Conference interpreting: interpreting at conferences, conventions & congresses
As the term already suggests, it is mainly referring to interpreting at conferences. Nevertheless, this form of interpreting is also used at specialist conventions, congresses, symposia, political and many other events.
International specialist conventions and conferences in the German-speaking area are becoming increasingly popular. People from all over the world come together at these events and discuss the latest findings in medicine, technical innovations and much more. To ensure the smooth communication with participants from different countries, conference interpreters are used. The interpreter translates what is said from the source language into the desired target language. At congresses, conferences and symposia, the language mediator has to be proficient at all forms of interpreting, such as simultaneous interpreting, consecutive interpreting, liaison interpreting and whispered interpreting.
How does conference interpreting work exactly?
Excellent memory and research management, a special note-taking technique and the necessary specialist terminology are the essentials for every professional interpreter. In addition, the interpreter's language skills are categorized. There are so-called A, B and C languages. The “A language” is the interpreter's native language in each case, whereas the “B language” is the active foreign language which the interpreter knows at least at C2 level in spoken and written form. The “C language” refers to a passive foreign language which the interpreter can understand perfectly at least at C2 level but does not speak. In contrast to the A and B language, the interpreter can, of course, only translate from the C language but never into it.
Are you looking for an interpreter whose skills meet your specific requirements? Then our interpreting service is the perfect partner for you - and not only for the Nuremberg metropolitan region!
Which challenges do interpreters face at conferences, conventions and congresses?
Every interpreter is confronted with a wide variety of challenges throughout his or her career. An interpreter has to be able to keep up with the meaning of what is being said, even if the speaker turns away from the microphone, for example, and is difficult understand.
When participants in a discussion all start talking at the same time, this can also become a challenge. Or imagine a speaker talks particularly slowly or quickly - in these situations, as well, it is not always easy to follow the speaker. Professional interpreters, however, do not betray that there might be an issue and they have highly developed interpreting techniques as well as an excellent ability to concentrate, which allow them to keep up and translate the meaning of what is being said correctly - even in challenging situations. The skills required for conference interpreting go well beyond simple interpreting: the language mediator also has to be familiar with the necessary specialist vocabulary.
Why is it important to commission a professional interpreter?
Since a conference interpreter must have a wide range of skills, you should only trust a professional interpreter with the translation of your next conference or specialist convention. Contact our interpreting service and we find the right interpreter for you. Our language mediators have many years of experience, professional training and are native speakers. In addition, our interpreters are experts in their field, specializing in medicine, pharmacy, law and technology.
What forms of interpreting are used at conferences and conventions?
At larger events, such as conferences, specialist conventions and symposia, simultaneous interpreting is usually used. It is considered the ultimate form of language mediation among the various types of interpreting. Speech segments are translated into the target language in real time. Simultaneous interpreters are the invisible voice in the ear of the participants. They usually sit in a soundproof booth and translate into a microphone. Using conference technology, the translation of the speech is then transmitted to the headphones of the participants in the room. This way, attendees from different countries can optimally participate in the event and follow every word without delay.
If you are planning a smaller event such as a meeting or kick-off with foreign participants, consecutive interpreting is used. With this interpreting technique, the translation takes place with a time delay. The interpreter carefully listens first and only starts translating when the speaker pauses or has finished his message. The translation therefore takes place section by section. With this technique, the interpreter must also have special skills. Over the years, every language mediator has developed their own individual note-taking technique for taking down the most important points. The secret is not to write down too much or too little.
If a maximum of two participants require translation at an event, whispered interpreting, also known as chuchotage, is a suitable option. In this special form, the interpreter whispers the translation to the people who require it. The language specialists of AP Fachübersetzungen are thoroughly familiar with all types of interpreting and interpret only into their own native language, making the translation sound particularly authentic. Our language experts are very well versed in the specialist fields of medicine, pharmacy, law and technology. Book your preferred date and let us know all the necessary details for the interpreting job.
