Language Services Providers (LSPs) offer a myriad of language options to businesses, individuals, and organisations in order to meet the needs of their diverse clients around the world.
These services include translation, localisation, design, copywriting, interpreting, and more.
Within each of these language services there are additional options which clients can choose depending upon their specific requirements or needs.
For instance, one client might choose website design, another legal translation, while another may need business interpreting for an in-person meeting.
In this article, we explore the various types of interpreting offered by LSPs with guidance and tips on which type is best in particular settings.
Business interpreting
Business interpreting, or commercial interpreting, is a specialised form of interpretation that focuses on facilitating communication between parties in business settings.
Business interpreters bridge language gaps between individuals or groups who speak different languages during meetings, negotiations, presentations, conferences, and other business-related events.
The role of a business interpreter is to accurately convey spoken communication from one language to another in real-time, ensuring that all parties involved understand the message effectively. This requires strong language proficiency, cultural sensitivity, and excellent communication skills.
Business interpreting requires not only linguistic skills but also a deep understanding of cultural aspects linked to the language(s), and knowledge of business terminology and practices in both the source and target languages.
Interpreters must also be able to maintain neutrality, confidentiality, and professionalism while accurately conveying messages across languages and cultures.
Business interpreting can take various forms, including:
• Face-to-face interpreting – face-to-face interpreting is ideal for in-person meetings, training sessions or negotiations where some, or all, parties are present. It is often considered superior to other forms of interpreting as it is more intimate, offers visual clues and physical nuances for all parties involved (for example, body language), there are fewer technical or connection problems, and there is no time delay so interpretation in instantaneous and communication is immediate and effective. Face-to-face interpretation can incur higher costs than other types of interpreting as interpreters are often required to travel.
• Telephone interpreting – telephone interpreting is useful when time is of the essence, the people/businesses requiring interpretation are located in different geographical areas, or when a budget is limited. It can be more time consuming than face-to-face interpreting due to delays in relaying information or clarifying issues, and can be subjected to connection problems. There is also an obvious lack of visual insights which can affect understanding or insights for all parties. It is a very cost-effective option for those on a low budget as there is no requirement for travel. Interpreters can be instantly available from anywhere in the world so it is frequently used in emergency settings.
• Video interpreting – video interpreting (or remote interpreting) offers an effective (and less costly) alternative to face-to-face interpreting and can be used anywhere and at any time. It is ideal for meetings where parties are situated in different countries or regions, and allows all participants to contribute in visual and auditory capacities. Interpreters can be available from anywhere in the world so there is greater access to highly skilled interpreters with specific industry/trade knowledge.
• Conference interpreting – conference interpreting demands highly skilled interpreters who have the ability to relay information accurately and at speed, often in a specific field or industry.
Within each of these types of interpreting there are various options to choose from, including:
• Consecutive interpreting – during consecutive interpreting, the interpreter will listen to the speaker, wait for a pause, then relay the information. When the speaker is speaking for an extended time, the interpreter may need to take notes to maintain accuracy. However, it is generally assumed the speaker will pause at frequent intervals to allow for effective and accurate interpretation. An interpreter may be required to translate into both the source and the target languages which ensures fast discussion, or the opportunity for questions and answers, without the need for additional interpreters.
• Simultaneous interpreting – simultaneous interpreting happens when the speaker is interpreted at the same time, into one of more languages. Often used during conferences or larger meetings, interpreters use booths and digital technology to listen to the speaker via headphones, then immediately relay this in the target language via a microphone to the audience.
• Whispered interpreting – this is similar to simultaneous interpreting but requires the interpreter to ‘whisper’ the target language. It is useful in situations where discretion is desirable such as, formal dinners, political communications, or sensitive business meetings.
The type of interpreting required depends upon the setting and individual preferences, but they can often be adapted to fit virtually any type of meeting or situation.
At Creative Word, we work with highly skilled and experienced interpreters, who often have additional industry specialisms, so you can be certain of an accurate and effective interpretation every time.
Contact us to discuss your particular interpretation requirements now.
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