1. History

2. Pros and cons

3. Modes

4. Equipment

5. Interpretation system types
     Infrared systems    Medium range FM interpretation systems (handheld)    Longer range FM systems (portable)  

6. Interpreter booths

7. Interpretation apps

8. References

Simultaneous interpretation (SI) technology happens when an interpreter translates the message from the source language to the target language in real-time ^[1]. Unlike in consecutive interpreting, this way the natural flow of the speaker is not disturbed and allows for a fairly smooth output for the listeners.

It must be noted that people frequently use the terms “translation” and “interpretation” interchangeably, however, the truth is these words refer to two different activities^[2]. Translators render the meaning of written text into a different language, in written form. Whereas interpreters work with the spoken language.

History

The Nuremberg Trials (1945-1946) is considered to be the official birthdate of simultaneous interpretation^[3], however, simultaneous interpretation was invented as early as in 1926. A patent was received by an IMB employee Gordon Finley^[4] and was used sporadically before the WWII. Finley played an essential role in the design and development of SI equipment together with Edward Filene, the American businessman and philanthropist.

In 1925, E. Filene wrote a letter to Sir. E. Drummond in which the concept simultaneous interpretation is used for the first time in written history. In this letter, E. Filene talked about his idea to use simultaneous interpretation in the League of Nations as early as April 2, 1925. Filene wrote to Sir. E. Drummond on that day:

Pros and cons

Because there are no long pauses for the interpreter to stop and think through the speech during simultaneous interpretation, this type of interpretation allows for a smooth experience for the listeners as they don’t need to wait to understand the message. Therefore, simultaneous interpretation is best-suited for large-scale events and conferences where the delay in the delivery of the speech could ruin the experience of the event.

On the downside, simultaneous interpretation can be stressful for the interpreters because they have to do their best in a very limited time and they usually don’t know the text until they hear it (just the topic). Also, simultaneous interpreters have to do their best to keep the tone and the choice of words of the speaker, which adds even more stress.

Modes

Using this method, the information is transferred into the target language the moment interpreters understand a “unit” of meaning ^[2]. The speakers and the interpreters talk into microphones, and the interpreters and the listeners use earphones.

This is simultaneous interpreting without equipment. It works just like simultaneous interpretation with equipment but in this case, no microphones or headphones are used. Simultaneous interpreters sit next to the people who do not understand the source language and whisper the translation in their ears^[2].

Equipment

Traditional conference interpreting equipment (hardware) helps to make sure that all listeners can understand interpretation well.

How does simultaneous interpretation with traditional hardware look:

1. The speaker talks into a microphone.
2. His or her speech is broadcast to the interpreter who sits in a sound-proof interpreter booth and listens through headphones.
3. As the interpreter listens to the speech, he or she translates it in real-time into a microphone.
4. The interpretation is transmitted wirelessly to the headphones of the event attendees.

Interpretation system types

Infrared systems

This technology uses invisible pulses of light to transmit the translation feed^[6]. Attendees receive the stream to their headphones via multi-channel receivers.

• This system is sensitive to obstruction, so it must be placed in front of the listeners (in a clear line of sight).
• It also can’t be covered with other objects like curtains or drapes to.
• Very bright or flashing lights can interfere with infrared systems, so they should be avoided.
• To increase the range, several infrared emitters have to be used.

Medium range FM interpretation systems (handheld)

These systems use radio waves to transmit the speech (either original or translated) to the attendees. Just like infrared systems, FM systems are also connected to multi-channel receivers with headphones.

• FM systems are portable - light and easy to carry around.
• Unlike infrared systems, FM systems are not sensitive to obstructions, meaning they can penetrate walls and other opaque objects. They’re also not sensitive to light, and work well outside.
• Their portability comes with a more limited range though (around 250 feet).

Longer range FM systems (portable)

If the venue of the event exceeds 1000 feet, longer range FM systems are needed. But with great power also comes… more weight. These systems are still portable, though it is more difficult to move them around compared to medium range FM systems.

• More power means better cancellation of radio interference, which in turn means more quality in the sound of the translation transmitted.
• Longer range FM systems are also more cost-effective than medium range for a larger audience.
• The biggest drawback is immobility. Yes, longer range FM interpretation systems are still portable but they’re not mobile. These transmitters are usually fixed, meaning speakers and attendees can’t move too far from them, or they will not hear the speech.

Interpreter booths

Interpreter booths are a must for simultaneous interpretation where traditional equipment is used. Interpreters have to be in the venue and it tends to get quite noisy. Having in mind the stress the interpreters have to endure during big conferences, it is very important to ensure they have a sound-proof working environment - that is, interpreter booths.

Interpreter booths can be either permanent or mobile. Both variants are strictly regulated by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards^[7] relating to conference interpreting. You can read about regulations concerning permanent booths [https://www.iso.org/standard/67065.html here], and mobile - [https://www.iso.org/standard/67066.html here].

As for the shape, interpreter booths come as tabletop booths and as full-size interpreting booths. As the name suggests, the first ones are placed on the top of the table and are great because they’re easy to transport and set up. On the other hand, they’re open in the back, which means you can’t completely ensure comfortable work conditions for the interpreters because these booths are not fully sound-proof.

Full-size interpreter booths are like little houses. They have walls, floor, ceilings, doors, and their own ventilation systems. Usually, they can fit at least two interpreters and larger booths can fit even four. Naturally, such interpreter booths are much harder to transport and assemble and require at least a couple of technicians for this task.

• Interpreters need to have a clear view of speakers, the podium and presentations^[8].
• Interpreters also need great access to the Internet.
• They also need to have a sufficient number of power outlets for their laptops, tablets and any other gadgets they may need to work.
• High air quality is a non-negotiable for obvious reasons, too. That’s where sensors that measure CO2 step in.
• Optimal acoustic conditions, meaning fans should be as quiet as possible and sound insulation from other booths should be close to perfection.

Interpretation apps

An alternative to traditional interpretation systems is mobile apps. IT specialists in simultaneous interpretation field developed systems that can work alone or in combination with traditional translation hardware.

[https://interactio.io/simultaneous-interpretation-guide Simultaneous interpretation apps] are mobile systems that stream real-time audio on listeners’ phones through local wifi or listeners’ mobile data. The speaker’s stream is transmitted to interpreters who then, with a special broadcaster or traditional consoles, stream their interpretations. Interpreters can work either onsite or remotely, in which case translation booths are no longer needed. Likewise, people can listen to the stream from anywhere.

References

• Crime thrillers
• Crimetime (film)
• Crimetown
• Crimetown podcast
• Crime Watch Daily with Chris Hansen
• Crimewatch Singapore (List of Episodes)
• Crime Writers On
• Crim Fitness Foundation
• Crim High
• Crim High School
• Crimi
• Crimi layer
• Criminal (2006 film)
• Criminal admission
• Criminal Affairs
• Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act
• Criminal Alien Gang Removal Act
• Criminal anarchy in the United States
• Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health
• Criminal Behaviour & Mental Health
• Criminal Behaviour Order
• Criminal behaviour order
• Criminal Case (game)
• Criminal case Lisa F.
• Criminal case of Lisa F