How Does Simultaneous translation work ?

Translation work is undertaken in two forms i.e. Oral and written. Oral translation is also known as interpretation. There are two types of interpretation namely consecutive interpretation and simultaneous interpretation. Consecutive interpretation was followed till world war-II. It was time consuming and had its own drawbacks. Simultaneous interpretation was initially used during Nuremberg Trials after the World war-II. This was very successful and later on used by the U.N. There was initial reluctance, but slowly it became popular and is now widely used in international meetings, conferences, seminars and workshops. In all these events, the gathering is very large.

Simultaneous Translation means that the speaker delivers his speech or lecture in an unknown language: source language- the interpreter sits in a soundproof booth wearing a pair of headphones-to hear the speech of the speaker-and translates it, into known language or mother tongue of the participants-target language-speaking into a microphone. The speech is converted into the target language and is heard by the participants through headphones. The interpreter hears, translates and delivers the speech simultaneously. There is a bare minimum time gap between the two deliveries.
The interpreter should posses the following qualities to prove himself in this field:-

One of the key skills required is decisiveness, as there is no time gap and delay in the thought process whereby the interpreter may loose a few words and text and meaning may differ.

Simultaneous translator should have a very good knowledge of at least two languages i.e. source language and target language. Target language is usually his mother tongue.

It is very essential to have a good command over the subject matter of the conference or meeting.

Knowing the background of the meet, and culture of the country, the speaker is representing, will be an added advantage to the interpreter.

Interpreter should make his own preparations before the meet. Prior knowledge of the topic is essential.

Generally, interpreters work in pairs. It is observed that an interpreter can continuously do the interpretation job for a maximum period of 15 to 20 minutes, at a stretch. After that he requires some break and interpretation is taken over by the second interpreter. This gives them the possibility of alternating between speaking and translating the message for the other. The non-speaker can do some preparations through internet while the speaking interpreter can focus on the general idea of the speech, speakers’ accent, the speed at which speech is given and level of knowledge of foreign language.

It can be concluded that better results can be assured when there is good understanding between the pair of interpreters and good preparations are made before any conference or meet. It will add to the success of the conference or meeting, if the text of the speech is given in advance to the interpreter to make his research and sound preparations before the meet.