Rita Mae Brown once said, “Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.” That’s true especially when it involves communication. Interpreting can be used to bridge language barriers and connect two diverse cultures.
Both consecutive and simultaneous interpreters promote cross-cultural communication and help individuals to easily understand each other daily. Just like a road leading to different destinations, each method has its benefits and challenges.
So, what’s the difference between these two modes of interpretation? What are their impact on improving cross-cultural communication?
What is interpretation?
Many people often confuse interpretation with translation. However, these two are different. Interpreting deals with the spoken word, while translating is concerned with the written text. An interpreter professionally translates spoken words into a different language accurately showing the emotion and tone of the speaker.
When to use an interpreter?
Using an interpreter has nothing to do with a person’s eloquence. Even if you’re fluent in a specific language, an interpreter is needed, especially for long and technical interactions. Normally, people speak at a higher rate, and without language fluency, you may struggle to keep up. In contrast, professional interpreters help to bridge this gap and offer accurate interpretations.
Simultaneous interpreting
With simultaneous interpreting, two actions take place at the same time. It involves both the speaker and the interpreter speaking at once. This mode of interpretation depends on memory and is often ideal for longer speeches. It’s mainly used in places like:
- Press conferences
- Live concerts
- the UN
- European Parliament
- High-level negotiations
In many cases, simultaneous interpreting is performed with the help of interpreting tools and equipment. For example, during an international conference, interpreters often listen intently through headphones and interpret to their listeners what they hear through a microphone.
Simultaneous interpretation involves rendering spoken words into another language in real-time, often aided by simultaneous interpretation tools like headsets and microphones, whereas consecutive interpreting entails the interpreter speaking after the speaker, without the aid of such tools, allowing for a more sequential exchange of information.
In addition, it requires the interpreter to be keener and perhaps use a notebook to accurately interpret in real-time and capture statistics or dates. Luckily, online applications such as Zoom have simultaneous interpreting tools.
Advantages of simultaneous interpreting
Unlike consecutive interpretation, a simultaneous interpreter translates when the speaker is talking. It offers several advantages including:
1. Real-time communication
Simultaneous interpreting reduces any delay in translation because it happens in real time, making an event look like participants are speaking the same language.
This feature is significant especially when accurate and speedy translations are required such as conferences or live TV broadcasts.
2. Time saver
Since the interpreter conveys the speaker’s words almost instantly, it significantly reduces the overall duration of meetings or events. Consecutive interpreting often has pauses which can double the time required to translate.
3. Maintains flow and momentum
Time is precious and simultaneous interpreting ensures minimal delay before delivery of information. Plus, everything happens simultaneously between the speaker and the interpreter which helps to preserve a natural flow.
4. Enhanced focus
When simultaneous interpreting is happening, participants have to remain fully focused on what is communicated instead of waiting for translations. This can result in better engagement and understanding.
For conference interpretations, the attendees have to concentrate on reading materials and interaction among themselves, shifting attention from the speaker.
5. Accessibility
It creates a conducive environment where people from diverse cultures participate in events where language is a barrier. This is useful, especially in a modern evolving society where individuals from cross-cultural and linguistic backgrounds can understand and connect in real-time.
Consecutive interpreting
As the name suggests, interpreting happens consecutively when the speaker and interpreter alternate. In this case, the speaker can use only a few sentences to pass their message, and then the interpreter translates it to the attendees using interpreting notes. It’s often ideal for short speeches and may be used for:
- Legal proceedings
- Medical appointments
- Conferences
- Diplomatic meetings
- Consecutive interpretation
Advantages of consecutive interpreting
This mode of interpretation offers several advantages including:
1. Better clarity
Since interpretation only happens after the speaker talks, consecutive interpreting allows the audience, especially those who understand the original language to appreciate the speech before it’s translated. This improves clarity and more accurate interpretation.
2. Suitable for complex content
Interpreters deliver more technical and complex translations since they have enough time to conceptualize the speaker’s choice of words. Plus, it doesn’t require any technical equipment.
3. Chance for clarification
If a participant requires any clarity about the content, they can easily get it since interpretation is done after the speaker’s speech. Additional information can be availed when needed, which significantly increases the speaker’s understanding of the message being communicated.
4. More Personal Interaction
Normally, the interpreter delivers their speech near the participants. This allows for better eye contact while delivering the interpretation, which leads to more personal engagement between the interpreter and the attendees.
5. Cost-effectiveness
Compared to simultaneous interpreting, consecutive interpreting can be less costly because it requires fewer technical resources and equipment such as soundproof interpreters’ booths.
6. Allows note-taking
Consecutive interpreters can use notebooks during the event, which can significantly help in memory recall. Written notes are key in remembering complicated terms and key points used by the speaker when delivering the interpretation. Also, taking notes helps to reduce errors in information since they can use them as a reference to ensure the speech is translated efficiently.
7. Adaptability
Since it doesn’t require technical equipment, consecutive interpretation is adaptable to many settings and environments. It’s suitable in both small group settings and informal gatherings.
Conclusion
Every interpretation offers unique advantages depending on the specific requirements of a communication event. A medical setting or a court proceeding may need a consecutive interpreter because of frequent pauses. On the other hand, conferences and live events may require a simultaneous interpreter to deliver quick translations for larger groups. Knowing the strength of each mode can help you choose an option that accurately bridges language barriers.
