Simultaneous interpretation is a form of language delivery where the interpreter converts what the speaker is saying, into a foreign language in real-time. This is done without disrupting the original flow of message delivery. Simultaneous interpretation is believed to be one of the most complex and demanding linguistic tasks as it relies on an unworldly composition of sensory, motor and cognitive skills- sometimes to a level of which some of us can’t even comprehend. Due to the number of cognitive processes that occur during simultaneous interpretation, many people view it as a science and have therefore spent years studying the brain while engaging in such activities.
The ‘Efforts Model’ proposed by the French linguist Daniel Gile
According to the ‘Efforts Model’, during simultaneous interpretation the brain faces four main efforts:
- Listening and analysis effort- here, the interpreter hears and understands sounds. Sounds mean nothing if they are not converted into meaningful messages.
- Memory effort- during this phase, messages are stored in the memory before they are processed.
- Production effort- this is where the message is delivered in the target language.
- Coordination effort- here, the interpreter focuses his/her attention between listening, memorizing, producing the message and continuously self-monitoring during the performance.
Supporting the ‘Efforts Model’
Professor Emeritus Francois Grosjean supports the ‘Efforts Model’ by explaining that “simultaneous interpreting involves careful listening, processing and comprehending the input in the source language, memorizing it, formulating the translation in the target language, and then articulating it, not to mention dual tasking, i.e. letting the next sequence come in as you are outputting the preceding one.”
Hear from one of our Interpreters
In an interview with one of our top interpreters, she indicated that since lockdown, “Most clients have gone virtual and in order to get the most out of your simultaneous interpretation service, it is important to work with interpreters who are qualified, professional and accredited”. She then went on to explain that regardless of whether the event is a short virtual session, a multinational business meeting, a workshop or a training session, clients should always be provided with the best possible service. This involves thorough preparation of the subject matter by interpreter(s) before the event. She further mentioned that agendas, documents, written speeches and presentations should be provided to interpreters at least a week before the event as interpreters often deal with various professional jargons and acronyms as well as legal, medical and technical subjects.
As experts in the conferencing arena, we have the utmost respect for interpreters as we understand the complexities involved with delivering the correct messages in real-time. At Congress Rental, our interpreters operate according to world-class standards, ensuring efficiency and reliability at all times.
Find out more about our Simultaneous Interpretation services here.
