What are the Types of Interpretation Services?

Interpretation services are a verbal form of translation. It is often facilitated by a professional interpreter for a team of experts in the field. Interpretation services are often used to interpret speeches, conversations, and presentations from spoken languages into the native language of the audience.

By providing the right kind of interpretation service to your audience, you can overcome all language barriers in real-time. This significantly expedites the speed at which the information is delivered. Interpretation services also allow the audience to benefit from the context in real-time.

Knowing the different kinds of interpretation services offered in the industry can help you make the right decision concerning a type that suits your requirements.

Here are the top 7 types of interpretation services offered globally -

Remote Simultaneous Interpretation

Remote simultaneous interpretation or RSI is one of the most popular types of interpretation services created by the rapid digitalization of the global economy.

One of the key features of RSI is that it is frequently used owing to its remote applications that continue to be in demand post-COVID-19.

Remote simultaneous interpretation is a method of delivering a verbal speech from a source language to another target language remotely. This interpretation service can be done entirely virtually or in a hybrid setup. In the latter, interpreters work from booths at venues or from home. Some online interpretation platforms also provide additional information such as -

• Live statistics
• Event recordings
• Dedicated support
• Remote Interpretation

Simultaneous Interpretation

Simultaneous interpretation is among the more familiar types of interpretation services you may know. In this type, the interpreter directly interprets a sentence into the target language while also listening to and comprehending the next sentence.

The interpreter starts interpreting a statement in the source language once the general meaning of the sentence is understood.

In simultaneous interpretation, the interpreters process the words spoken in the source language and simultaneously output information in the target language. The time between each interpretation is roughly 5 to 10 seconds.

Whispering Interpretation (Chuchotage)

Whispering interpretation is similar to simultaneous interpretation but the interpreter does not use a microphone or a headset. Instead, the interpreter sits next to the individual (or group) who requires the service and whispers the interpreted message in the source language in the individual’s native tongue.

This is a slightly-harder form of interpretation service that is often used in business meetings with two speakers.

During whispering interpretation, the interpreter should sit discreetly and quietly and ensure that the target listeners can understand the conversation without any problem.

Consecutive Interpretation

Consecutive interpretation is another popular type of interpretation service. In this process, the interpretation happens after every one or two sentences as a speaker delivers their speech.

Therefore, the speaker has to adjust the pace of their address so that the consecutive interpreter can keep up and continue consecutively interpreting.

This is an excellent form of interpretation service that is suited for larger groups of people. In such cases, consecutive interpreting plays a vital role in facilitating conversations by overcoming language barriers.

Liaison Interpretation

A liaison, as a concept, is the close working relationship between individuals and organizations. Liaison interpretation is, therefore, one of the most informal types of interpretation services offered in the industry.

A liaison interpreter is trained to build connections during business negotiations and small meetings where clients do not speak the other’s language. This type of interpretation service is also referred to as dialog interpretation.

Liaison interpretation typically takes place between two to four individuals. The focus of this service is fostering relationships and promoting successful negotiations, instead of communicating the essence of every word. This is precisely why liaison interpreting is also known as the least precise form of interpretation service.

Relay Interpretation (Simultaneous Relay Interpretation and Consecutive Relay Interpretation)

Relay interpretation is a type of interpretation service in which multiple interpreters are involved in the process of providing the service. This type of interpretation also utilizes both, simultaneous interpretation and consecutive interpretation.

Simultaneous Relay Interpretation - Simultaneous relay interpretation is among the best interpretation services to use at conferences with multiple languages. For example, consider a conference in the Mandarin language, where the delegates only speak English, Russian and German. With simultaneous relay, the first interpreter interprets Mandarin into English. Other interpreters then interpret from English to Russian and German.

Consecutive Relay Interpretation - This type of interpretation service is used when the presenters of meetings speak only in minority languages. For example, a participant speaks in German, which is then interpreted as English. Other interpreters listen to the English version and interpret the same in the minority languages of the target listeners.

Over-the-Phone Interpretation (OPI)

In this type of interpretation service, the interpretation typically takes place over the telephone. This service also includes Video Remote Interpreting (VRI). The demand for OPI and VRI interpreters continues to increase post the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the key requirements for an over-the-phone interpreter is intensive listening skills. Because of the lack of face-to-face communication, knowing the subject thoroughly and conversing in industry-specific terms is essential for this type of service provider.

At Language Services Bureau, we recognize how important it is to choose the right kind of interpretation services to suit your requirements. Our team of dedicated professionals is trained in a wide range of languages and excels at meeting client expectations.

Click here to learn more about the services we offer!