Simultaneous Interpretation

The main types of simultaneous interpretation are:

– Simultaneous interpretation with a Booth

In a soundproof full translation booth or in a partially soundproof half translation booth, the interpreter listens to a speaker’s speech through headphones and transmits the translation without interruption using a microphone. Participants listen to the translation through receivers, while sitting comfortably in their seats away from the booth.

– Simultaneous interpretation with Mini Equipment

This type of translation is also conducted uninterruptedly and using translation receivers and transmitters, but this time without the acoustic booth or half booth. It can be used for guided tours of factories and offices where movement is required, at meetings and in other situations where the interpreter will listen to the speech directly from the speaker.

– Simultaneous Whispered Translation

Translation is conducted directly for a few people without the use of translation equipment. The interpreter speaks directly to the people by whispering.

An event’s success can be measured by the extent to which the speaker and the audience understand each other. This understanding between the two encompasses a variety of aspects: good visual communication, compatible levels of technical and theoretical knowledge, distinct rhetoric and presentation, clear diction, comfort and convenience, appropriate logistics and, without a doubt, strong language communication. To get an idea of the importance of simultaneous interpretation services, just think about all the other costs associated with the aforementioned issues (facilities, logistics, cost of the speaker/trainer, cost of employee hours in lectures/training etc.). What happens if the transmitted message is not completely understood? This investment and many other derived costs (such as loss of future sales, failures in technical issues, etc.) will be highly impacted.

In summary, events with more than one language and that are relevant for the participants must rely on professional simultaneous interpretation services, except if the parties involved are fully fluent in all languages employed.

The first matter at hand is to decide whether simultaneous or consecutive translation is most appropriate. In our experience, the most commonly used translation service is simultaneous interpretation. Within the realm of simultaneous interpretation services, the two most common are simultaneous interpretation with a booth and with a half booth.

This preference for simultaneous interpretation with a booth or half booth is not unfounded. This type of translation has better soundproofing and does not interfere with the dynamics of lectures, training, etc. Although there is an associated equipment cost (translation booth, translation receivers and transmitters, etc.), this cost generally “pays for itself”, since other types of translation also have other associated costs. In the case of consecutive translation, the presentation time doubles, because the speaker has to stop every few sentences to let the interpreter translate. This also has a profound impact on the dynamics. In the case of whispered translation, it is only feasible for a very limited number of participants. Translation with mini equipment and without a booth has issues such as lack of soundproofing, among others.

However, we cannot say that simultaneous interpretation with a booth or half booth is without a doubt the best solution in all aspects. Sometimes, the event is held in a very small room that lacks the space required to install a booth. At other times, the translation happens while people are on the move, among other situations that require custom service.

In summary, simultaneous interpretation is performed immediately after the speaker’s speech, without interruption. In consecutive translation, the speaker speaks for a few seconds and pauses for the interpreter to translate.

Simultaneous interpretation services are charged based on a daily rate of a 6-hour work day. For events that last longer than two hours, a daily rate will be charged for two interpreters, and for jobs less than two hours, only one interpreter.

In summary:

Less than two hours, one interpreter;

From two to six hours: two interpreters;

Over six hours: two interpreters (plus overtime) or depending on the duration, another pair of interpreters.

Therefore, the amount to be charged will be expressed in daily rates and not hours of work.

As for the specific amount, due to the different variables that are involved in a simultaneous interpretation job, such as language pairs, number of participants, appropriate translation type, etc., it is very difficult to present a table on this site, but click here for a quote and the Interpret Brasil staff will quickly provide an accurate solution for your needs.

There are two main options in this case:

1) Hire interpreters fluent in all language pairs required:

Example: In an event with an American speaker and a Brazilian and Argentine audience, interpreters fluent in English > Portuguese and English > Spanish can be hired.

2) Use the relay technique:

In this case, there is a floating language, which is a language common to all interpreters who are translating into other languages. In Brazil, this floating language is usually Portuguese. In the case of UN events, the floating language is usually English. In other words, they are languages with greater availability of forming pairs.

Example: A French speaker gives his presentation in French. The French interpreter will translate into Portuguese and the Spanish and English interpreters will then translate from Portuguese into Spanish and from Portuguese into English, respectively. In this case, not all interpreters are fluent in French, but all are fluent in Portuguese.

In the case of relay translation, an interpreter center will provide interpreters with the option of listening to the speaker directly (usually labeled as “FLOOR” on these devices) or listening to the interpreter(s) in the other translation booth(s).

An interpreter works alone in an event that lasts up to two hours. A second interpreter is required for longer events. However, if the event comprises more than six hours of work, additional fees will apply or, depending on the duration, another pair of interpreters may be required.

In summary:

– Less than two hours, one interpreter;

– From two to six hours: two interpreters;

– Over six hours: two interpreters (plus overtime) or depending on the duration, another pair of interpreters.

This will depend on the type of translation to be performed, ranging from none (whispered translation) to a complete set of equipment (and staff), including soundproof translation booths, receivers and transmitters, whether by UHF, FM or Infrared, microphones, speakers, etc.

The reference data most commonly requested in the market are training, number of hours or days of simultaneous or consecutive translation performed, knowledge in the area of the event, among others.

A formal hiring process is always used for simultaneous interpretation services, which in itself already attributes a legal relationship between the companies. The companies also have the option of preparing Confidentiality Agreements prior to the events, further expanding the legal obligations between the parties.

It is essential to involve the interpreters as of the preparation stage of the event. It is very important that interpreters have access to the materials in advance to allow them to search for terms specific to the event field. It is also recommended that the speaker/trainer and interpreters be able to talk before the events to adjust definitions, check schedules, among other factors.

The minimum data required for an appropriate quote are:

– Event to be held;

– Estimated number of participants that will need translation;

– Languages to be translated;

– Location of the event (city, state);

– Duration of the event (in hours per day and number of days).