SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION HARDER THAN IT SEEMS
Features - February 21, 2006 (Jakarta Post)
Handewi Soegiharto, Contributor, Jakarta
Attendees at international conferences generally focus on the contents of the conference and the speakers, but there are other people, behind the scenes, who play a key but often hidden role.
International conferences, especially those attended by multilingual participants and speakers, require accurate communication. This is when the role of simultaneous interpreters plays a major part of a conference. However, the presence of the interpreters is often taken for granted.
At a bilingual conference, it requires at least two simultaneous interpreters to make sure that communication in the conference room runs smoothly.
Both interpreters have to be able to transfer meanings simultaneously, as quickly as the person who is speaking in the room. Otherwise, missing one sentence -- or even one word -- might be fatal for the conference.
Therefore, full concentration from both interpreters is required. That is why two interpreters are ideal so they can replace each other every 15 minutes.
What would happen if simultaneous interpreters worked for longer than they could manage? One of them might become very tired, resulting in inaccurate or poor translating, or they might be unable to assist the other interpreter.
One example is assisting in finding words that are not expected to be delivered in the working language. This can happen, as interpreters are not walking dictionaries. Sometimes, finding words can be a great strain, as well as following the speed of the speakers.
"This job requires a good memory, full concentration and quick reflexes, because simultaneous interpreters do three jobs at the same time, including listening, analysis while interpreting and delivering the interpretation.
"All three have to be carried out within five to 10 seconds. That's why it's very tiring," said Edlina Hafmini Eddin, a senior lecturer in interpretation at the French Department in the School of Humanities at the University of Indonesia.
Different from translating
Edlina explains that not everybody speaking a foreign language fluently can automatically interpret simultaneously into their mother tongue, or vice versa.
"Also, not every translator, who might be very good in written translation, can automatically become an interpreter, especially a simultaneous one, or the other way around."
Translating and interpretation work to different systems. A translator, she says, should also know how to write. "However," Edlina added, "initial experience as a translator may be helpful, as well as writing materials provided by the organizer prior to the conference."
In many cases, it is easier for interpreters if speakers do not read from a text, because people tend to speak faster when they read. This is an obstacle, as often, the text read by speakers is not provided at all to interpreters, or is given at the last minute so that interpreters do not have time to translate the text prior to the speech in order to keep up.
Technically, in any situation of speech, either at full speed or debate speed, people will have to think before delivering their speech. This will give time for interpreters to analyze the interpretation.
For full concentration, simultaneous interpreters should be located in a quiet setting. Disturbances may distract them. At a medium-sized international conference, they are usually located in a small soundproof booth located toward the rear of the room. Inside is a set of portable interpretation equipment.
In a huge conference hall, like the Jakarta Convention Center or the United Nations Assembly Hall, they have a special room with panoramic windows on the mezzanine floor with fixed interpretation equipment.
Microphones used by speakers, especially the main ones, are connected to headphones the interpreters use. Interference like feedback noise will automatically distract them. The interpreters listen carefully through the headphones, and speak through a microphone, which transfers their voice to the headphones of participants.
A high-quality sound system is crucial here. The whole process is a combination of communication skills, interpretation of meaning and language, as well as a high-tech approach.
"Good quality simultaneous interpretation equipment and audio determines the quality of the results as well," said Tatit Sasmoyo, a provider of audio and interpretation booths who has been in the business since 1990.
"The most important thing when dealing with equipment is a very clean quality of sound produced by the audio, so that the interpreters can listen clearly to every word spoken by speakers in a conference. Any noise, regardless of how small it might be, may disturb the concentration of the interpreters."
Tatit said the equipment was still imported from Germany, the UK or the U.S. "A set of interpretation equipment may cost approximately Rp 300 million," said Tatit. That is why the rental is quite costly, especially as only a limited number of providers can supply the service in Indonesia.
Profession yet to be appreciated
Who are the interpreters? They are skilled interpreters with specific qualifications, a good knowledge of both spoken languages as well as a knowledge of world affairs.
As confirmed by Edlina, who is also a professional simultaneous interpreter for French and English and who studied this in France, there are very few simultaneous interpreters in Indonesia. "For languages other than English it is fewer than five," she added.
Tiya Diran, a senior TVRI newscaster who works freelance as a simultaneous interpreter for English-Indonesian, confirms how difficult it is to become a simultaneous interpreter. Starting in 1995, Tiya says she had to be highly competent in both languages. "Based on my experience, a person who tends to speak fast will find it easier to become a simultaneous interpreter. Apart from that, it is impossible for a simultaneous interpreter to work alone," says Tiya.
Given the tough qualifications involved, the high level of difficulty and the use of specific equipment to do the job, simultaneous interpreters -- especially the good ones -- are part of a prestigious profession.
In Indonesia, though, only a few are paid at a level that their qualifications would indicate; the market tends to perceive them as less important than other professions like, for instance, doctors or lawyers.
As Indonesia these days often hosts international conferences, the demand for simultaneous interpretation services is also growing. However, not every organizer understands the work of simultaneous interpretation.
People are more familiar with consecutive interpretation, where the interpreter speaks immediately after the speaker delivers his phrases. This system still exists but it is considered too time-consuming as participants have to listen to two speakers.
For greater practicality, and to minimize the time that is needed for the conference itself, simultaneous interpretation is regarded as the most accommodating system and is, therefore, more expensive.
"It is our duty to educate clients about this profession because it is still new in Indonesia," says Edlina. "People do not acknowledge properly the profession because they do not understand what it is all about."
As an example, an organization called AIIC, an International Organization of Conference Interpreters, based in the U.S., has laid down the conditions for using interpretation services as well as the qualifications of interpreters.
Indonesia is not a member yet, though there is a possibility that the AIIC terms could be applied in Indonesia. The challenge is on both sides, for service providers and clients.
Simultaneous interpreters, especially those who are still new, should continue to improve their skills, while clients should be educated to understand the work so that they can appreciate and better acknowledge the profession.
Handewi Soegiharto, Contributor, Jakarta
Attendees at international conferences generally focus on the contents of the conference and the speakers, but there are other people, behind the scenes, who play a key but often hidden role.
International conferences, especially those attended by multilingual participants and speakers, require accurate communication. This is when the role of simultaneous interpreters plays a major part of a conference. However, the presence of the interpreters is often taken for granted.
At a bilingual conference, it requires at least two simultaneous interpreters to make sure that communication in the conference room runs smoothly.
Both interpreters have to be able to transfer meanings simultaneously, as quickly as the person who is speaking in the room. Otherwise, missing one sentence -- or even one word -- might be fatal for the conference.
Therefore, full concentration from both interpreters is required. That is why two interpreters are ideal so they can replace each other every 15 minutes.
What would happen if simultaneous interpreters worked for longer than they could manage? One of them might become very tired, resulting in inaccurate or poor translating, or they might be unable to assist the other interpreter.
One example is assisting in finding words that are not expected to be delivered in the working language. This can happen, as interpreters are not walking dictionaries. Sometimes, finding words can be a great strain, as well as following the speed of the speakers.
"This job requires a good memory, full concentration and quick reflexes, because simultaneous interpreters do three jobs at the same time, including listening, analysis while interpreting and delivering the interpretation.
"All three have to be carried out within five to 10 seconds. That's why it's very tiring," said Edlina Hafmini Eddin, a senior lecturer in interpretation at the French Department in the School of Humanities at the University of Indonesia.
Different from translating
Edlina explains that not everybody speaking a foreign language fluently can automatically interpret simultaneously into their mother tongue, or vice versa.
"Also, not every translator, who might be very good in written translation, can automatically become an interpreter, especially a simultaneous one, or the other way around."
Translating and interpretation work to different systems. A translator, she says, should also know how to write. "However," Edlina added, "initial experience as a translator may be helpful, as well as writing materials provided by the organizer prior to the conference."
In many cases, it is easier for interpreters if speakers do not read from a text, because people tend to speak faster when they read. This is an obstacle, as often, the text read by speakers is not provided at all to interpreters, or is given at the last minute so that interpreters do not have time to translate the text prior to the speech in order to keep up.
Technically, in any situation of speech, either at full speed or debate speed, people will have to think before delivering their speech. This will give time for interpreters to analyze the interpretation.
For full concentration, simultaneous interpreters should be located in a quiet setting. Disturbances may distract them. At a medium-sized international conference, they are usually located in a small soundproof booth located toward the rear of the room. Inside is a set of portable interpretation equipment.
In a huge conference hall, like the Jakarta Convention Center or the United Nations Assembly Hall, they have a special room with panoramic windows on the mezzanine floor with fixed interpretation equipment.
Microphones used by speakers, especially the main ones, are connected to headphones the interpreters use. Interference like feedback noise will automatically distract them. The interpreters listen carefully through the headphones, and speak through a microphone, which transfers their voice to the headphones of participants.
A high-quality sound system is crucial here. The whole process is a combination of communication skills, interpretation of meaning and language, as well as a high-tech approach.
"Good quality simultaneous interpretation equipment and audio determines the quality of the results as well," said Tatit Sasmoyo, a provider of audio and interpretation booths who has been in the business since 1990.
"The most important thing when dealing with equipment is a very clean quality of sound produced by the audio, so that the interpreters can listen clearly to every word spoken by speakers in a conference. Any noise, regardless of how small it might be, may disturb the concentration of the interpreters."
Tatit said the equipment was still imported from Germany, the UK or the U.S. "A set of interpretation equipment may cost approximately Rp 300 million," said Tatit. That is why the rental is quite costly, especially as only a limited number of providers can supply the service in Indonesia.
Profession yet to be appreciated
Who are the interpreters? They are skilled interpreters with specific qualifications, a good knowledge of both spoken languages as well as a knowledge of world affairs.
As confirmed by Edlina, who is also a professional simultaneous interpreter for French and English and who studied this in France, there are very few simultaneous interpreters in Indonesia. "For languages other than English it is fewer than five," she added.
Tiya Diran, a senior TVRI newscaster who works freelance as a simultaneous interpreter for English-Indonesian, confirms how difficult it is to become a simultaneous interpreter. Starting in 1995, Tiya says she had to be highly competent in both languages. "Based on my experience, a person who tends to speak fast will find it easier to become a simultaneous interpreter. Apart from that, it is impossible for a simultaneous interpreter to work alone," says Tiya.
Given the tough qualifications involved, the high level of difficulty and the use of specific equipment to do the job, simultaneous interpreters -- especially the good ones -- are part of a prestigious profession.
In Indonesia, though, only a few are paid at a level that their qualifications would indicate; the market tends to perceive them as less important than other professions like, for instance, doctors or lawyers.
As Indonesia these days often hosts international conferences, the demand for simultaneous interpretation services is also growing. However, not every organizer understands the work of simultaneous interpretation.
People are more familiar with consecutive interpretation, where the interpreter speaks immediately after the speaker delivers his phrases. This system still exists but it is considered too time-consuming as participants have to listen to two speakers.
For greater practicality, and to minimize the time that is needed for the conference itself, simultaneous interpretation is regarded as the most accommodating system and is, therefore, more expensive.
"It is our duty to educate clients about this profession because it is still new in Indonesia," says Edlina. "People do not acknowledge properly the profession because they do not understand what it is all about."
As an example, an organization called AIIC, an International Organization of Conference Interpreters, based in the U.S., has laid down the conditions for using interpretation services as well as the qualifications of interpreters.
Indonesia is not a member yet, though there is a possibility that the AIIC terms could be applied in Indonesia. The challenge is on both sides, for service providers and clients.
Simultaneous interpreters, especially those who are still new, should continue to improve their skills, while clients should be educated to understand the work so that they can appreciate and better acknowledge the profession.
posted by Handewi Soegiharto at 1:10 AM
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