CONFERENCE INTERPRETING – ADVANTAGES, TERMS AND EXPLANATIONS
Most of us have probably come across conference interpreting when attending an international event and listening to an orator’s “relayed” speech in a language we understand. The most prominent example of conference interpretation is the provision of simultaneous interpretation in 24 languages by the European Union and Commission institutions. Why this type of translation is important and how it differs from written translation – we will see in this blog post.
WHY CONFERENCE INTERPRETATION IS NECESSARY
In our modern global society, where the level of English language proficiency is increasing, it might seem that there is no need to translate at all. But there are most reasons why it is still worth considering translation/interpreting for an event or conference.
Here are some of the most obvious reasons why a conference may need to be translated/interpreted.
- Participants and visitors from different countries. It is valuable to listen to professionals from different countries and even cultures in order to facilitate the exchange of experience and knowledge. It is also possible to attract not only foreign experts to speak, but also to invite audiences from other countries, increasing the visibility of the conference in the global market.
- Breaking down the language barrier. Speaking in a non-native language can sometimes result in speakers not expressing themselves as precisely as they would like. With the help of an interpreter, there is no need to worry about this.
- Accurate transfer of information. Translation reduces the risk of using words or expressions that listeners might misunderstand. Not every proverb or joke means the same thing in every language.
- Improved ability to sustain attention. It is easier to listen to a narrative in the mother tongue – especially in a loud environment, as conferences tend to be – thus improving attendee engagement.
- Raised professional bar. As the event becomes more visible and of a higher standard, the expectations of visitors increase – including in the provision of translation/interpreting. Visitors rely on it.
Conference Interpreting uses one of two types of interpreting – simultaneous or consecutive. Both of these types of interpreting have their own nuances and advantages. Let’s take a closer look at how they differ.
CONSECUTIVE INTERPRETING
Let’s start with Consecutive Interpreting, which is often chosen for small private or work events, such as business trips or wedding ceremonies or other similar occasions. Consecutive Interpreting – as the name suggests – starts after the spoken text is “finished”.
Most often, both at meetings and smaller events, speakers say a few sentences, pause for a moment to allow the interpreter standing next to them to retell what they have just heard, but in another language. No special equipment is needed for this interpreting – a microphone is enough.
THE ADVANTAGES OF CONSECUTIVE INTERPRETING
- Accuracy. The interpreter has some time to think about what he/she has just heard and to translate it into another language, for example by simplifying more complex terms, which is particularly useful to avoid misunderstandings.
- Low cost. In general, consecutive interpreting is cheaper because no additional technical equipment is needed – just a microphone to hand to the interpreter. It is also possible to run an event with one interpreter, as opposed to simultaneous interpreting, which would require at least two interpreters who would be able to replace each other every 10–30 minutes of intensive work.
- Flexibility. Consecutive Interpreting is suitable for meetings or smaller events where real-time interpreting is less important, for example shortly before a concert. For smaller events, interpreting can also be done by people in the field who are familiar with the subject matter and can present it reasonably well in their own language.
SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETING
Simultaneous interpreting, which is provided in parallel with the participant’s narration, is more technically demanding, but depending on the size and seriousness of the event, it can be much more useful for the organisers.
Simultaneous interpreting is mostly chosen for conferences for several reasons. This way, it is possible to keep the narration uninterrupted, to provide translation for the audience who wants it, and to follow the presenter’s body language, eye contact, emotions, narrative flow and images of the presentation in real time.
Some may wonder why two interpreters are needed for each language pair when there is only one speaker. Two interpreters are necessary because simultaneous interpreting wears out the interpreter’s concentration more quickly than consecutive interpreting would. Without stopping, the interpreter cannot interpret well. Interpreters also have to somehow find time to drink water. This can be compared to any sport, we all need a break to recover. Interpreters usually change every 20–30 minutes.
THE ADVANTAGES OF SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETING
- Speed and efficiency. There is no need to interrupt the speaker because the audience is listening to the interpreter in real time with only a few seconds delay. This way, all visitors can follow the speakers’ emotions, body language, eye contact, speech flow and jokes.
- Increased perception. When inviting a high-level expert from abroad to a conference, it is possible that not everyone in the audience would be able to understand what is being said at the same level. It is also possible to ensure a smooth Q&A session, increasing the engagement of the audience.
- Option to choose. Each audience member has a different level of knowledge and language skills. As opposed to consecutive interpreting, simultaneous interpreting gives you the choice of listening to the speech in the original language or in translation.
THE CHALLENGES OF PROVIDING CONFERENCE INTERPRETING
The challenges that interpreters face when interpreting could be the subject of a whole separate blog post, as the process is quite complex. Let’s take a look at some of them, which event organisers should also consider.
High skills threshold
Whichever type of interpreting is chosen, there is no doubt that the role of interpreter requires a person with a high level of skills, as well as relevant experience and a very comprehensive knowledge of practically any area of life. This is particularly important at conferences, where a misspoken or misheard word can significantly change the meaning of a speech and lead to misunderstandings.
Knowledge of terminology, content
In addition to the ability to perform verbal translation at short notice, interpreters need all the background information they can get so that the possible terms, facts, figures, book titles that might be used during a speech are known at a good level. This is particularly important in conferences with different themes, all of which interpreters may not be equally familiar with.
Technical problems
Any event rich in content may be plagued by technical problems which make it difficult not only for the participants but also for the interpreters to understand what is being said. To minimise this risk, it is valuable to have a plan of action of what will happen or who will act in case of a technical problem.
The risk of technical problems can be greatly reduced by thoroughly testing all possible equipment before the start of the conference and adjusting it as necessary.
High costs
What if the simultaneous interpreting equipment seems too expensive? Sometimes, if the translation is less important, a cheaper solution, such as guiding equipment, can be used. The quality will be lower and may disturb some of the people in the room, but it is sometimes an option if the budget is tight. However, it is important to reiterate that quality will definitely suffer.
There is often a question from our customers about the inclusion of breaks and lunch breaks in the price calculation. This is included because the interpreter/interpreters are booked for a specific number of days/hours, which includes breaks and lunch breaks.
Cultural differences
What is acceptable in one culture may cause confusion in another. Often, speakers also add a dose of humour to their speeches to keep the attention of the audience, to engage them in active questioning or to overcome anxiety. Given the differences between cultures and their histories, jokes can rarely be transferred from one language to another without some adjustments to ensure that not only the meaning of what is being said is understood, but also that the humour is retained.
The same applies to similes, metaphors and other linguistic expressions that are commonplace in one language and almost taboo in another. For example, in the USA, it is not uncommon to talk about solving a problem by going on a crusade against it, which in many other countries – including Latvia – has a different connotation.
5 TIPS FROM SKRIVANEK FOR EFFECTIVE CONFERENCE INTERPRETING
To ensure a successful conference interpreting, here are five of our tips for organisers when planning the conference.
1. PREPARE THOROUGHLY
Provide the interpreters (or the translation agency responsible for the interpreters) with all the necessary materials – presentations, speeches, key and complex terminology, facts, figures, titles, names and surnames – well in advance to ensure that the translation does not get “stuck” and proceeds without major complications. For example, translating for the commercial sector is very different from law, construction, psychology or other fields in terms of needs and terminology. Sometimes interpreters have a poor view of what is happening on stage and find it impossible to convey all the facts accurately without additional material, especially names, places and so on are difficult to pronounce. Also, when working with interpreters, you often have to think about how they get to the event, whether accommodation is needed, and many other organisational issues.
2. CHECK THE EQUIPMENT
Depending on the type of translation you choose, the equipment needed will vary. For consecutive interpreting, a microphone is sufficient, but simultaneous interpreting also requires translation booths, headphones for the interpreters as well as for the conference attendees and participants, and other technical equipment that should be checked before the opening of the event, and it should be ensured that the interpreters can see what is happening on stage, as it is often important to see what the speaker is doing on stage.
3. HIRE QUALIFIED INTERPRETERS AND A TRANSLATION AGENCY
For consecutive interpreting at small events, the help of colleagues is often sufficient. However, for conferences, where the subject matter of each speech or presentation may vary, it is important to make arrangements with a translation agency or qualified interpreters to provide the service. Organisers often choose translation agencies to provide translation in several languages without having to think about technical solutions.
4. ENCOURAGE CLEAR COMMUNICATION
In order to ensure that the translation is of the same quality as the speech on which it is based, it is advisable to “speak plain language” with all parties involved in the event, so that there is no confusion and the most important issues can be discussed early on. It is especially important to be clear with presenters, to take time during the speech, to think of a gesture that might be shown if the speaker is fidgeting with his/her words.
5. CONDUCT A POST-CONFERENCE SURVEY AND ANALYSIS
It is advisable to survey participants and visitors to assess the quality of both the conference and the interpretation provided. This will enable you to make informed, data-driven conclusions and to choose the appropriate solutions for your next conference.
SUMMARY
In the modern global world, conference interpreting is an essential tool and even a tool to reduce language barriers, exchange the latest ideas, promote and sell products and services and build your public image as an expert. Both simultaneous and consecutive interpreting have their advantages and disadvantages.
When choosing between these two types of interpretation, it is important to take into account the type of event, the number of participants and audience, and the complexity of the topic(s). As each of these parameters changes, the need for additional training on the part of the organisers and interpreters increases in order to ensure the best quality translation.
Putting together all the above-mentioned variables and tips, one can come to a conclusion on the most cost-effective solution to be able to provide good quality conference translation.
We at Skrivanek Baltic are happy to share our experience, advice and solutions – not only for the translation, but also for the necessary equipment, its placement in the room, timely handover of materials to the interpreters and other important details. Let us recommend the best solution for your event and budget.
The blog post is partly based on the book “Conference Interpreting” (2016) by Professor Andrejs Veisbergs of University of Latvia.