Accurate Interpreting Services

The role of a skilled Russian to English interpreter is not only to make the communication process smooth, by resolving cultural differences, converting idioms and preventing misunderstanding. The true professional will strive for utmost accuracy in dealing with complicated terminology and the most efficient ways of delivering the desired message. Acting as an impartial intermediary for the parties, the Russian interpreter enables a flawless communication process, seemingly effortlessly bridging the gap between the two languages. Regardless of the format of the event, the interpreter always treats information, she or he has been entrusted with, as confidential. With a good interpreter you can forget about barriers in communication and concentrate on your goals.

What type of interpreting services will suit your needs?

Let’s have a look at the three traditional types of interpreting services.

In what setting will you benefit from consecutive interpreting?

Consecutive interpreting is best suited for smaller groups of people – during business negotiations, interviews and investigations, audits, consultations and classes.  If you want to make your event more interactive and plan to engage the audience, consecutive interpretation may be a preferable choice. It is also more suitable for situations where sensitive issues might be discussed.

How does it work?

The speaker regularly pauses after a sentence or phrase, enabling the interpreter to repeat what has been said in the target language. Sometimes the interpreter takes notes for long passages.

Benefits of consecutive interpreting

• Interpreters have time to think and mentally prepare to accurately communicate the speaker’s message. It allows a more complete and accurate translation.
• The speaker and his audience can see the interpreter and pick up the visual cues not just information received verbally.
• The parties can freely ask each other for clarifications and engage in a dialogue.
• When performed onsite, it enables effective in-person communication without the need for special equipment.

Disadvantages of consecutive interpreting

• It takes double the time that you would usually spend on the event.
• The participants might be struggling to keep their focus on while the interpretation is performed into another language.

Which event format simultaneous interpreting is best for?

Simultaneous interpreting (often called conference interpreting) is more suitable for large-scale events, such as conferences, presentations, webinars and lectures with a large audience, board meetings, etc. It can also be organized for factory tours in industrial settings or guided tours for tourist groups.

How does it work?

Simultaneous interpretation, sometimes referred to as “real time interpretation” provides instantaneous, real-time interpretation of what is being said. It allows the speaker to continue talking without pausing for interpretation. However, there is a natural lag of just a few seconds between the original and the interpretation, called ear voice span or decalage.

From a technical point of view, it works as follows: a conference interpreter listen to the speaker via headphones and renders the translation into a microphone. The participants listen to the translation directly through the headphones.  

Benefits of conference interpreting

• Simultaneous interpreting saves a lot of time.
• Speakers can speak naturally, without worrying about stopping every few sentences to allow for interpretation to take place.
• Comfortable hearing – thankfully to the wireless equipment the participants can adjust the volume in their headsets or chose to sit anywhere in the audience.

Disadvantages of conference interpreting

You might need to hire two conference interpreters if your event last longer than 1.5 hours. Conference interpreters work in pairs as this type of interpreting demands high level of receptivity and concentration, they alternate every 20 minutes and take regular breaks.

You will need to hire special equipment. Depending on the format of your event it could be a soundproof booth for the interpreters and headsets for the participants, it you are holding a conference or a large gathering, or a portable wireless tour guide system for a smaller group that will be listening to the simultaneous interpreting on the go. Please see here an example of conference interpreting equipment for hire in Ireland and some examples of tour guide systems here.

Interpreters need to be familiar with the topic and terminology ahead of the event. Speakers must have their presentations finalized in advance, so that an event organizer could provide the interpreters with the preparatory materials, which often include apart from slides, glossaries, scripts, videos and agenda.

In what situations should I choose whispered interpreting?

Whispering interpretation, sometimes called Chuchotage [shoo-shoh-tazh], is the oldest and most common form of simultaneous interpreting. In this case an interpreter accompanies one or two persons during a tour, a visit, a business meeting, or an interview. This service is always provided onsite.

How does it work?

The interpreter traditionally works without sound equipment and literally whispers his or her translation to a limited number of listeners. The interpreter keeps the voice low not to disturb the audience and the speaker. Portable tour guide equipment (see above) has made this method easier over time, however in its absence this method can accommodate only one or two individuals.

Benefits of whispered interpreting

• It is rendered in real time and it doesn’t extend the duration of the event.
• No special equipment required unless you choose to hire a portable system.
• Close contact with your interpreter. You will have the possibility to clarify any questions you might have.

Disadvantages of whispered interpreting

• Not suitable for more than two people.
• Other participants might not appreciate you bringing an interpreter to their event. You will have to sit at the back not to distract others but at the same time you will need to make sure that your interpreter can see and hear everything.
• It is quite tiring for the interpreter. Simultaneous interpreting requires high level of concentration. In this case you will have only one interpreter working for two, plus holding one’s head turned in one direction for longer than 30 minutes can be quite straining for one’s neck.