What type of interpreting services are available and how do they work?

Firstly, a spot of housekeeping. Although the jobs of interpreter and translator require overlapping skills, there are important distinctions.

Translators and interpreters work to bridge communication gaps. They both transfer meaning from one language to another and help the inclusion of all connected parties in the conversation.

Successful international business necessitates seamless multilingual communication and both translators and interpreters are frequently required to enable a smooth transition to a new market. So, what exactly are the differences between the two?

Interpreter or translator?

Professional translators and interpreters are skilled linguists who have spent considerable time training for and perfecting their craft. Both roles require extensive expertise in their chosen languages and subject specialisations and an in-depth understanding of cultural nuance. They also need to be dedicated to ongoing learning and development.

However, interpreters and translators differ in fundamental ways.

Translators primarily work in the written word. They translate any written text and take time to produce their finished version. Translators focus on faithfully and accurately reproducing the message of the original text in the target language, respecting its style, tone and format. They pay enormous attention to detail. Translators only translate into their native language.

Interpreters also translate language but only work verbally. They speak the words they hear in a new language and work in real time. Interpreters must think rapidly and instinctively and their priority is conveying meaning in the best way possible given the time constraints. They are also concerned with communicating culturally specific content in a way the listener can understand. Interpreters are often called on to work backwards and forwards between their languages, depending on the context.

The types of content that translators and interpreters deal with can vary. Translators work on website texts, marketing copy, technical materials, commercial documentation, subtitles, literature and multimedia scripts. Interpreters work in live settings such as meetings, conferences and appointments.

Both professions employ technology to enhance the quality of their work but until recently this has mostly benefitted written translation. However, in the last decade rapid changes in technology, precipitated by the pandemic, have made interpreting more flexible and easily available.

How do interpreters work?

Interpreters use several different techniques depending on the type of event they’re interpreting for. Here’s a summary.

Simultaneous interpreting means that the interpreter verbally translates as the person speaks. The interpreter uses headphones to hear the speaker and then talks into a microphone for the benefit of the listeners. Interpreters can work in pairs for this type of assignment (swapping after around 30 minutes) and work in soundproofed booths.

Simultaneous interpreting is often used at large-scale events like conferences and live gatherings. You might have experienced simultaneous interpreting if you’ve assisted at or watched sessions of the EU Parliament, sports press conferences or international conventions. In business, board meetings, presentations and lectures can be translated via simultaneous interpreting.

Consecutive interpreting works by giving the speaker and then the interpreter a short time to speak, one after the other. The interpreter can make notes of any important information the speaker mentions before it’s their turn to translate. For the consecutive method, the interpreter needs an excellent memory and efficient note-taking ability as speeches sometimes last around ten minutes.

Consecutive interpreting is most often used for smaller groups like medical appointments, legal proceedings or interviews. It is useful in many business scenarios and helps companies carry out negotiations, site tours or training programs.

Where do interpreters work?

Until the pandemic struck, interpreting was largely conducted in person. Traditionally, interpreters were on site, either in separate rooms for simultaneous interpreting or face-to-face for consecutive. In complex, sensitive settings like healthcare, law and business negotiation, for example, this is still recommended, especially when visual signals and a human touch enable a better communication exchange.

However, in many situations today, interpreting can be done remotely, taking advantage of technological advances.

When lockdowns were enforced worldwide following the Covid-19 outbreak, communication solutions were needed quickly. Swift investment in virtual interpreting technology led to the further development of remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI). RSI uses software platforms which host ‘virtual booths’ and mimic the conference interpreter’s physical environment. During the pandemic, RSI helped conferences and business events take place remotely with full language provision.

Video remote interpreting (VRI) also developed extensively due to the pandemic. This method connects speakers with both audio and video over an online platform or an app and is used for consecutive interpreting. Video remote interpreting is a good multilingual solution for hospitals or conference calls in business.

Over-the-phone interpreting has been around for a while and today boosts communication in emergency settings and specific business scenarios. It offers an ad hoc option when there is less preparation time.

Remote interpreting has persisted in the post-pandemic era and is widely used today. Technology has made it a practical language solution for many business interactions.

How does interpreting help businesses?

When the stakes are high, the last thing your organisation wants is miscommunication. Establishing clear and straightforward channels of information exchange with potential clients, existing customers and anyone connected to the company, will facilitate operations. Doing this in as many languages as necessary is essential for business beyond national borders.

Interpreting might be needed in any number of business scenarios – presentations, site visits, social occasions, contract negotiations, in-person or online meetings, exhibitions or conferences, to name a few. A skilled and experienced interpreter will help eliminate barriers to understanding and could be an asset in promoting global relationships.

Nurturing customers in their language is a sign of respect for their culture. While the temptation might be to use a widely spoken language like English or worse still, enlist a bilingual employee, a professional interpreter brings efficiency, accuracy and cultural awareness to business dealings. This glitch-free dialogue can help enhance your company’s credibility and improve the customer’s experience.

Ultimately, working with a skilled interpreter reinforces your brand’s reputation and cultivates success. There’s no replacement for harmonious and fruitful communication and professional linguists help your company achieve just that.

The t’works promise

At t’works, we offer a wide range of interpreting services. We advise you on the best solution for your event and supply the necessary equipment. We guarantee our expert and experienced interpreters will make your multilingual communication go without a hitch and enable you to focus on what matters most – your business.