Face-to-Face Interpretation Services
All interpretation relies on conveying information from a source language into a target language, but there are multiple ways this is achieved and the best method for interpretation will depend upon the needs of the speakers and listeners. The most common two modes of interpreting are:
Simultaneous interpreting, this is done at the time of the exposure to the source language. The interpreter needs to interpret what the speaker is saying at the same time as they are speaking. There is no delay between the interpretation and what the listeners are receiving. The interpreter can pause for no more than a couple of words behind the speaker. The pause is also only taken just to process the speech and process the interpretation. Simultaneous interpretation is one of the most demanding professions in the world.
Consecutive interpretation, a mode of interpreting in which the speaker makes a speech (or says a few sentences) whilst the interpreter takes notes. The interpreter then reproduces what the speaker has said for the target audience.
Should a speaker not break for 5 minutes or so, the interpreter will often use a special system of notes, consisting of symbols representing words – keys and characters such as: consistency, negation, emphasis, entailment, etc. In this system, an interpreter is not to memorise words, but to recreate the meaning of the information from the speaker.
There are various types of interpreting, which involve different settings, and equipment.
With Medical and Legal being 2 of the largest industries that have the biggest need our freelance interpreters are vetted, and quality assured by the Nation Register of Public Service Interpreters.
The National Register of Public Service Interpreters professionals Code of Conduct states, “Practitioners who are carrying out work as interpreters shall only carry out work which they believes within their linguistic and relevant specialist competence, or which is to be checked by someone with the relevant knowledge or competence”
Accreditation from a reputable interpretation institution such as the NRPSI shows that an interpreter has put the necessary work in and has the credentials to do the job well. Those who have undergone professional training will not only have a better grasp on language requirements, but also codes of ethics used by interpreters.
At the same time, someone who has received credentials is less likely to make mistakes on the job. And errors can lead to serious consequences for both interpreters and the institutions they work for.