White Paper - Types of Interpretation: A Guide to Modes, Methods, and Use Cases

Interpretation isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds; with so many interpretation services to choose from, businesses and organizations may struggle to find the optimal language solution. 

Understanding the types of interpretation, the settings in which they work best, and their pros and cons can help establish effective, accurate, and meaningful connections, ensuring that nothing gets lost in translation. 

What is an Interpreter and What Do They Do?

An interpreter is a professional communicator who facilitates conversations between individuals speaking different languages. There are many interpreter roles; an interpreter may translate English into Spanish, French, German, Farsi, or another spoken language, and vice versa, or interpret American Sign Language (ASL) or another sign language. 

The interpreter’s primary goal is to foster connection through comprehension; it’s their duty to ensure that two or more people understand each other, often in pursuit of a common objective. The best interpreters consider different cultural contexts and nuances to prevent confusion, and many possess specialized knowledge of fields such as healthcare, education, law, technology, business, or aerospace. They are also well-versed in the various modes of interpretation, allowing for flexibility.

An interpreter is like a translator, but with one crucial distinction: Translators work with the written word. 

Most Common Types of Interpretation

Simultaneous Interpretation 

Simultaneous interpretation is a type of interpretation in which the interpreter translates a speaker’s words in real time, in a continuous flow.

Simultaneous interpretation can be used in a variety of settings, including:

• Conferences and conventions

• Workshops

• Multilingual seminars and webinars

• UN-affiliated events

The pros of simultaneous interpretation include the following:

• It improves audience comprehension and engagement

• It conveys the speaker’s message instantly, which can cut down on misunderstandings

• It invites the audience to ask spontaneous questions, fostering an interactive environment

• It enables interpretation into multiple languages

The cons of simultaneous interpretation include the following:

• It requires a high level of concentration

• It requires a high level of speed

• It can be challenging to maintain in specific settings, such as overly noisy environments

• It can be distracting for the audience

Consecutive Interpretation

Consecutive interpretation is a type of interpretation where the interpreter waits for the speaker to pause before interpreting. 

Consecutive interpretation can be used in a variety of settings, including:

• Healthcare settings (such as medical appointments)

• Legal interpretation in courtrooms or interrogation rooms

• Small business or one-on-one meetings

• Diplomatic discussions

The pros of consecutive interpretation include the following:

• It allows for structured pauses, which can enhance accuracy

• It needs minimal setup, making it accessible

• It gives the interpreter time to convey tone, which allows for cultural nuances and a more robust understanding

The cons of consecutive interpretation include the following:

• It requires excellent memory and note-taking skills

• It requires the speaker and interpreter to take turns, which can lead to longer presentations

• It can cause conversations to feel less natural and free-flowing

Over-the-Phone Interpretation 

Over-the-phone interpretation is a type of interpretation that enables two or more parties to communicate via an interpreter over phone lines. 

Over-the-phone interpretation can be used in a variety of settings, including:

• On-demand and emergency settings

• Medical, legal, or business settings that require immediate language assistance

• Customer service and sales settings

The benefits of over-the-phone interpretation include the following:

• It’s convenient and cost-effective, eliminating travel expenses and set-up costs

• It’s scalable and adaptable to big or small needs

• It’s fast and accessible

• It’s flexible and can cover hundreds of languages

Remote Interpretation 

Video Remote Interpretation

Video remote interpretation connects individuals to professional interpreters through a live video feed, enabling real-time translation while preserving body language and facial expressions. It’s a happy medium between in-person interpretation and over-the-phone interpretation. 

This type of interpretation differs from video conferencing in that it focuses explicitly on overcoming language barriers. Video conferencing, on the other hand, refers to any communication that uses video to connect people in real time.

Video remote interpretation is adaptable to a variety of industries, but it’s most often used in healthcare and education. 

Remote Simultaneous Interpretation (RSI)

Remote simultaneous interpretation (RSI) is a technology-based interpretation method in which professionals provide real-time interpretation from a remote location.

It works as follows:

• A speaker gives a presentation or lecture in one language

• An interpreter simultaneously translates through a cloud-based platform from anywhere with internet access

• The interpreted message is relayed to the audience (this may be via text, online conferencing tools, or headphones)

The benefits of remote simultaneous interpretation include the following:

• It can use interpreters from all over the world, reducing travel costs and ensuring that geography is not an obstacle

• It offers real-time interpretation without delays or interruptions

• It works well for large events, including those attended by diverse populations with multilingual communication needs

RSI can adapt to various industries, including interpretation in healthcare settings. For example, a virtual biology conference, attended via webinar by researchers, scientists, and doctors from around the globe, may feature speakers presenting in several different languages. Interpreters listen in and interpret in real-time, ultimately allowing participants to select their preferred language channel.

Choosing the Right Interpretation Type

There are numerous interpreting methods available, making it a challenge to determine the most effective one for a specific conference, event, or meeting.

A few things to consider include the following:

• Simultaneous vs consecutive interpretation, which is often dictated by the size of the audience and the setting

• The cultural nuance required

• The cost (smaller companies may need interpreters who can work remotely)

• The technology setup (remote options require a stable internet connection)

A professional language service helps organizations select the right interpreter while staying on point and within budget.

Conclusion

Imagine a children’s hospital hosting a medical conference on congenital heart disease. Approximately 75 field representatives are expected to attend, including representatives from the US, Mexico, India, Spain, and Switzerland. Due to the nature of the conference, interpreters must be precise and medically literate. The intimate nature of the gathering also requires a solution that promotes direct interaction. 

In this case, consecutive interpretation is likely the best option, as it enables accurate language access, incorporates different dialects, and preserves meaningful connections. 

Need assistance choosing the right interpretation services? We can help. Talk to our language experts today.