Simultaneous interpreting is a type of interpreting that is performed at the moment of speaking, i. e. the interpreter interprets alongside the speaker while they deliver the speech. Simultaneous interpreting requires a specialized interpreting booth and equipment. Interpreters are, in most cases, two per language pair and are accommodated in a booth of two, depending on the type of booth. In addition to the interpreting booth, monitors, sound equipment, receivers and headphones through which the interpretation reaches the participants, etc., are needed.
Simultaneous interpreting is the most appropriate type of interpreting for events with more than one language pair. This in turn allows participants to express and communicate fluently in their mother tongues, leading to more effective communication. Interpretation flows smoothly and simultaneously with the speaker, thus avoiding interruptions to speech and thought as well as additional time.
Interpreters possess several key "Soft Skills" without which successful interpreting is close to impossible, these being the skills of active listening and comprehension, speech analysis and note-taking, as well as reproducing the target language speech as their own. In consecutive interpreting, the interpreter applies the skills sequentially, whereas in simultaneous interpreting, these skills must be applied simultaneously, which results in the higher cost of interpreting.
The main advantages of simultaneous interpreting are:
- possibility for more than one language pair;
- interpreting, performed at the moment of speaking;
- no interruption of the speaker's speech;
- simultaneous delivery of the interpretation to all participants regardless of the language pair;
- the most innovative working method for professional interpreting.
The main disadvantages of simultaneous interpreting are:
- minimal team of interpreters;
- additional technical resources.