FAQ

Simultaneous interpreting is a type of oral interpreting which is not only more challenging for the interpreter, but also presents some organizational challenges. Specialized equipment (headsets, microphones, booths, amplifiers, transmitters etc.) will enable the interpreter to render what the speaker says at the same rate of speech as the speaker helping you to save time during the event. Simultaneous interpreting is preferable when a great deal of information needs to be conveyed to participants with busy work schedules. To ensure effective interpreting and considering that simultaneous interpreting requires total concentration interpreters should take turns at 30 minute intervals at the most. All of such factors significantly affect the cost of oral interpreting.

Simultaneous interpreting requires concentration at high levels and therefore, the interpreters usually work in teams of two. However, it may take one interpreter to support interpreting at the events lasting less than one hour. The highest level events (such as government meetings) may require a team of three interpreters. You will also need three interpreters for lengthier than regular working hours events during the day. Interpreters usually work six to eight hours during a business day. If you need interpreting services to be rendered in more than one premise, or to be rendered into more than one target language you will need more interpreters.

You can help the interpreters to do their job in the best possible manner by providing prior information for them to prepare for the event in advance. We will certainly draw your attention to this important factor. Wherever possible, we will advise you to provide prior information or documentation, and if they are not available, we will request a brief summary, sample Power Point presentations or the list of abbreviations and acronyms that may be used during the event. You may also give us any available links to web-sites that may contain reference information. All prior information should be provided at least one week before the start date.

You should also give interpreters time to go for lunch, and you should not expect them to interpret informal conversations during their lunch time.  Their brain well ‘comes to the boil’ before a break for lunch, and they do need some rest. If necessary, we can offer you specialists with the knowledge of two languages to specifically facilitate your communication during lunch time and their services are usually less expensive than those of professional interpreters.