Booth for simultaneous interpreters

Simultaneous interpreting is the most common form of interpreting at international events. The interpreters work in booths. For simultaneous interpreters, the interpreting booth is therefore the (almost) daily workplace. This can be a mobile or a permanently installed booth.

 

A simultaneous interpreter interprets for a maximum of about 40 minutes at a time, if the event ends afterwards or there is a longer break. For all-day events, two, sometimes three or even four interpreters take turns. Transportable or fixed two-person booths are therefore most common, but there are also single or three-person booths.

 

At international events, a team of two interpreters per language and one booth per team of two is usually used. The number of interpreting booths thus corresponds to the number of languages to be interpreted.

 

Why interpreting booths?

Simultaneous interpreting takes place in real time, i.e. the simultaneous interpreter speaks at the same time as the speaker. Without booths, therefore, two people would speak in the same room at the same time and no one would understand anything. This problem would be exacerbated if interpreting into several languages took place at an event. This is not the only reason why interpreting booths are used at international events. In summary, interpreting booths offer several advantages:

 

• Avoidance of disturbances: Modern booths are (almost) soundproof. This means that the interpreters do not disturb the participants who are listening to the original with their interpretation. Conversely, the interpreters are not disturbed by noises in the room (whispering, coughing, sneezing, etc.).
• Avoiding interference: At conferences and events, several interpreters can interpret simultaneously into different languages. By using interpreting booths, interference between interpreters can be avoided as they work in (acoustically) separate rooms.
• Improved acoustics: booths are often designed to provide optimal acoustics to maximise the intelligibility of the interpretation and minimise background noise.
• Sufficient space: In an interpreter's booth there is sufficient space for the interpreter's desks and the interpreter's working material. In addition to the interpreting desks, the interpreters always have their laptop with the prepared terminology and writing material.

 

Location of the booths

When mobile booths are used at an international event, there are two important points to consider when placing the booths from the interpreters' point of view:

 

• The interpreters must be able to see the speaker clearly, as facial expressions and gestures play an important role in interpreting.
• The interpreters must have an unobstructed view of presentations or videos shown.

 

Installation and space requirements of the mobile booths

If there are no booths available at an event location and it is not possible to set up the mobile booths in the event room for space reasons, the booths can also be set up in an adjacent room. However, the proceedings in the event room must then be transmitted by video. As a rule, the interpreters have two monitors (or one split-screen monitor) per booth at their disposal, on which the speaker and, in parallel, the presentation or video being shown can be seen.

 

The interpreting booths have a floor space of approx. 1.80 m x 1.80 m. When planning the space, please note that a door must be installed on one side of the booth. Additional space is needed for the technology and technicians (sound mixing desk, picture direction, etc.).

 

Requirements for interpreting booths

The most important standards and guidelines for interpreting booths are laid down in ISO 2603 and ISO 4043. The requirements for fixed (stationary) and mobile (transportable) interpreting booths differ. Regardless of the standards, interpreting booths should meet these requirements:

 

• Size and equipment: The minimum size of interpreting booths should be such that the interpreter has enough space to work comfortably.
• Soundproofing: booths must be soundproof so that the interpreter is not disturbed by ambient noise and the interpretation is clear and understandable for the participants.
• Visibility: booths must be designed so that the interpreter can clearly see the speaker or presentation he or she is interpreting. This can be achieved by glass windows or monitors.
• Ventilation and air-conditioning: The standards require interpreting booths to have adequate ventilation and air-conditioning. Simultaneous interpreting requires maximum concentration. Poor, stuffy air is a hindrance to this.
• Electrical supply: The booths must have a reliable power supply to ensure the operation of the interpreters' desks and other technical equipment (e.g. the interpreters' laptops).

 

High-quality interpreting booths and interpreting technology are the basis for the communicative success of an event. In addition, you need a team of excellent interpreters.

Do you have any questions about interpreting booths or simultaneous interpreting? Get in touch with us. We look forward to hearing from you!