Understanding the Difference between Simultaneous and Consecutive Interpretation

It is quite easy to find a simultaneous interpretation services UAE, owing to the country’s large population of immigrants (which bafflingly exceeds its native population). Businesses across the UAE regularly employ simultaneous interpretation equipment to ensure effective communication at conferences and meetings. It is also utilized at museums, tour buses, and other tourist attractions.

Although consecutive interpretation services are also available in the UAE, they are nowhere near as popular as their simultaneous counterparts. But why is this? What does simultaneous interpretation offer that consecutive interpretation does not? More importantly, why should you choose a simultaneous interpretation system for your next event? Read on to find out.

Simultaneous Interpretation

As you likely guessed from its name, the simultaneous interpretation occurs while the speaker is still talking. It relies on an interpreter, who is typically isolated in a booth with the necessary simultaneous interpretation equipment. The interpreter conveys what is being said to the listener in their preferred tongue.

Pros

• Simultaneous interpretation is much less time consuming than consecutive interpretation. In most cases, there is a delay of just 30 seconds between the speaker’s point and its translation.
• Simultaneous interpretation is particularly useful if a speaker’s words are being translated into multiple languages at once. For this reason, it is regularly used at gatherings of the United Nations and similar events.
• There are multiple models of simultaneous interpretation to choose from. IR and RF systems are particularly popular. The former is commonly used in confidential meetings while you’ll likely encounter the latter on tours and at public gatherings.

Cons

• Simultaneous interpretation generally does not allow for communication between two parties. It is most effective when translating what is being said by a lone speaker and should not be relied upon to facilitate conversation.
• Simultaneous interpretation equipment can be pretty expensive. IR systems are especially pricey as they generally require professional intervention.

Consecutive Interpretation

In consecutive interpretation, the interpreter will translate only after the speaker has finished. It is most effective when used in one-on-one encounters.

Pros

• Consecutive interpretation allows for interaction between two parties. For this reason, it is commonly used in interviews and phone calls.
• Because it doesn’t require any specialist equipment, consecutive interpretation is more affordable than simultaneous interpretation.

Cons

• Consecutive interpretation can be laborious and time-consuming. It can make a meeting twice as long as it needs to be, leaving little time for separate work throughout the day.
• Consecutive interpretation is only possible when translating into only one other language. If multiple interpreters were trying to translate into multiple languages, they would be forced to talk over each other. This, of course, would lead to chaos.