Calliope Interpreters - Interpretation ... How to ...?

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	Simultaneous interpretation entails orally translating a speech as it is delivered. Interpreters work in a soundproof booth with a direct view of the meeting room or conference hall. They will hear the speaker in their headsets and simultaneously translate into the target language (usually into the interpreter's native language). Listeners hear the translation on a receiver (small headset). In normal circumstances, because of the very high levels of concentration and the active listening required, simultaneous interpretation requires two interpreters per language (and therefore per booth). They will work in turns, alternating at regular intervals, usually every 30 minutes.
	Consecutive interpretation: here the interpreter listens to the speaker deliver part of a speech, takes notes and then translates into the target language. Speaker and interpreter will be seated together and will speak one after the other. The speaker can talk uninterrupted for several minutes, as a professional interpreter will be capable of rendering every detail and nuance. This technique particularly lends itself to negotiations, formal speeches or interviews. It does not require a soundproof booth and the only equipment needed is a simple sound amplifier if the meeting is being held in a large room or with a big audience.
	AIIC is the International Association of Conference Interpreters founded in 1953. It is the only worldwide organisation of conference interpreters and has some 2,500 active members. Admission criteria are very selective but enable AIIC to guarantee the linguistic proficiency, professionalism and business ethics of its members.
	The active languages at a meeting are the languages into which interpretation is provided.When we talk of an interpreter's language combination, his or her active language is the language he interprets (generally his mother tongue or a language spoken to an equal level. In AIIC's language classification this is called the A language (mother tongue) or B language (language of which the interpreter has perfect mastery).
	The passive languages at a meeting are the languages out of which interpretation is provided, in other words the languages that the delegates may speak. When we talk of an interpreter's language combination his or her passive languages are the languages from which he interprets (language which he understands perfectly but into which he does not translate). In AIIC's language classification these are called C languages.
	Relay: relay interpreting is another term for indirect interpretation, i.e. rather than translate directly from the source language to the target language, an interpreter may work from a colleague's translation. Relay interpretation can be justified at conferences using many languages where some interpreters do not understand all the working languages, or in cases where an exotic or rare language is spoken or required. However, AIIC advises against this solution and only accepts it in exceptional cases. This is because relay interpreting inevitably causes an additional time lag and increases the risk of inaccuracy and errors.
	Pivot: in relay interpreting (see this term), the pivot interpreter is the interpreter working directly from the source language, and whose translation will therefore serve as the basis from which other interpreters may work into other languages.
	Consultant interpreter: interpreter liasing between the Conference Organiser and the team of interpreters. The consultant interpreter recruits fellow interpreters on the basis of the working languages, topic, venue and his/her knowledge of the market. A network such as CALLIOPE INTERPRETERS will ensure the same quality and ease of communication wherever your conference is held.