Interpretation is the oral version of the translation. This is an extremely specialized translation modality in which the interpreter acts as a facilitator in the oral communication between the participants of an event, meeting or visit. The modalities of interpretation are: simultaneous interpreting, consecutive interpreting, liaison interpreting, whispered interpreting (or chuchotage) and escort interpreting.

Currently, we offer mainly escort interpreting services, where one or more interpreters accompany the visitor or group during meetings, inspections, audits, events visits, etc, bridging the gap between the speakers and allowing communications to and from both languages.

Since in this type of interpreting there is direct interaction of the interpreter with the visitors and the public, the professional must be completely fluent in the languages he/she is working with, must keep up to date with current events, have profound knowledge of the subject involved, and have a high level of culture. Other essential prerequisites are good manners, discretion, affability and awareness of the cultural differences between hosts and visitors.

We also offer services in the other modalities of interpreting. If you are not sure of which modality better suits your needs, please see below a brief description of each, or contact us and we will be glad to help you decide.

Modalities of interpreting:

Simultaneous interpreting

Also know as simultaneous translation. In this modality, while the speaker discourses in a foreign language, the public hears the message in its local language, through headphones or whispering. It is recommended for congresses, symposiums, conferences, training sessions, etc, with the use of specific equipment that includes booths for the interpreters, headphones for the public, and all the support equipment. In situations such as meetings, technical visits and audits, or when it is not possible to set up a booth for the interpreters, portable simultaneous translation equipment can be used.

Consecutive interpreting

Is the modality of interpreting where a person speaks in a foreign language for a few minutes and then the interpreter presents the translation of the same information. Since the interpreter stands close to the speaker or lecturer, the use of equipment is not necessary. Consecutive interpreting is recommended when there is a small number of listeners, such as meetings, escorting, visits, or short presentations.

Liaison interpreting

It is something halfway between the simultaneous and the consecutive interpreting. In this modality, a speaker says only a few phrases and the interpreter translates. Then, another speaker responds and the translators translate again, thus allowing for he communication between people who do not speak the same language. Liaison interpreting is recommended for meetings, negotiations, audits and visits, where the focus is the exchanging of information between the participants.

Whispered interpreting (chuchotage)

This is a simultaneous interpreting that caters to only one or two people that need translation, without the use of equipment. The interpreter stays close to or immediately behind the person or people that require translation. Any time someone talks to that person, the interpreter simultaneously translates what is said, close to the person’s ear. This modality of interpreting may be observed when of the visit of diplomats, heads of state, or during press conferences with foreign visitors.

Escort interpreting in meetings

In this modality, one or more interpreters accompany the visitor or group during meetings, inspections, audits, events visits, etc, bridging the gap between the speakers and allowing communications to and from both languages. While escorting the visitor, the interpreter may be required to work in any of the modalities of interpreting: simultaneous (with or without the equipment), whispered (chuchotage) or consecutive. In this type of interpreting, as in the whispered interpreting, there is direct interaction of the interpreters with the visitors and the public.