What types of interpreting are there?

• Consecutive interpreting 
  In consecutive interpreting, the interpreter sits or stands next to the speaker and offers the translated version of the speech when the speaker has finished. If the speech is very long, there is usually a pause which the interpreter uses to make the translation. Normally, the interpreter takes notes on the speech because it is impossible to memorise all of it. It can thus be defined as a direct communicative act.
  
  
• Simultaneous interpreting
  In the case of simultaneous interpreting, the interpreter translates a speech in an uninterrupted manner. The translation begins when the interpreter hears part of a sentence and begins to convert it into the target language. It is a very complex process which allows the interpreter to translate the part he/she has just heard in real time, while receiving and retaining more speech in his/her memory. At the same time, the interpreter ensures that the quality of the translation is correct. The listener hears the translation thanks to a variety of technical equipment, which includes booths, microphones, receivers, headphones, antennae, emitters, a sound technician, etc.
  
  
• Whispered interpreting
  This is a type of simultaneous interpreting used for a very small number of people, as the interpreter “whispers” the translation to two, or maybe three listeners. It can also be combined with consecutive interpreting when the users of this service wish to communicate an idea. For larger groups it is also possible to use portable equipment called infoport, which uses a microphone and headphones for the listeners.

Do you have technical equipment for simultaneous interpreting?

Yes, we have the complete equipment, including sound-proofed booths for the interpreters, meeting room microphones, receivers with headphones, interpreter desks, etc., as well as everything necessary to prepare the simultaneous interpreting of your event.

We also have portable equipment, called the infoport system, which is used in whispered interpreting and guided visits to installations, factories, etc. This equipment comprises a microphone and headphones for the listeners.

We are organising a congress and we do not know whether we need a simultaneous or consecutive interpreter. What requirements do we need to take into account?:

The type of event, its approximate duration, the number of participants, the number of languages into which you wish to interpret, the budget and technical features of the venue for the event, and so on.

Simultaneous interpreting offers the following advantages:

• It guarantees better communication in conferences with a number of different languages.
• The event or conference is not extended in time because of the interpreting.

Consecutive interpreting offers the following advantages:

• Although it depends on the duration of the event, normally only one interpreter is necessary.
• No technical equipment is necessary.

What do we have to take into account when deciding between consecutive or simultaneous interpreting?

It is important to remember that with consecutive interpreting the event is extended in time because the interpreter only speaks when the speaker has finished his/her speech. For example, if a speech has a duration of 1 hour, the event may last up to 2 hours, taking into account the original speech and the consecutive translation.

We are organising a conference with simultaneous interpreting, and we don’t know whether to use fixed booths or infoport equipment.

Generally, this will depend on your budget and the quality you wish to offer. Simultaneous interpreting with a booth is the service which offers the best quality to participants because of its transparency, but also because it uses sound and/or audiovisual technicians to deal with any problems which might arise. 

Infoport equipment has the advantage of being more economical, but it is usually used for small events of up to 20/30 people, with limited audiovisual systems. This system is also recommended for guided visits.