Simultaneous Interpretation
Real-time spoken interpretation.
Simultaneous interpretation is a mode of interpretation in which the interpreter renders the speaker's words into the target language in real time, with only a brief lag. The interpreter typically works in a soundproof booth (in conference settings) or with discreet earpiece equipment (in legal and diplomatic settings).
Simultaneous interpretation is used when interruption of the speaker is impractical or undesirable: international conferences, United Nations sessions, federal court proceedings (in certain circumstances), large public meetings, and corporate town halls. It requires interpreters working in teams of two and rotating every 20–30 minutes due to the high cognitive load.
By contrast, consecutive interpretation involves the speaker pausing every few sentences for the interpreter to render the segment. Consecutive interpretation is more common in medical encounters, depositions, business meetings, and most legal proceedings.