Interpretation

Interpreting takes on various forms depending on the context and needs of the present situation. Here is an outline of the 6 major forms of interpreting (simultaneous, consecutive, escort/travel, whisper, scheduled telephone, on-demand phone).

• In simultaneous interpreting, the interpreter must translate the sentence into the target language while simultaneously listening to and comprehending the next sentence.

• Consecutive interpreting may be used for smaller business meetings or in court on the witness stand.

• These escort/travel interpreters are not just interpreters, but often act as cultural liaisons, responsible for everything from ordering food to closing multi-million-dollar business deals.

• Whisper interpreting is similar to simultaneous interpreting but the interpreter does not use a headset or microphone, rather the interpreter sits next to the person (or group of people) who require interpreting and whispers or speaks softly while interpreting in the target language.

• Scheduled telephone interpreting (also called OPI or Over-the-Phone Interpretation) can be either simultaneous or consecutive. 

• On-Demand Phone Interpreting is for individuals or organizations that need to communicate across language barriers immediately.