In consecutive interpreting, the interpreter normally sits in the conference room, listening and taking notes as the speech progresses. When the speaker has finished, or comes to a pause, the interpreter reproduces the message in the target language, in its entirety and as though he/she is making the original speech.

 

Consecutive interpreting is mainly used in small-scale occasions involving only two languages, such as diplomatic talks, bilateral negotiations, visiting, negotiation, reporter's interview, judicial proceedings, banquet addressing, press conference and seminar etc. 

 

 

In simultaneous interpreting, interpreters normally work in soundproof booths, attentively listening to the speakers remarks via headphones and accurately following slightly behind in the target language. The interpreters speech will be transmitted via the microphone, so that conference participators can pick up their desired languages by switching to certain language channels on the receiving set.

 

Without occupying the conference time, the simultaneous interpretation has been developed into the most common pattern of conference interpretation, and is widely used in all manner of international occasions. The simultaneous interpretation is regarded as a standard interpretation option by international multi-language conferences and international organizations (i.e., United Nations and European Union). 

 

Interpretation Equipments

 

A complete set of interpretation equipments consist of: receiver, transmitter, translator unit, sound amplification devices (including: amplifier, loudspeaker, microphone and sound console), translation booth and related service personnel. 

 

The interpretation equipments, together with the interpreter, form a complete simultaneous translation system. 

 

The lease expense of interpretation equipments varies greatly in accordance with such factors as time, location and number of participators.