Types of Interpreters - Simple Guide

Meeting a foreign partner

You need a liaison interpreter who works without equipment and who enables you to converse directly with the person you are dealing with.

Meeting several foreign partners/going on a factory visit

You need a liaison or simultaneous interpreter. This interpreter will either whisper for up to two listeners, or will need to be equipped with a tour-guide system (transmitter and headsets) to interpret for a large number.

Organising a small meeting with foreign visitors

In this case the interpreters can work with a tour-guide system. Two interpreters will be necessary if the work-time exceeds one hour, as they will work in approximately 20 minute turns.

Organising a conference lasting one or more days

Here you require fully trained Conference Interpreters and Business Interpreters who do not have conference interpreting training. Simultaneous interpreting must be used here. For this interpreting to be seamless, booths must be provided to isolate the interpreters. A technician must be employed to control the sound and manage the headsets which enable participants to choose the language they want to hear. This equipment and the associated services are available for hire. Some business conference venues can offer the service as part of the conference package.

Organising a small but prestigious conference

You will need conference interpreters, using simultaneous interpreting with booths.

Source: RLN