Methods of Interpreting

Methods of Interpreting

There are various types of interpreting.
Samurai Interpreters employs the following methods of interpreting in order to meet our clients' various needs.

• Consecutive Interpreting
  In consecutive interpretation, the interpreter speaks after the speaker has finished speaking; the speech may be divided into sections.
  Normally, the interpreter sits or stands beside the speaker, listening and taking notes as the speaker progresses.
  When the speaker finishes speaking or pauses, the interpreter consecutively renders the message in the target language, in its entirety,
  as though he or she were making the original speech.
  Frequently, an experienced consecutive interpreter prefers interpreting phrase by phrase, or shorter sentence portions, so as to approximate simultaneous interpretation. This method requires that the speaker pause between phrases and clauses to permit the interpreter to instantly render each portion of the speech into the target language, without having to take time to take notes and without risking forgetting details of the speech. The phrase-by-phrase method is frequently used in settings such as speeches before an audience, legal depositions, recorded statements, while interpreting for a witness in a court hearing or a trial, et cetera.
  
  
• Simultaneous Interpreting
  In simultaneous interpreting, the interpretation occurs while the source language speaker speaks, as quickly as the interpreter can formulate the spoken message to the target language. Normally, simultaneous interpretation is effected while the interpreter sits in a sound-proof booth, speaking into a microphone, usually with a clear view of the source language speaker, while listening with earphones to the speaker's source language message. The interpreter then relays the message in the target language into the microphone to the target language listeners.
  Simultaneous interpreting requires a great amount of concentration from the interpreter. So much so in fact that it is only possible to be effective for 15 to 20 minutes before needing a rest. Because of this, simultaneous interpreters always work in teams of two or three in order to effectively handle the amount of information in the presentation.
  

• Whispered Interpreting
  In whispered interpretation, the interpreter sits or stands next to the small intended audience, whispering a simultaneous interpretation of the matter at hand. This method requires no equipment. Whispered interpretation is often used in settings where the majority of a group speaks one language, and a minority (ideally no more than three persons) do not speak that language.

• Voice Over Interpreting
  In voice over interpretation the interpreter receives an audio sample in the source language (in the form of a CD or tape or video or DVD)
  and tranfers this into the target language. This requires great skill as the time taken to say something in English is generally longer than the time taken to say the same thing in Japanese and for this reason it requires great skill on the interpreter's part to convey the same message while at the same time keeping to a strict time frame in which the message much be conveyed. This method requires the use of recording equipment.