.
It is not ideal for large groups.
If the room is large, it might be difficult for the interpreter to hear the speakers, particularly if they are not all facing each other (e.g., if the dock in court is behind a thick glass and the defendant is there).
People not respecting the rule of turns can make it difficult.
Seating arrangements need to be quite strict.
Not impossible, but also ideal for multiple languages in small rooms.
Talking to the interpreter will render it impossible.
Solutions
Make sure the seating arrangements place the interpreter close to the listener(s).
In a multi-person setting where more than one individual needs an interpreter, consider the possibility of using consecutive mode instead.
As distance can render it impossible, make sure you use consecutive interpreting for these. Otherwise, headsets will be a must.
Remind speakers they are not to interrupt each other.
People should be facing each other. If they can’t, consider using consecutive.
Make sure seating arrangements are strictly followed and listeners are not too close to each other if you have more than one interpreter in the room.
Do not talk to the interpreter
Sight translation
Sight translation is the oral interpretation of a written document. The interpreter reads a document written in the source language out loud, in the target language.
Advantages
It allows the person with limited English proficiency to understand the content of a document without having to wait for a written translation to be available. This is helpful in situations such as court hearings if a document is to be served and it makes it possible for forms and documents to be signed even though they are written in a foreign language.
Challenges
Some texts might not be suitable if they are too technical.
Solutions
If a text is too technical, it must be translated for the benefit of the parties. A professional interpreter will quickly be able to ascertain that and pose a suggestion.
I hope this helps!
