Interpreting

Consecutive interpreting is the oldest type of interpreting. Interpreting takes place in a time-delayed manner, i.e. the interpreter takes notes during the speech, if necessary, with the help of his or her note-taking technique and then produces the target-language text. In consecutive interpreting, the target-language version should be streamlined and particularly well structured in order to relieve the listeners, as this type of interpreting considerably extends the time of the presentation. The individual text passages can vary in length, but generally comprise a longer, coherent section.

In unilateral consecutive interpreting, the interpreter only interprets into one language direction and the text passages to be interpreted tend to be longer (usually up to ten minutes). In bilateral consecutive interpreting or liaison interpreting, one interpreter interprets into both language directions and thus facilitates communication between two interlocutors, e.g. in interviews or negotiations. The segments are usually shorter here.
Due to the large amount of time required, consecutive interpreting is rarely used at conferences today. It is more common at ceremonial occasions (e.g. table speeches or receptions), at high-profile events such as bilateral meetings of heads of state and government, or at cultural events such as author readings or film premieres.

Simultaneous interpreting is still a relatively new type of interpreting, as it requires the use of conference technology. The interpreter sits in a soundproof interpreting booth and listens to the speaker via headphones. His or her interpretation, which takes place almost simultaneously, is transmitted via microphone and can in turn be heard by the conference participants via headphones. This type of interpreting is mentally (high concentration) and physically (vocal strain) very strenuous and requires a sophisticated interpreting technique and a high level of professional competence. Due to the high strain, simultaneous interpreters work together in teams of at least two people who take turns at certain intervals.

Conference interpreting is a generic term for interpreting at conferences, e.g. international summits or specialist congresses. Various types of interpreting can be used at conferences. Simultaneous interpreting is particularly common, but consecutive interpreting or whispered interpreting can also be used, a variation of simultaneous interpreting which involves interpreting for very few listeners without technical equipment.