RUSSIAN INTERPRETING GUIDE

THERE ARE TWO MAIN TYPES OF
FACE-TO-FACE INTERPRETING:

CONSECUTIVE OR AD HOC

This is spoken interpreting between English and Russian. It is used, for example, in business meetings, during site visits and social events. Normally, in consecutive interpreting the interpreter is alongside the speaker, listening and taking notes. When the speaker pauses, the interpreter relays the message. Taking notes is a sign of competence. When the message contains many facts, dates and times, there is less risk of forgetting something if it is noted down.

When high value commercial matters are at stake, you simply cannot do away without a Russian interpreter.

SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETING

This is a running commentary. The interpreter speaks while the speaker is still talking. Normally in simultaneous interpreting the interpreter sits in a sound-proof booth or a remote platform with a microphone listening through headphones and then conveying the message into the microphone. This method is often used at larger seminars or conferences. Simultaneous interpreters normally work in pairs for 20 minutes or so at a time.

Interpreters need as much background information as they can get to prepare for each assignment.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT

Good interpreting comes from good preparation. As the interpretation is carried out in real time, there is no opportunity to go back and correct any errors. Please provide any background documents, programmes or speeches to the interpreter prior to your event as they will be used to study any specific terminology.

Asking to clarify, repeat or rephrase a message when interpreting consecutively is often necessary to ensure accuracy and could be a sign of a good, competent interpreter. You can help a lot by not speaking too quickly and by making short pauses.

ASKING FOR CLARIFICATION IS NORMAL

YOU NEED A BREAK, SO DOES THE INTERPRETER

The levels of concentration involved in interpreting are very high and interpreters do get tired, especially when working remotely. If you allow for adequate rest periods and time for a quick snack, they are less likely to make slips. Also, since the conversation will be in more than one language, you need to allow at least twice as much time as you would for an English-only conversation.

INTERPRETING IS DIFFERENT FROM TRANSLATION

Very often at the event it is necessary to read out a written document or quotation. When text is read aloud, it is particularly difficult to deal with. This is because the structure of written text is different from speech and it is packed with information. Moreover, when reading we normally speak faster, as no time is required for composing what we say. It is important to take that into account, pause more often and where possible provide a copy of the document to the interpreter.

The success of your event depends heavily on the interpreter so commissioning the right people and ensuring that they have all of the background material they need is vital.