MODES OF CONFERENCE INTERPRETING

Simultaneous interpreting requires a sound-insulated booth for the interpreter, a microphone for the speakers and a headset system for the audience. In simultaneous interpreting, the interpreter speaks at almost the same time as the speaker and instantly interprets what he or she hears through the headphones. Whispering (chuchotage) is a type of simultaneous interpreting that is done without the use of equipment, by one or two people in smaller venues for shorter periods of time.

In consecutive interpreting, after the speaker has finished a sentence or paragraph, the interpreter interprets what has been said with the help of notes taken during the speech. Consecutive interpreting does not require any special equipment other than a microphone. Bilateral interpreting is a type of consecutive interpreting for smaller groups. Accompanying foreign visitors and providing communication outside the meeting also fall under this definition.