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Interpreting establishes oral communication between two or more speakers who are not speaking the same language. There are four main types of interpreting:

In simultaneous interpreting (a.k.a. conference interpreting), the interpreter will speak at the same time as the source-text speaker. Usually, the interpreter sits in a sound-proof booth with a clear view of the speaker, listening through headphones to the incoming message in the source language. The interpreter repeats the message in the target language, speaking via microphone to the target audience. For each language you will need two interpreters, who work in shifts of 30 minutes each to ensure full concentration throughout a long session.

If there is just one single person requiring interpreting, a common practice is to use whispered interpreting or chuchotage. Here, the interpreter stays next to the target person and speaks the interpretation directly to him/her in a low voice. Whenever possible, mobile equipment should be used, providing interpreter and listener with headphones and interconnected receivers. All other persons right next to the interpreter will be able to hear the interpretation, and the room must be quiet for the interpreter to carry out the job.

In consecutive interpreting the source-text speaker and the interpreter take alternate turns in speaking. Usually, the interpreter sits at a table with the speakers, listening to the spoken source language and taking notes as the speech progresses. When the speaker has finished or comes to a pause, the interpreter takes over. He then reproduces (consecutively) the message in the target language and in its entirety as though he was making the original speech. This implies that a session with interpreting will last for twice the usual time and a longer speech will have to be interrupted several times. A good interpreter is capable of repeating 10-15 minutes of a speech, with the help of a special note taking technique.

Ad hoc interpreting is mostly used in negotiations, at trade fairs and in public services. Most often ad hoc interpretation is consecutive and limited to a few sentences at a time. This again implies that the time needed will roughly double.

Collaboration between interpreter and client: a qualified interpreter offers you reliability, language knowledge, specialist preparation and professional attitude. In order to carry out the assignment to the best of his or her abilities, the interpreter needs an appropiate preparation time before the assignment as well as all necessary information to familiarize him-/herself with the field.

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