University of Basra

College of Arts
Department of Translation

A Report by Saja Abd Al Hussain Shaya

4th year\morning studies\sec. B

The Importance and Challenges of Simultaneous

Interpretation

Introduction:
“Simultaneous translation” or “interpretation” is the process of rendering an oral
message from one language into another (these languages are known as “source
language” and “target language”). This is done immediately, which means that the
interpreter renders the message into the target language, as the speaker continues
generating content in the source language. The majority of sessions are performed
in soundproof rooms through an audio system, but this can also include a sub-
group called whispered interpreting, which is performed directly to a small subset
of the main group (normally up to 5 individuals –dependent on the nature of the
room configuration and other equipment) It requires a high degree of concentration
to listen, process, and convey ideas (not just words) coherently into another
language, while concurrently listening to what is being said next. The mind cannot
hold the needed level of focused concentration for long periods and is the reason
conference interpreter’s work in teams of 2 or 3 – with frequent change-outs to a
rested interpreter. This method of interpreting is generally (but not exclusively)
used in large-scale conferences and international meetings when two or more
languages are spoken. Simultaneous interpretation is one of the most important and
demanding professions in the world and this report will go through the reasons as
to why it’s so important and what makes it so demanding, as well as discus the
prominent challenges that not only affect new interpreters, but even highly
seasoned professionals.
 The Importance of Simultaneous Interpreting:
In order to fully understand the importance of simultaneous interpreting we should
first understand its roots, in 1945 at the end of WWII the Allies were assembling
the International Military Tribunal. Their instructions were to conduct fair and
rapid trials called the Nuremberg trials of accused Nazi war criminals. The “rabid”
goal would have been impossible using consecutive interpreting services. Léon
Dostert, the former interpreter of Eisenhower, observed that consecutive
interpretation was significantly slowing the trial process. He therefore created the
technique we now call simultaneous interpreting. From that day forward, the UN,
the EU and governments incorporated simultaneous interpreting into their routine
meetings, conferences, and operations. Simultaneous interpretation helps to break
down language barriers around the world. No matter which language a delegate
communicates in, he or she can easily follow the speaker in real-time. Furthermore,
Simultaneous interpreting is important for the following reasons:
• It provides efficient communication – simultaneous interpretation offers
all delegates an equal opportunity to speak their mind and listen in their own
language. This is genuinely called interactive communication where no one
gets left behind due to a communication barrier.
• Communication in all its Entirety – As the interpretation happens
simultaneously in real-time, the advantage is that none of the messages gets
lost. It allows all the participants of an event the freedom to choose their
words and present their views in the language that they are most comfortable
with.
• A Better Result – Usually international events require a lot of work in
putting everything together. Interpreting facilities at a conference can avoid
a disappointing outcome by ensuring the correct communication is put out
there to all the participants.
• It saves time – simultaneous interpretation saves time in having to translate
all the documents of the speeches at a later stage and having them distributed
to the participants. Time is of the essence at all international events, mainly
if hosted by the United Nations. Real-time interpretation ensures that
everyone present at the conference is aware of what is being discussed.
• Simultaneous interpretation is more accurate – Consecutive interpretative
really depends on what the interpreter remembers by memory and their
 notes. It is more of a reproduction of the speech, whereas, simultaneous
interpretation is more accurate and better as it is an actual reproduction of
the speech as it happens.

The challenges of Simultaneous interpreting:

Being one the most demanding professions in the world, simultaneous interpreting
brings forward many challenges and difficulties faced by the interpreters of any
language. The challenges of simultaneous interpretation depend on several factors
which may or may not turn an interpreter’s job into a nightmare. Some people take
each opportunity as a test of their knowledge while others have cold feet anytime
they get a new assignment, worrying about the complications of the job, the
speaker’s language or dialect and even their level of concentration for the day.
Simultaneous interpreters have to be clear, concise and have to make themselves
understood the entire time they are working. These are other challenges
interpreters might face in conference interpreting jobs, the most common and
prominent are:
• One of the biggest challenges in interpreting is that multiple processes take
place at once. You start with listening and analyzing the speech, putting in
short term memory efforts and then reproducing it in the language of the
audience. The fast pace of the speaker and unfamiliarity with the subject can
make the process more difficult.

• It will be a challenge for interpreters when they receive no or very little

briefing about the conference and the speakers. One of the greatest
challenge’s interpreters face is going into a situation ill-prepared.
Prep materials coming from the conference hosts allow the interpreters to get
familiar with the topics to be presented or discussed, the terminology to be
used and the background information about the speakers. It gives them time
to do extra research if necessary, to fully prepare for the scheduled work.

• Interpreters have to make sure that they deliver the speech in the same style
and tone as that of the speaker to ensure that the message reaches the
 audience in the right form. They also have to maintain the same level of
fluency in the target language.

• Aside from a high level of proficiency in the source and target languages,
another of the challenge’s interpreters face is that they must be highly
knowledgeable of the culture of different countries. Even if one is a native
speaker of Arabic, for example, the interpreter has to know the differences in
how Arabic is spoken by people from different regions. Speakers will often
use local idioms, slang when they speak, so it is very important for an
interpreter to know that.

Conclusion:
Simultaneous interpretation is all about sharpening and practicing the skill for
interpreters. With an increase in international events around the world and the rise
of making a mark with your speech at the United Nations, the role of a
simultaneous interpreter has come under the spotlight now more than ever before.
It is one of the best and fastest ways of conveying a message to an audience who
speak a foreign language. whether it was for businesses or individuals.
Simultaneous interpreting can be stressful and mentally challenging for the
interpreters because they have to do their very best in a limited time and they
usually don’t know the text until they hear it, it requires a high degree of
concentration to listen, process, and convey ideas (not just words) coherently into
another language.

References:
1. Gaiba, Francesca. The Origins of Simultaneous Interpretation: the Nuremberg Trial.
University of Ottawa Press, 1998.
2. www.cosmotranslations.com/en-simultaneous-translation.
3. www.conference-interpreters.ca/Differences-Consecutive-Simultaneous-
Interpreters.html.
4. https://ccalanguagesolutions.com/the-roots-and-history-of-simultaneous-interpretation/
5. https://www.unitedtranslations.com/simultaneous-interpretation-importance/
6. https://www.daytranslations.com/blog/challenges-interpreters-face/amp/