Types of Interpreting

Hi everyone! The last time we talked about interpreting, we showed you a video that clarified the difference between modes of interpreting: simultaneous and consecutive interpreting. (You can watch that video here: http://translateinchile.blogspot.com/2012/05/our-first-video-differences-between.html )

Now, in this post, we will discuss about the different types of interpreting, and what we can offer you in Translate-In-Chile. There are four main types of interpreting:  whispering interpretation, conference interpretation, public service interpretation and, finally, sign language interpretation; and we will explain them here.

Firstly, we will start with whispering interpretation. In this case, when two or more people require interpreting assistance, the interpreter sits next to them and whispers into the language that they require, keeping them aware of what is going on. This can be used in a meeting, a lecture, a courtroom or any other similar environment or any other environment such as a courtroom. This technique does not require audio equipment and it is mostly done simultaneously.

In second place, we have conference interpretation, which is one of the most known types of interpreting. Conference interpreting can be done simultaneously if the required equipment is available (a booth, microphones and headphones) or it can be done consecutively, in which case the speeches last several minutes and then the interpreter takes notes before rendering the message for the audience. This type of interpreting enables all members of a formal meeting or conference to follow a lecture or a seminar. This also allows people to participate in the meeting, because the interpreter can work in the rendering of questions and answers as well.

Thirdly, we have another type of interpreting, which is called public service interpreting. This occurs when interpreters work in the local community, for example at court, police stations, in hospitals or airports, helping people to have access to these services without being excluded because of language barriers.

Finally, there is another type of interpreting that is a little different from the ones we named before, because it is done by a special type of interpreter. This is sign language interpreting, which is done, of course, by a sign language expert that could work on any of the types of interpreting mentioned above and also helps deaf people to gain more access to any service that is available to the general public. As we normally see, sign language interpreting is mostly done on television shows, and it can also be helpful in social events, theatre plays, etc.

So, as you can see, in interpreting first we have to set the different modes: simultaneous or consecutive; and then, we can differentiate the types of interpreting that we have shown you on this post. We in Translate-In-Chile hope you will find this post helpful. If you have any doubts or are in need of any of these interpreting services, please contact us. Our e-mail is translateinchile@gmail.com

Thank you for reading.

By Lorena Reyes

Sources: http://www.nationalnetworkforinterpreting.ac.uk/index.php/for-students/what-is-interpreting/different-types-of-interpreting, National Network for Interpreting, University of Leeds