Agency specialising in interpreting
simultaneous

Simultaneous interpreting is the oral translation of speech as it takes place. The translation therefore takes place with a time lag of a few seconds.

The interpreter, ideally installed in a soundproof booth, hears speech through headphones and translates it in real time, while the speaker continues to speak. In turn, the listeners hear him or her through earpieces. They can also sit at the back of the room, without a booth, and listen to the speech through headphones.

The biggest advantage of simultaneous interpreting is that it saves time. Speech is not interrupted while the translation is being carried out. However, some equipment is needed to ensure that the assignment runs smoothly: a soundproof booth, a headset fitted with a microphone and earphones. The logistics and hardware of simultaneous interpreting are just as important.

Simultaneous interpreting services from Swisstranslate: a team of language experts at your service

Thanks to its extensive network of over 3,000 linguists, Swisstranslate can guarantee you high-quality simultaneous interpreting services. All our interpreters are experienced professionals who follow a rigorous work process:

1. The speaker expresses himself/herself: they deliver their speech into the microphone, regardless of the presence and intervention of the interpreter.
2. The interpreter translates: placed in a soundproof booth, they are equipped with headphones through which they hear the speaker’s words. They give their translation in real time, into the microphone in front of them.
3. The audience listens: equipped with headphones, the audience hears the interpretation in their mother tongue, and can interact with the speaker.

Unlike consecutive interpreting, the interpreter does not have to retain lengthy speeches. So there is less risk of information being omitted. Simultaneous interpreting also saves time compared with consecutive interpreting, as the interpreter does not wait until the speech or intervention is finished before providing the translation. Everything is carried out in real time.

Simultaneous interpreting requires a great deal of concentration and hard work. The interpreters therefore work in pairs, taking turns every twenty minutes to ensure a high-quality performance.

Swisstranslate can provide the right equipment for this type of assignment. In addition, we provide you with a technician who will ensure that the assignment runs smoothly (analysis of the room, installation of the appropriate equipment, feasibility test, etc.)

Applications of simultaneous interpreting

Simultaneous interpreting saves time compared with consecutive interpreting, and is particularly suitable for events involving a large number of different languages. Naturally, waiting for a translation into each language before continuing with the speech is unthinkable, which is why simultaneous interpreting is so popular with corporate clients and large organisations. These are some of the situations in which simultaneous interpreting makes sense:

• Major meetings or conferences: events bringing together many participants speaking different languages, or involving lively debates that are unlikely to be interrupted (as at the UN or the WTO, for example).
• Negotiations and business meetings: enabling a large number of people speaking different languages to follow the exchanges in real time, and take part in the event.
• Trials: with the simultaneous interpreter, the witness can respond as soon as the lawyer has finished asking their question.

Why choose Swisstranslate for your simultaneous interpreting services?

Swisstranslate is a trusted simultaneous interpreting agency. At Swisstranslate, we guarantee you a high-quality, reliable service. For almost 10 years, we have been assisting our customers with their language projects. We are available to respond quickly to your request, and we are flexible enough to adapt to your needs. We offer two options: simultaneous interpreting online (using software) or simultaneous interpreting on site, if the interpreter’s presence is required.

Our agency has also developed an equipment rental service, enabling us to offer you a complete solution for your interpreting needs. We can therefore guarantee interpreters meet your requirements, provide equipment adapted to your assignment (headsets, booths, etc.), and supply a technician, if necessary.

In addition, our interpreters scrupulously respect a code of ethics stipulating that they are bound by professional secrecy. They do not reveal anything about the content of the interpretation, respecting the confidentiality of your information, and show neutrality during the entire assignment: they don’t let their opinions or feelings show, and they don’t add to or detract from the meaning of what is being said. This ensures that your message remains faithful to the original.

How to book our simultaneous interpreting services?

Tell us about your project by e-mail or directly via our secure online form[CTA formulaire]. We will get back to you as soon as possible and send you questions about your project: dates, times, assignments, subjects, reference documents, etc. This allows us to provide you with an accurate quote. We then select a qualified and competent interpreter to carry out your simultaneous interpreting assignment.

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