The work as an interpreter often requires work with interpretation equipment
As an interpreter, it is crucial to have the right interpretation equipment at your disposal to always be able to do a good job.
It can be anything from a professional simultaneous interpretation system, consisting of, among other things, interpreter booths and interpretation microphones (interpreter desks) to systems for remote interpretation (RSI). The right interpretation equipment plays an important role in ensuring that interpreters can communicate clearly and distinctly to meeting participants, regardless of whether it is for a large conference, smaller meeting or as a whisper interpreter. Choosing the right equipment depends on the interpreter's individual needs and work area. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the different types of technical equipment available to interpreters and how they can enhance the interpreter's work.
What is an interpreter?
An interpreter works to translate one language into another.
An interpreter's translation can, for example, is used at meetings and conferences so that meeting participants can listen in their own language or a language they understand. For this type of interpretation, a professional simultaneous interpretation system is most often used, and here the interpreter interprets at the same time as the speaker. An interpreter can also work with consecutive interpretation at smaller meetings. Here the interpretation takes place by the speaker saying something and pausing, after which the interpreter translates for the participants, etc.
Important equipment for work as an interpreter
Interpreters often play an important role at meetings, conferences and events where translation is needed in real time for anything from a few to many hundreds of participants. The work as an interpreter can also be important during tours etc.
In order for an interpreter to work as efficiently as possible, it is important that there is access to the right technical equipment called interpretation equipment. Today, interpretation can be done using everything from traditional interpretation systems called simultaneous interpretation systems to various apps and software solutions. Here we will concentrate on the following three types:
- Simultaneous interpretation system
- Whisper interpretation system (tourguide system)
- Remote Interpretation (RSI)
Simultaneous interpretation systems are traditionally used at meetings and conferences and contain interpreter booths in which the interpreter can work comfortably. A whisper interpretation system, also called a tourguide system, is a portable system that the interpreter e.g. can use for interpretation or on a tour with a small group, or both. Remote interpretation is interpretation via the Internet.
BOSCH simultaneous interpretation system
Many interpreters are familiar with the work of interpretation at meetings and conferences. As interpretation is sometimes done over several days, it is important that the interpretation system works perfectly and that the interpreter booths are comfortable to work in and comply with the international ISO standards from 2016.
A simultaneous interpretation system generally consists of interpreter microphones (interpreter desks) with headphones for the interpreters, interpreter booths and receivers for the meeting participants. On the receiver, the meeting participant selects the language. In addition, there is additional equipment, but it is not something you have to worry about as an interpreter. At Teletech, we work with the recognized brand BOSCH, which has manufactured interpretation systems for many years. The BOSCH interpretation units are advanced, but easy to operate for the interpreters. The interpreter booths are typically set up at the back of the room or along the side and often on top of a podium, so the interpreter has a good view of the speakers. If they do not have the opportunity to see the speakers, flat screen(s) can be installed in the interpretation booth with a video feed of the speakers. It is also important that the interpretation booths are of high quality, so that sound insulation, work table, lighting and ventilation are in order. The interpretation booths comply with the international ISO standards from 2016. Read more about the BOSCH simultaneous interpretation system here .
Whisper interpretation system / Tourguide system
A Sennheiser whisper interpretation system (tourguide system) is most often used at smaller meetings or on tours.
If you, as an interpreter, are need to interpret for a smaller group of e.g. a business or on a tour, then using a whisper interpretation system can be ideal. The equipment consists of a charging case with receivers (stethosets) or headphones, as well as a wireless microphone (handheld or headset). Stethosets or headphones are given to the participants, who can then move freely around the tour and listen to the interpretation. The interpreter listens to the guide or the speaker and then interprets into the microphone for the participants. Using the equipment is simple. The interpreter only has to communicate which channel is being interpreted on (selected on the stethoscope) before getting started. At Teletech, we rent out Sennheiser tour guide systems, which many interpreters already know. If not, we can help with instructions and setting up the system. Read more about the tour guide system here .
Remote interpretation
Remote simultaneous interpretation (RSI) makes it possible for you as an interpreter to interpret via the Internet.
There may be cases where, for example, there is no room to use a traditional simultaneous interpretation system or where you need to quickly establish an interpretation into another language. Remote interpretation is also good to use for purely digital or hybrid meetings. When we provide a remote interpretation system, we use special software in which we set up the relevant settings for the interpreters to work. Should problems arise along the way, one of our AV technicians is ready to assist. We now have several years of experience with remote interpretation and have set it up for many different meeting situations. As an interpreter, you can be anywhere in the world when interpreting. However, it is a good idea to have access to some good headphones with a microphone, as well as a quiet environment, so that your interpretation comes through as clearly as possible. Read more about our remote interpretation solution here .
