Definition of ‘interpreter’ An interpreter translates orally from one language into another and mediates between speakers of different languages, on the spot, without the use of any dictionaries

There are two main types of interpreters: consecutive and simultaneous.

Simultaneous interpretation is needed in situations in which the interpreter and the person being interpreted are speaking simultaneously. The interpreter will usually be using headphones, microphones and a sound proof cubicle in order to listen and interpret at the same time. This form of interpretation is widely used in large group settings e.g. during conferences, diplomatic proceedings or sometimes in legal settings such as trials.

The simultaneous interpreter has the difficult and skilful task of translating one sentence into the target language whilst listening to and understanding the next sentence at the same time.

In actual fact the interpreter cannot start interpreting until s/he understands the general gist of the sentence. Quite often the interpreter is unable to utter a single word until s/he has heard the end of the sentence in the source language; for instance an interpreter into English may not be able to say anything until s/he has actually heard the whole sentence in the source language, especially if the subject and verb are situated near the end of the sentence.

Accurate simultaneous interpretation requires specific equipment, for example, transmitters and receivers are essential to allow this process to take place non-intrusively. Conventionally, whispered simultaneous interpreting is used where technology is unavailable; the interpreter is seated or standing among the listeners and interprets simultaneously directly into their ears. Whispering is a specialised form of simultaneous interpreting and although less common still serves an important purpose when equipment is not available.

An interesting fact is that most people have difficulties in interpreting simultaneously at a high level of accuracy (80% or over), regardless of their ability to speak the two languages in question fluently. Simultaneous interpretation requires skilful concentration, mental agility, and an extensive vocabulary in both languages.

Consecutive interpretation is the two way process by which the interpreter orally translates between or among parties who alternate in their speaking. It involves a pause between language conversions: first the interpreter listens to the whole sentence, phrase or paragraph and then interprets it into the target language. This approach is more time consuming and requires an excellent short and long term memory.

For successful consecutive interpretation the speaker needs to stop every few minutes so that the interpreter can come in to explain, in the target language, exactly what is being said. Note taking is an important skill for the consecutive interpreter to possess; otherwise essential detail would be lost during the process if the interpreter was unable to remember a full paragraph, especially if the content was very specialised or technical. Interpreter's notes vary in form as many professional interpreters develop their own system of noting down the thoughts of the speaker in a language independent form.

It is important for the consecutive interpreter to be an expert in the subject matter being relayed. It is not just essential for him/her to be skillful but vitally important that s/he is clued up on the subject matter of the workshop, discussion, conference etc they that are interpreting at.

Simultaneous interpretation involves various different brain functions and in some cases specialist training and most importantly as much practice as possible to perfect the skill. On the other hand, consecutive interpretation involves a different skill and can be more stressful as all the people involved in the process are watching with a critical eye.