The History of Simultaneous Interpreting

Simultaneous interpretation is a relatively recent invention, requiring the use of sophisticated

equipment and a high level of advanced education in specific techniques and methods. Because
the ability to interpret simultaneously is considered to be both demanding and difficult, it is
surprising if not implausible to imagine someone with natural skill interpreting in this way
without formal instruction.

To understand the advent of interpretation in general, it’s important to understand how

language evolved. Although it is impossible to say precisely when language was first invented,
Ancient Egypt is home to the oldest references to interpreters. Presumably, interpreters were
used once signs and gestures were no longer sufficient, but people still needed to communicate
with one another. Interpreters provided services within trade, religious services, the armed
forces, and in administrative work.

The ancient Greeks and Romans also used interpreters as a matter of course, especially as they
rarely bothered to learn the languages of the people they conquered since they considered this
to be beneath them. Furthermore, the interpreters used were often slaves and others whose
loyalty could not be counted upon.

Skipping ahead to the Paris Peace Conference following the First World War, we see the first
use of consecutive interpreters as a result of the people’s desire to use multiple languages, and
between the two world wars, both the League of Nations and the International Labor
Organization were developed which meant many more international meetings and even more
languages requiring consecutive interpretation services. These services were provided with a
very specific form of shorthand notes and then rendered into the other language, which made
the meetings unreasonably long and caused them to lose any sense of spontaneity.

Colonel Leon Dostert, a former interpreter for General Eisenhower, was tasked with developing
a system for simultaneous interpretation. He looked at the work of Andrea Kaminker who
developed his own system for French radio but it wasn’t particularly successful.

At the Nuremberg Trials in 1945, which were interpreted into English, French, Russian, and
German, the system was different.

With this method, interpreters sat right beside the accused to interpret what was said. The
entire set of interpreters worked in three sets of twelve each; while Team A interpreted for
forty-five minutes, Team B was in the next room, listening in in case of any issues, and to also
be aware of the proceedings as they happened. Team C, meanwhile, had half a day off. All of
the interpretation and translation services were directed by Colonel Leon
Dostert and Commander Alfred Steer. Six interpreters, twelve translators, and nine
stenographers worked together for each language. They helped ensure no part of the
proceedings was left without translation, interpretation, or transcription services. They helped
Translation and Interpreting
Dr. Ernesto Elías Ventura Bravo
coordinate these complex language tasks in spite of lacking formal education in simultaneous
interpretation techniques or methods, as no formal courses existed for these services. Despite
this, services were provided promptly, professionally, and accurately. Participants wore
headphones and could pick among the various language channels, depending on their language
preference.

Simultaneous interpretation revolutionized the interpretation industry, as it allowed the

interpreters to convey the information much more quickly, with much more accuracy, and
permitted a true exchange of ideas from one person to another, regardless of the language
being spoken. This form of interpretation proved so popular that the United Nations adopted
Resolution 152 in 1947, which made simultaneous interpretation a permenant service.
Consequently, the United Nations provides simultaneous interpretation services among each of
their six official languages.

Simultaneous interpretation, like language itself, has evolved over the years. These days
interpreters use soundproof booths and portable transmitters, but the basic idea has remained
the same – to render one language into another with minimal delay while maintaining
professionalism and accuracy.

Translation and Interpreting

Dr. Ernesto Elías Ventura Bravo
 Definition of Simultaneous Interpretation
Simultaneous Interpretation is a process which allows people to communicate directly across
language and cultural boundaries using specialized technology and professional interpreters
who are trained to listen to one language while speaking simultaneously in another.
Simultaneous Interpretation differs from other types of interpretation, and from translation,
which refers to the written word.

Background
Simultaneous Interpretation was first used at a conference of the International Labor
Organization in Russia in 1927. The general public was introduced to simultaneous
interpretation as a communication tool at the Nuremburg war crime trials beginning in 1945.
The United Nations is perhaps the best known institution which regularly relies on this form of
interpretation to allow its members to communicate in any of the six official languages. Because
of advances in technology and the development of special training programs for interpreters
over the last 25-30 years, simultaneous interpretation is now available at reasonable cost for
international events, conferences and meetings of all kinds and sizes.

How it Works
The interpreters sit in small sound isolation booths in the back of the conference room or in a
remote setting and listen to the conference proceedings on headsets while simultaneously
interpreting into a microphone. The interpretation is broadcast via a wireless system to the
delegates who listen on small receivers with earphones. The receivers are multi-channel so the
delegates can select the channel that corresponds to the language they wish to hear.

About Simultaneous Interpreters

Simultaneous interpretation is a unique skill that requires far more than the ability to speak
multiple languages. Simultaneous interpreters have years of highly specialized education and
training, the rare talent of being able to listen to one language while speaking another, and
knowledge of terminology in tremendously varying fields. The professional circle of conference-
level interpreters is therefore extremely small -- there are only 3000-4000 in the world for all
languages and many are employed by international organizations. Many free-lance interpreters
are booked for events around the world months in advance.

Why use Simultaneous Interpretation

Simultaneous interpretation has been a key factor in facilitating communication among
different cultural and linguistic groups, thereby contributing to the establishment of the
modern global economy. The simultaneous interpretation medium delivers a very important
message: that the complete involvement of each delegate is highly valued and essential to the

Translation and Interpreting

Dr. Ernesto Elías Ventura Bravo
success of the conference. Simultaneous interpretation is necessary for effective
communication in many situations, and is often expected by conference delegates.

Differences between consecutive and simultaneous

interpretation
Consecutive Interpretation

In consecutive interpretation, the interpreter waits for the speaker to finish a sentence or an
idea, and then renders the speaker's words into the target language. Generally speaking, the
more formal the setting, the longer the segments should be. Our interpreters are trained in
special note-taking and memory techniques that enable them to render passages as long as 6-
8 minutes faithfully and accurately.

Consecutive interpretation is best suited for situations involving a small number of people, or
where a personal touch is required. Examples would be business meetings, press conferences,
interviews, teleconferences, or any type of one-on-one exchange.

Simultaneous Interpretation
In simultaneous interpretation, the participants wear headphones, and the interpreter renders
the speaker's words into the target language as he or she is speaking. Owing to the tremendous
level of concentration required to perform this type of interpretation, simultaneous
interpreters always work in teams of two. Usually, the interpreters work in a sound-proof booth
that enables everyone involved to focus on their work without the distraction of hearing another
language.

Because this mode of interpreting saves time, it is preferred for conferences and meetings in
which a great deal of information has to be conveyed. The use of audio equipment also means
that there is no limit to the number of people who can participate.

When to Use Consecutive Interpreting

Consecutive interpreting works best for small groups or one-on-one conversations. The

interpreter waits until the speaker is finished before relaying the message in the listener’s

language, and vice versa.

This type of interpreting is a popular option during both formal and informal occasions. These

include:

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Dr. Ernesto Elías Ventura Bravo
 Interviews
 HR meetings
 Parent-teacher conferences
 Court depositions
 Client-attorney meetings
 Medical consultations

Consecutive interpreting has the advantage of being more like a conversation, with both

parties able to speak uninterrupted by an interpreter. However, it usually takes about twice

the amount of time since the interpreter has to wait until each party finishes speaking before

beginning the interpretation – in essence doubling the conversation time.

When to Use Simultaneous Interpreting

In simultaneous interpreting, also known as conference interpreting, the interpretation is

transmitted to listeners in real time while the original speech is still in progress.

Simultaneous interpreting is primarily used in formal or large group settings, where one person
is speaking in front of an audience, rather than in conversational environments. These events
can include:

 Diplomatic conferences
 International conventions
 Business or board meetings
 Training sessions
 Courtrooms
 Lectures and presentations
 Tours
This type of interpreting service frequently requires audiovisual equipment, such as wireless
receivers, headsets and microphones, to relay messages quickly to a large audience.

More intimate gatherings might be better served by consecutive interpreting.

Translation and Interpreting

Dr. Ernesto Elías Ventura Bravo