Interpreting is often confused with translating. While the two might be similar, interpreting can almost be considered a form of translating. The former primarily focuses on the verbal form, whereas the latter focuses on the written form. Interpreting essentially involves a person (the interpreter) verbally translating what someone (the speaker) has said into a language that is understood by the other party involved in the communication. 

Interpreting takes place in varied settings, requiring the interpreter to work around vastly different contexts and requirements. Depending on these factors, the interpreting process can be of different types. Below, we take a closer look at the different types of interpreting so you can make an informed decision about what the right fit for you is. 

Simultaneous

Simultaneous Interpreting is real-time, meaning that the interpreter has to translate the communication while simultaneously listening to what is being said. Here, the interpreter is required to be very quick in both interpreting and understanding the communication. 

Being able to relay the intended and implied message effectively is the mark of good interpreting. With simultaneous interpreting, the flow of communication is non-stop. The speaker continues with their speech as the interpreter keeps interpreting the message. Since there is no lag time here, the interpreter must be quick. An inefficient professional can lead to key information being skipped or miscommunicated. 

Some people prefer simultaneous interpreting to the other forms as it keeps the audience engaged during the original speech. It might be especially useful during bigger events like conferences where a lot of people have gathered at once. 

Whisper

Also known as Chuchotage, whisper interpreting is similar to simultaneous interpreting. When there is no access to audio equipment like a headset or a microphone, the interpreter is required to sit next to the Deaf or hard-of-hearing person/s who needs interpreting. In this case, interpreting is done quietly and simultaneously so as not to get in the way of the original speech. As the whispering interpreter often communicates with the deaf client/s in proximity, it may require control over the professional’s voice. 

This may be used in smaller settings like meetings or small-scale conferences, where not many people require ASL interpreting services. 

Consecutive

Vastly different from the previous two, consecutive interpreting offers a lag time. The speaker first finishes the speech and then allows some time for the interpreter to do their job. The speaker may stop after every paragraph or every sentence if the conversation is shorter. 

The speaker will provide pauses in their speech at regular intervals. During these pauses, the interpreter interprets whatever was said previously. Once the interpreting is done, the speaker resumes speaking. As the name suggests, here, speaking and interpreting happen consecutively. 

An important part of this type of interpreting is taking notes. As the interpreting is not being done simultaneously, the chance of forgetting some things or missing some parts is highly likely. To not miss any detail, a consecutive interpreter often notes down the key points of the communication. The services of a consecutive interpreter may often be employed for situations like legal proceedings and smaller or one-on-one meetings.

Escort

Escort or travel interpreters assist you while traveling. These interpreters would have to be well-versed in ASL, English, and the language of the country that their client is traveling to. Travel interpreters should have an in-depth understanding of the other country’s culture and norms. Through their services, they act as a link between the hearing person/s and the deaf person/s while bridging the cultural gap.  

ALT Text: A close-up of a woman using sign language to talk to another person

Relay

Relay Interpreting is used in situations where no interpreter is available for a specific set of languages. For instance, if a client speaks in Emirati Sign Language, and no interpreter can translate from Emirati Sign Language to English. Instead, there is an interpreter who can translate Emirati Sign Language to ASL, and another who can translate ASL to English. This is relay interpreting where multiple interpreters work in tandem with one another to aid smooth communication.

This type of interpreting can be effective during international events where people speak different languages. Considering how relay interpreting often deals with very peculiar sets of languages, it is often used for smaller groups of people within a larger setting. Due to this, relay interpreting may often happen simultaneously with the original speech. 

If the interpreters are not quick enough, they may lose a lot of time, ultimately leading to a delay in communication and/or loss of information. Consecutive relay interpreting can work best when dealing with people who speak languages that might not be vastly spoken. 

Oral Transliteration

Some deaf and hard-of-hearing people may use lip/speech reading to understand communication. Here, the interpreter, known as the oral transliterator, stands in front of the Deaf client and repeats what the speaker is saying word-for-word. This repetition is often inaudible so that it does not become a source of distraction for other people.

Oral transliteration works best in settings where there is more than one speaker. It can also be helpful in larger rooms when the deaf person is not sitting close enough to the speaker to read their lips. Oral transliterators should be clear in their speech, without any peculiar mannerisms or lip movements. They must also be expressive with their body language to further enhance the effectiveness of lip reading. 

Video-remote 

Video-remote interpreting takes place via a screen. The Deaf or hard-of-hearing person/s uses electronic equipment to communicate with the interpreter. This could be done using a smartphone, tablet, computer, etc. The remote interpreter listens to the communication using headphones and then interprets it for the Deaf client, who watches the interpretation on the screen. Often, the interpreter can also see the Deaf client. 

Video-remote interpreting services can be employed for last-minute situations or emergencies. Often, when clients cannot get a professional interpreter to attend an event at the last minute, they rely on video-remote interpreting as a quick solution.  

Conclusion

If you want to become a professional interpreter, it is important to look into the different types of interpreting to see what fits you the best. Use this blog as a guide to ascertain which type of interpreting you prefer. In the beginning, you could try your hand at all the different types that intrigue you. Later, once you have a better understanding of each type, you can make an informed decision about the right path for you. 

Many agencies work with professional interpreters and provide them with opportunities to work in varied settings. Unspoken Language Services is one such boutique agency that offers exclusive on-site and virtual ASL services. Become an Unspoken Interpreter to gain access to various exciting interpreting opportunities, along with a chance to connect with a community of like-minded interpreters.

Thumbnail Photo Credit to: Photo by SHVETS Production