Although people often use the terms interpreter and translator synonymously, there is in fact a very basic difference between the two. Translation and interpretation are two different professions and require different training and skills.

A translator works with the written word whereas an interpreter works with the spoken word. A translator translates a text in one language (source language) into a text in another language (target language). An interpreter interprets orally what is spoken in one language (source language) into another language (target language).

A conference interpreter works at meetings and conferences, simultaneously or consecutively. A public service or community interpreter functions as a link between two people in public or community institutions such as courts, hospitals, prisons, etc.

There are two modes of interpretation:

· Simultaneous interpretation is the most common method of conference interpretation today since it is virtually instantaneous. Interpreters, seated in sound-proof booths overlooking the meeting room, receive the speaker’s statement through headphones and give a running interpretation in another language to participants listening by means of headsets.

· Consecutive interpretation is suitable for meetings where only two languages are being used. The interpreters sit at the conference table taking notes of what the speakers say and then interpret it into another language. It is most suited for negotiations and arbitrations.

In parallel to interpreting, some interpreters decide to work as consultant interpreters. They act as consultants for conference organizers or potential clients and provide teams of interpreters to them. They receive requests for interpreters and recruit interpreters, but they also advise clients in order to obtain the best possible match between the conference organizer’s needs and interpreting requirements.

AIIC stands for the International Association of Conference Interpreters and is the only true international body of its kind. It is the association where interpreters from every part of the world meet to further the interests of their profession. Its members are conference interpreters who work on a freelance or permanent basis for international organizations, governments and the corporate sector.

AIIC is:

• The sole recognized representative of the profession at international level.
• The professional organization of conference interpreters that sets the standards for the practice of the profession worldwide.
• The main source of know-how, information, resources and guidance for interpreters and users of interpretation.

AIIC is based in Geneva, Switzerland and it was created in 1953 in an effort to set standards for the practice of the profession (www.aiic.net).

The term “Language Combination” refers to the languages an interpreter uses professionally. These ‘working’ languages can be further subdivided into ‘active’ and ‘passive’ languages.

Active languages:
Active languages are those languages into which the interpreter works. An active language can be one of two kinds:

A Language:

The interpreter’s mother tongue (or another language strictly equivalent to a mother tongue), into which s/he interprets from all other working languages, generally in the two modes of interpretation, simultaneous and consecutive.

A language into which the interpreter works from one or more of her/his other languages and which, although not a mother tongue, is a language of which s/he has perfect command. Some interpreters work into B languages in only one of the two modes of interpretation. In principle, an interpreter’s main active language is the mother tongue – the language in which the interpreter was formally educated and feels completely at ease.

B Language:
An active language which is not the interpreter’s mother tongue can only be acquired after years of hard work and frequent stays in a country of that language. Usually, however, the second active language reaches a satisfactory standard only after many years of practice and is more suited to interpretation of technical discussions where lexical accuracy is more important than style or very discrete shades of meaning. It is customary only to work into the second active language out of the mother tongue.
The very rare case of true bilinguals, i.e. people whose personal circumstances have resulted in their having two “mother tongues”, is the exception that proves the rule. Bilingual interpreters are much in demand, especially if they can offer a third language.

Passive languages:

C Language:

Passive languages are those languages of which the interpreter has complete understanding and from which s/he interprets.

In order to interpret they need to understand the topics under discussion and to be familiar with the specific terminology that will be used. Every organization has its own internal ‘jargon’ and specific terminology, often technical, and the interpreters need to use the terms familiar to the listeners. Having the documents in advance will enable them to prepare adequately. Professional interpreters guarantee total confidentiality.

Simultaneous interpretation requires high levels of concentration that cannot be sustained for long. Therefore, in order to maintain quality, interpreters alternate approximately every 30 minutes.

For simultaneous interpretation a soundproof booth is required to enable the interpreters to hear the incoming message clearly through headsets. They speak into a microphone which relays their simultaneous interpretation into the delegates’ headsets, with minimum background noise in the conference room.

There are all kinds of simultaneous interpretation booths. Some are very pleasant places to work in, while others make the interpreters’ job more difficult because they are not properly designed and built.

There are several details that are important to bear in mind from the start, which can mean the difference between well-designed booths that will make it easier for interpreters to do their job and ensure a pleasant, fruitful experience for conference participants, and poor design that can lead to frustration later when it may be too late to change anything.

Professional simultaneous interpretation booths (both permanent and mobile) must comply with ISO standards.