Simultaneous interpreting at specialist conferences
Interpreters usually have several fields of specialisation, but it is very common for us to get involved in subjects we are not familiar with. Specialised conferences are a great way of disseminating and sharing knowledge among experts in the same field, and this sometimes involves simultaneous interpreting if not everyone speaks the same language. Unlike congresses aimed at a general public, which are informative in nature, at specialised congresses, the experts take extensive knowledge of the subject matter for granted and do not express themselves by trying to make their audience understand the basics of the subject matter, but rather with highly technical jargon, since those listening to them are also experts in that subject matter.
How do interpreters prepare for a specialised congress if you don’t know the subject matter?
The possibilities in terms of subject matter are practically endless: it could be a conference on the use of fertilisers in agriculture or on European regulations applicable to migratory birds or on types of turf for golf courses. It is impossible for interpreters to know in advance the wide range of subjects they will encounter in their careers, but there is one thing they can do: prepare. Preparation is key to good interpreting. Interpreters read scientific articles, research the speakers to find out what their specialities are and what topics they might cover, prepare glossaries of all the terminology and memorise them before the conference.
The cooperation of the conference organisers and speakers is crucial for the interpreters’ preparation. By providing the programme and the speakers’ presentations, the interpreters no longer have to guess what is going to be discussed, but can get an accurate idea of each of the presentations and prepare all the technical terminology for each one in advance.
If you are organising a specialised conference and need simultaneous interpreting, do not hesitate to contact Código Lingua.