One thing we all know is languages are a vital way of communicating. In the business world, one cannot imagine impressing their future clients and partners without the use of simultaneous translation either. Language is an integral part of success and failure. Therefore, businesses always have a team of professional translation services and interpreters at the back end. If you want to keep a tight score on your business dealings at an international level, you need to be able to remove the language barrier.

Thanks to the latest technology, hiring translators is easier than ever. If you have past experience with professional translators then you already know translation has a lot of influence on your audience too.

It’s an unprecedented marketing tool.

Good translation means; it is easy to understand, well versed, and error-free. Those who do not have any prior experience with translators should know that translation is just a broad term. There is a lot of ground to cover.

This article will act as your guide for understanding translation, the important type of translation, tips you can follow to make the translation better and error-free.

What is meant by translation?

When a document or any content is converted from a source language to a target language by professional linguistic experts, this process is called translation. This is one of the simplest definitions.

Translation companies like CCJK are one of the phenomenal names that help their clients overcome the language barrier. Being a professional translation service, the company understands the translation process, the turnaround time, and how to retain clients for a longer time period. However, the translation process is not as simple as it looks.

Imagine it this way, translators are like IT professionals working in their established niche and fields. One of the major types of translation includes Simultaneous Translation.

What is simultaneous translation?

Commonly known as a Simultaneous interpretation it is one of the many types of translations in use for business purposes. The major difference between the general translation and simultaneous translation is that it is done by an interpreter.

A translator can be an interpreter as well with strong audio skills. Simultaneous translation is performed when a speaker (the client) is talking while the translator/interpreter listens and transmits the message into the target language.

Another major difference is it is like a live transmission instead of a recording. Most interpreters are hired for international conferences, translating every single word at a fast speed. But a recording of certain conferences or meetings can also be used to conduct simultaneous translation.

Origin of simultaneous translation/interpretation

The translation is part of the world history for as long as one can remember. However simultaneous translation is a recent development in the translation industry.

It came into existence as a profession in the 20th century during the signage of the Treaty of Versailles after WWI. formerly, the French had the honor of language diplomacy. But ever since the importance of English began to rise, the reasons became more apparent for the need for more adaptive translation.

It was during the period of World War I and World War II that the team of interpreters/translators was formed for the purpose of translation from English-French. This language pair was the first ever to take place as the simultaneous translation at the United Nations meeting.

Soon after following the success of the historical event’s interpretation services, the interest in simultaneous translation grew in the eyes of the UN. ever since the use of simultaneous translation at the UN the idea and demand grew with this new modality.

Now it is the most widely known translation technique in the world today.

The use of simultaneous translation

Simultaneous translation mostly takes place in the medical and judicial niche. A consecutive interpretation may be selected according to the current scenarios or depending on the size of the multilingual audience.

For instance, in a court setup, the record is maintained in both languages. In the case of the absence of an interpreter, an intermediate interpreter takes the place to translate. Translation companies these days are using the hybrid approach for simultaneous translation by using the software too. The program can translate at the same time that of an inbound speech.

Such use of the software is quite common at UN conferences.

Who is a simultaneous translator?

A simultaneous translation is done by the interpreter or translator who can start the translation process after hearing a few words spoken in the source language into the target language. The individual is a linguistic expert who understands both languages flawlessly.

The translators are highly trained individuals with proper training and education. The simultaneous translation Master’s degree program is 2 years long for the very reason. Translators also need to study several languages, customs, history, political affairs, economics, current events, general science, and technology among other major subjects.

This is the reason behind the limited number of simultaneous translators. One must be highly skilled in the three particular combinations;

  • Language
  • Culture
  • Field

This also means that translation companies must appoint the best translators with immense skill and a large body of information for an accurate translation. The response is instant which makes the whole process of simultaneous translation possible in the first place.

Imagine it this way: the conversation is taking place between two parties with the help of a mediator. It occurs literally at the same time with a difference of minor seconds of what is translated in the targeted language.

The simultaneous translator sits in the soundproof booth, listens to the source speaker through the headphones. As the source speaker starts to talk, the translator communicates the information in the target language via a microphone attached to the headphones. It is also worn by the target listener(s).

Simultaneous translation is harder and much more stressful than regular translation. Therefore the translator usually works in rotating shifts for every 30 minutes. This makes up to at least 4,500 words during the 30-minute time frame.

The process of simultaneous translation

For a brief understanding, simultaneous translation takes place when listening, absorbing the information, understanding what is being said (in the source language) regardless of the thick accent, digesting the information, and quickly translating it into another language (target language) for the target audience.

This is a summarized version for simultaneous translation. The process is complex. It requires a lot of multitasking by the translator at a thunder fast speed. So the focus and intensity of concentration cannot be compromised. Companies like CCJK understand the vitality of such translation therefore they offer to provide the very best team of interpreters to do the work.

For a better understanding let’s divide the process step by step;

  • Listen to the source language
  • Comprehend the information
  • Performing semantic analysis
  • Inner short term memory operates and transforms
  • A target language is focused
  • Correction applied
  • A target language is spoken at the end

The entire process takes place without any intervals. Until it’s time for the translator’s shift to end.

The education and training required for the translators are non-gravitating. It means due to the high complexity of the simultaneous translation, no mistakes can be afforded either. Incorrect translated information otherwise can have disastrous results otherwise that translation companies will be held accountable.

Is the simultaneous translation in demand?

We already discussed the limited availability of simultaneous translators. Suffice to say that due to this very reason the demand for simultaneous translation is rather high. It is one of the most demanding translations in several fields.

The need to hire trained professionals to translate the content is more in demand. The translators are the experts who need to translate every word and thought of the speaker being spoken out loud. The delay between the translation is usually 30 seconds.

The tasks of simultaneous translation are tough for the translator. With only 10 minutes break in between the shifts, the translator is expected to be fully alert.

Basic requirements for simultaneous translation

Like any other translation process, every transition requires some specific tools. During a large conference, simultaneous translators are required to set the venue layout. The most common checklist of all requirements is a must. It includes the following essentials;

The technical equipment

A booth is provided to the translator and technical audio equipment is also made available. Sometimes the services of a group are recommended for the conferences.

Booths

Before the conference, it’s best to check out the floor plan to see the translator’s booths whether they are at the right place or not. The translators must be in proximity to see the speaker. Also, make sure that enough booths are set up for the translators.

Clear windows

The booths are not cubic boxes but have clear windows on the sides and at the front. This way the translators are able to see the speakers. The booths also need to be set up in an adequate space from the stage or podium.

Another thing to worry about is that the booths should not be placed in front of the windows. It will prevent glare.

Importance of simultaneous translation

Language plays a major role to form bonds and connections between the two and more communities. For effective communication, you must remove the language barrier. There are several reasons that make simultaneous translation important.

Flow of communication

This form of translation is instant communication between the speaker and the listener. Both parties can enjoy equal opportunities of sharing ideas, philosophy, and all relevant information at the hour of need. Delegates have more chances of learning with the help of simultaneous translation.

Real-time

It is a live translation. The simultaneous translation takes place in real-time, messages are not in the document for an extended period of time. Instead, the conversion of information is quick and steadily done by the translator. This way the participants in the meetings can easily express their views, ideas, and thoughts in the language they want to.

Accuracy

Since simultaneous translation is a complex process, multilingual conferences gain better outcomes thanks to the professional translation services that appoint their best translators.

Because the translators are highly trained in their jobs, the information delivered in the target language is proper and correct. With the help of translators, the participants can communicate knowing how to reach the prospect.

Time-efficient

The most basic tools required for simultaneous translation are the translator and the headphones. One can also use online software to speed up the translation process. However, translation companies do not need extensive tools and research for simultaneous translation.

In the case of consecutive interpretation, the listening and memory skills of the translator will come handy a lot. So translation is quick and effective without wasting any time.

Effective communication

There might be hundreds of delegates at the conference, which means the same number of translators will be required too. Translation companies provide technical experts within the area of their expertise to ensure effective communication.

The participant’s messages are conveyed in their tongue which makes the language gap invisible for the time being.

Focused translation

Because the translators are sitting in the soundproof booth, their attention remains undiverted. This form of translation helps them to be more focused and attention-driven. This way the translator’s attention will be towards their speaker only.

Simultaneous translation makes it a hard-earned job for the translator. Therefore the audience can expect an accurate form of translation.

Last words

Simultaneous translation is all about perfection and honing the translator’s skills. With the increase of international summits around the world, the prominence of the simultaneous translation will keep on increasing. Translation companies are now evolving the practices in a smarter and efficient way more than ever. CCJK is one of the best translation companies helping remove the communication barrier.

For an excellent simultaneous translation, one can always ask for a sample to experience the flawless process.