In this guide, we want to provide you with an overview of what these three words stand for, how it works and how you can use it to bridge the language gap and connect people in their own language.
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Simultaneous interpretation is defined by ISO, the International Standards Organisation, as "the process of rendering a spoken or signed message into another spoken or signed language, preserving the register and meaning of the source language, performed while a speaker is still speaking or signing".
Add “remote” to the equation and it is possible for interpreters, speakers, and participants to interact from anywhere on the planet.
Having interpreters work remotely slashes costs while enabling greater flexibility. When done right, Remote Simultaneous Interpretation (or RSI) is a modern solution for making your next event multilingual.
RSI is still a relatively young field, having only emerged in the mid-2010's. Interprefy is part of a wider group of industry experts to define ISO standards for Remote Simultaneous Interpretation. However, you'll still often come across various terminologies, essentially describing the same methodology.
Synonyms for RSI include online interpreting, remote interpreting, distance interpretation, real-time interpretation, live event interpretation, online conference interpretation, live translation, or video interpreting.
Language interpretation is about conveying the meaning of spoken or signed words from one language to another, so that audiences can understand what’s being said.
Compared to translation, interpretation is a much more immediate process with no time for second-guessing or wordsmithing. Interpreters must understand, digest, and relay messages to audiences in another language in spoken or signed form. Two main modes of interpretation exist today:
Simultaneous interpretation takes place in real-time, with the interpreter converting a speaker’s words and meaning into another language as that speaker is talking. The interpreter will be listening to the speaker via headphones and interpreting into a microphone for the audience. This kind of method of interpretation is indispensable when the delay in the delivery of the speech could ruin the experience of the event. Simultaneous interpretation really shines in situations where one person (or a panel) is speaking to an audience. Think diplomatic conferences, international conventions, courtrooms, lectures and presentations, press conferences, and so on.
Consecutive interpretation takes place when a speaker makes a speech or says a few sentences and pauses to allow the interpreter to convey their most recent statement to the target audience before proceeding. The interpreter usually sits or stands next to the speaker — taking notes as the speaker talks — to help relay everything clearly. This method is typically used for small meetings/events, one-to-one conversations, court depositions, and much more as it has the advantage of being more like a conversation, with both parties being able to speak uninterrupted.
To learn more about the differences between the different disciplines of interpretation and translation, please click here.
Speaker— a presenter speaks in one language. Their voice and image are streamed live to a remote interpreter, typically through a web browser on a laptop or desktop computer.
Interpreter(s) — an interpreter hears and sees the speaker on their device. Using a quality headset and microphone, they translate the speaker's language into another language, in real-time.
RSI Platform — the interpreter's speech is transmitted to a cloud-based Remote Simultaneous Interpretation platform through their laptop or desktop computer. Good broadband is essential! Platforms like Interprefy integrate with popular teleconferencing products like Skype, WebEx, and Zoom, as well as offer a standalone web conferencing service.
Audience — attendees and/or delegates can connect to the RSI platform via a computer or mobile device, seeing and hearing the speaker in the language of their choice.
RSI started emerging in the mid-2010s as a cost-efficient alternative to traditional interpretation setups at in-person conferences, congresses, and tradeshows. Through RSI technology, interpreters were no longer required to be present on-site, and delegates could access interpretation through a mobile app on their smartphones.
While the pandemic has shifted conferencing into the virtual space, in-person events have started adopting a hybrid approach, allowing online event access for delegates or attendees who are not traveling to the conference venue. In this scenario, remote participants join the event on their computer, through web conferencing software with integrated interpretation channels.
Click here to watch an interprefied hybrid event in action.
The new norm of global web conferencing has made it as easy as never before to connect with global peers and audiences. But when it comes to hosting multilingual conferences online, there are a few common rookie mistakes, that can stand in the way of your success.
Making your multilingual event a seamless experience for everyone can be a complex objective that requires more than just having the content in multiple languages. Anticipation and teamwork are key to avoiding common pitfalls.
Choosing a resilient multilingual event platform partner
For small and medium-sized businesses, many of the current cloud-based conferencing/meeting tools will suffice; they’re robust, easy to use and quick to deploy. But hosting large-scale events for thousands of people across several regions sets the bar higher.
An RSI partner like Interprefy can provide an ISO 27001-compliant platform with redundant servers across the globe, offers proven experience in delivering interpretation in a myriad of setups, integrates with your event tech stack and provides hands-on support at any point.
Finding the right language talent
At Interprefy, we work with leading Language Service Providers (LSP's) to find the right match of experienced conference interpreters for your required language combination and subject expertise. That means we can source interpreters for even the rarest languages and at short notice.
Preparing both interpreters and speakers
The behavior of a speaker has a huge impact on the working conditions and ultimately on the performance of interpreters. Making sure speakers use quality microphones, have no background noise and speak paced and clearly is key.
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