Conference interpreting can be subdivided into simultaneous interpreting, consecutive interpreting and the special forms of chuchotage (whispered interpreting) and liaison interpreting. Conference interpreters mainly work at international events where professional and qualified interpreters are needed to translate the speakers orally into another language for those listeners who would not otherwise understand what was being said. The various interpreting techniques cannot always be sharply distinguished, because depending on the situation, a good solution might be a combination of simultaneously spoken whispered interpreting into one language for one or two people and then consecutive interpretation delivered aloud into the other language for all the other participants in the room.
In simultaneous interpreting, the translation is transmitted to the listeners or audience simultaneously, i.e. almost in real time. The simultaneous interpreter is usually sitting in a sound-proof interpreting booth. Since this form of interpreting requires absolute attention and total concentration, there are normally at least two simultaneous interpreters working together, depending on the length of the interpreting assignment, who help each other and change over every 20-30 minutes. Common occasions with simultaneous interpreting are multilingual events, conferences, meetings, negotiations and shows.
Unlike simultaneous interpreting, the translation in the case of consecutive interpreting is delivered with a time lag after the speaker has spoken for some time. In this form of interpreting, the consecutive interpreter uses a special and individual note-taking technique, which serves to aid his memory in the subsequent oral translation. Consecutive interpreting is therefore used in particular for after-dinner speeches and welcoming addresses, lectures, bilateral negotiations and ceremonial occasions. Because of the delayed interpretation, about twice as much time has to be allowed compared to simultaneous or whispered interpreting. Depending on the length of the assignment and the level of difficulty, it may be necessary to employ a team of two consecutive interpreters.
Chuchotage (whispered interpreting) is a special form of simultaneous interpreting, in which a maximum of only two listeners can receive the translation, because the interpreter sits between or behind them and whispers the translation to them quietly. Alternatively, with small groups, it is also possible to use a tour guide transmission system (bidule) with a hand-held microphone, which has a built-in transmitter, and wireless receivers. This is suitable above all for factory, city or museum tours, but not in the context of big events or as an alternative to a booth. In addition to the stressful conditions that apply to simultaneous interpreting in any case, whispered interpreting involves other factors that complicate matters still further, such as outside disturbances and background noises, because the interpreter is right in the middle of things and is not sitting in a sound-proof booth. As with simultaneous interpreting, at least two conference interpreters usually work together in a team for whispered interpreting.
Liaison interpreting or conversational interpreting can also be regarded as a special form of consecutive interpreting which is used principally in the context of round-table discussions or negotiations, where the participants pause regularly to allow short passages to be translated into another language. This form of interpreting is only suitable for bilateral conversational situations or bilingual meetings. As with consecutive interpreting, twice the time has to be planned for a meeting with liaison interpreting, because of the time lag for the interpretation.
As with translating, there are no fixed prices for interpreting. One of the reasons for this is that the terms depend on the specific situation and the interpreting techniques required. In principle, interpreters’ fees may take the form of an hourly, half-day or daily rate.