There are several needs for facilitating and allowing communication between different languages of the world in the present era of globalization. Bridging linguistic distances is done mostly by the use of translation services. However, not all communication occurs with a lag in time and place. Some of the most important and crucial decision making is done in real time, during meetings and conferences. A conference interpreter is a person who helps with communication by translating languages simultaneously.

The conference interpreter’s role in the success of any meeting is very important. He or she needs to be quick and effective in the choice and usage of words. Not only the meaning but the tone and intent is also to be conveyed without any delays. This has a bearing in discussions, negotiations, bargains and the final decision. Only those with a high level of experience and professional attitude are entrusted with this responsibility. Maintaining confidentiality and trust is also a part of the work for a conference interpreter. Needless to say, a familiarity and deep knowledge of many languages and oral skills of translation are few of the requisite skills of a conference interpreter.

A conference interpreter can rightly understand the difference in phrase by phrase verbatim translation and a meaningful communication that is pertinent to the context. Before responding to the communication delivered by an interpreter, one must consider a lag in time to account for and understand the complete message.

In conferences that deal with a technical or scientific subject, the role of the conference interpreter includes an overall grasp of the subject too. During such discussions, scientists communicate on research areas and topics which might be of mutual interest and might also result in valuable ideas as a result of brainstorming. Translation services by interpreters are a valuable contribution in such cases.

Consecutive and simultaneous interpretation is two of the most commonly used forms of interpretation practiced in situations where linguist barriers need to be overcome. There are some differences between the two and which form is more suitable depends on the nature and demands of a given situation. Spanish to English translation is frequently required in situations where businesses are keen to enter new markets that involve Spanish speaking users. Whether to go in for consecutive or simultaneous interpretation is decided based on the type of the meeting, the number of listeners and the nature of the business. Confidentiality of the matters being discussed also plays a role in the kind of interpretation one would like to have.

In case of consecutive interpretation, there is a pause after the speaker delivers a single or few sentences, followed by a translated rendering of the original content by the interpreter. If the meeting is a formal one, the sentences are longer. At any point of time, there is only one person who is speaking, either the original speaker or the interpreter. The translator needs to be an expert not only in the two languages but should also be well versed in taking notes and memory techniques that enable him or her to remember the actual content and translate it accurately and within a short time. This is used when the number of people is not very large, such as in case of meetings, press conference or diplomatic or business meetings. The time available between interpretation and original content delivery is used by the listeners to reflect upon and understand the meaning of the speech. The tone and context of the original speech is captured effectively.

This is different from the case of simultaneous interpretation, wherein the speaker’s speech is translated simultaneously involving as little delay in translation as possible. The audience uses head-phones to hear the translated content directly. For example, a listener who is more comfortable hearing an English speech in its Spanish translation would switch on his headphone connected to multichannel wireless receptors, to hear the Spanish content instead of the original English version. Similar is the case when a listener prefers Spanish to English translation rather than hearing the original Spanish version. This form of interpretation is commonly used in places such as United Nations, where delegates from different countries are present. The advantage is that only people who are interested in listening to the speech in a given language need to put on their headphones with receivers. A multidisciplinary team of sound technicians, multilingual experts and engineers are needed here along with lot of specialized and sophisticated equipment. The interpreters work in sound proof booths to ensure that the listener gets to hear the translated speech without any disturbance or distortion.

Consecutive and simultaneous interpretation techniques for Spanish translation are increasingly in demand, considering the large number of people who can understand only one of the two languages and yet share several common interests in business, finance, economics, education and politics.