Our image of the work of interpreters is shaped by images from interpreters' booths or of whispered interpreting during state visits. However, the work of conference interpreters also involves careful preparation of the content of an assignment. Depending on the type of interpreting assignment, the preparation can take considerably more time than the assignment itself.

 

Professional conference interpreters usually specialise in certain fields (e.g. medicine, technology or law) during their studies. These specialisations are further developed and deepened by the interpreters in the course of their "interpreting life". Nevertheless, even an experienced conference interpreter must prepare for his or her assignments with the help of preparatory material on the respective topic of the event.

 

Preparation material is welcome
 

Every industry and every subject area has its own technical language (jargon). To be able to prepare for this in the best possible way, interpreters need the following materials, depending on the event format:

 

• Presentations: Presentations are often the focus of international events. They enable the interpreters to get an idea of the event in advance.
• Speech manuscripts or, in the case of free speech, bullet points
• Guides: For general meetings, detailed guides are usually prepared with the speech manuscripts. It is also common in market research to prepare guides before individual or group interviews.
• Agendas, programmes or invitations to an event
• Draft resolutions
• Minutes of previous meetings
• Company or product brochures
• Draft contracts: In the case of notary appointments, it is customary for the interpreter to be provided with the contract to be notarised prior to the notary appointment in order to prepare the content.
• Lists of participants
• Glossaries (terminology lists)
• Videos: Even if videos shown at an event are not interpreted, they help the interpreters to get a picture of the event (context).

 

However, the interpreter's preparation of the content is not limited to terminological preparation. The interpreter must understand the meaning of what is being said. Otherwise he cannot transfer the meaning into the other language. Therefore, information that at first glance has nothing to do with language is also helpful. For example: What is the (communicative) goal of an event? Who are the participants?

 

Tip: As the client, please bear in mind that the interpreters may be working for another client in the days before your event. Therefore, send the preparatory documents as early as possible (ideally two weeks before the event). Draft versions are also helpful for the interpreters in their preparation.

 

The interpreter always interprets the spoken word. By providing preparatory material in good time, you ensure that the interpreters do not hear the content of your event for the first time at your event...

 

Confidentiality

At SIMCONSULT you need not worry about the confidentiality of your documents. Confidentiality is not only part of the professional ethos of interpreters, but also forms part of our General Terms and Conditions and our contracts. We have concluded confidentiality agreements with all the interpreters with whom we regularly work. Of course, we are also happy to enter into corresponding agreements with our clients.

 

Do you have further questions about interpreting or would you like a quote? Simply get in touch with us. We look forward to hearing from you!