Consecutive interpreting

What is interpreting?

Interpreting is the process of verbal and in real time translation of speeches or conversations from one language to another so that participants who speak different languages ​​can effectively communicate. The translator, known as an interpreter, takes what is said in one language and transmits it into another language ensuring that the message and meaning remain true during the translation.

Interpreting plays a crucial role in facilitating communication between people who speak different languages being often used in situations such as international conferences, diplomatic meetings, trade events, international Courts, sessions of international organizations and many others.

There are two main types of interpreting:

1. Consecutive interpreting: In this type of interpreting, the speaker takes a pause after each section or phrase of the speech allowing the interpreter to translate that section into the target language. This requires a good memory capacity as the interpreter retains and conveys the content of the speech without using notes.
2. Simultaneous interpreting: In this case, the interpreter translates the speech in real time, while the speaker continues to speak. This type of interpreting is generally done in a special booth and participants can listen the translation through a headphone system. The interpreter listens and translates the speech in real time.

What is consecutive interpreting?

Consecutive interpreting is the way in which the interpreter translates the speaker's speech into the target language after each section or phrase of the speech. In contrast to simultaneous interpreting where the interpreter translates in real time while the speaker continues to speak, consecutive interpreting involves a pause between the original speech and the translation.

Consecutive interpreting is often used in smaller contexts or in situations where the necessary equipment for simultaneous interpreting is not available. It may also be preferred in cases where the speech is less technical or where the speaker wants to create a more personal connection with the audience.

The Consecutive Interpreting Service is generally requested for: 

• notary statements given by foreign citizens;
• meetings;
• business meetings where one of the participants is a foreigner;
• civil marriages;
• courses/trainings with employees;
• at any institution where the presence of an interpreter is required (bank, city hall, embassy, ​​notary office, general dirrectorate for passports, etc.)

What implies the consecutive interpreting process?

1. Pauses between sections: The speaker pauses after each section or phrase of the speech, allowing the interpreter to translate what was said into the target language.
2. Memorization and translation: The interpreter carefully listens the speech in the source language and memorizes its content. Then, during the break, translates the speech into the target language for the audience.
3. Transmission of the translation: The interpreter presents the target language translation to the audience. This transmission may involve a recitation of the translated speech or a summary of the content.
4. Gestures and signs: The interpreter may use gestures or signs to indicate the end of a section or the beginning of the translation.
5. Accuracy and clarity: The interpreter must accurately and clearly translate  to ensure that the audience correctly understands the content.
6. Notation techniques: To help memorize the speech, the interpreter may use notation techniques or abbreviations to keep key information in mind.
7. Longer Duration: Interpreting can take more time than simultaneous interpreting because each section of the speech is separately translated.
8. Active participants: Consecutive interpreting involves closer interaction between the interpreter, the speaker and the audience, as each section is separately presented.
9. Preparation and familiarization: The interpreter must get prepared in advance about the topic of the speech and to know  the specific terminology to ensure an accurate translation.
10. Accommodation for languages: The interpreter must accommodate his/ her translation pace with that of the speaker. While the speaker can quickly or slowly speak, the interpreter must adjust his/ her pace to accurately and in detail translate.
11. Synthesis and focus: The interpreter must summarize and focus on the most important information in order to keep his/ her translation speech at an effective level.
12. Active audience participation: The audience can ask questions or ask for clarifications between the speech and translation sections which can involve more direct interaction between the interpreter and the participants.
13. Precision related to the original speech: The interpreter must precisely keep the original speech message and accurately and coherently translate it to ensure that the message and meaning remain the same.
14. Flexibility in managing breaks: The consecutive interpreter can choose to present the translation after each phrase, after each sentence or after longer sections, depending on the needs of the event and the level of detail of the speech.
15. Interpersonal aspect: Consecutive interpreting adds an interpersonal aspect to communication as direct interaction between the interpreter and the speaker can create a closer bond.
16. Cultural aspect: The consecutive interpreter may provide cultural explanations or clarifications between translation sections to ensure correct understanding of the audience.
17. Confidentiality: The interpreter may be involved in sensitive or confidential discussions, so maintaining confidentiality and ethics is an important part of hie/ her role.
18. Dissemination of information: The interpreter must ensure that information is correctly and completely translated and that no important information is omitted.

The interpreters participating in your public or private events are selected according to their field of expertise: technical, medical, legal, etc. 

The cost for this service is charged per hour up to four hours of interpreting and then per day. This cost depends on several parameters. These are: the urgent character of the event (for requests where the interpreter must be present within a few hours in a certain location), the complexity of the event, the duration of the event, the location (when the interpreter is requested to be present in a locality around the city/locality where he lives will charge an additional cost for transportation).

The consecutive interpreting service can also be provided online or by phone for situations such as online meetings or phone calls to people outside the country.

Interpreting remains an essential tool in ensuring communication in international and intercultural contexts. Although we have discussed many aspects, each interpreting situation is unique and may bring specific challenges and opportunities.

In conclusion, consecutive interpreting is an interpreting technique that involves translating speech into the target language after each section or phrase of the original speech. This type of interpreting can be used in a wide range of contexts and can provide a more personal and interactive experience for the audience and speaker.