Consecutive and Conference InterpretingV lectureIntroduction to simultaneous interpreting

Stage 1: Preparation for simultaneous interpreting

Have a notepad and a pen ready. Start playing the recorded source text. You should listen to the recording using a headset. Start the recorder. You will record your interpretation using this device.

Stage 2: Initial simultaneous interpreting Listen attentively to the start of the recording. Practice_10_Simultaneous_Dialogue.mp3Once you have heard an interpretable segment - a phrase, a clause, or a short sentence - start interpreting simultaneously. You will continue listening to the speakers next segment while you interpret the previous segment. While you are allowed to take notes, it is difficult to listen, speak and take notes at the same time; so limit your note-taking to important names, dates and numbers.

Stage 3: Comparison of initial simultaneous interpreting with recorded source text dialogue/monologue Replay the first segment of the source text dialogue/monologue. You may listen to the sentence as often as necessary to grasp its meaning and take notes at this stage. Stop the audio file before moving on to the following step. Start the voice recorder from the beginning. Listen carefully to your interpretation of sentence 1 and compare it with the source text dialogue/monologue. Note all the things that you have missed. Also note any poor expression in the target language.

Stage 4: Comparison of initial simultaneous interpreting with written text of dialogue/monologue Start the voice recorder at the beginning of your interpretation. Read the first sentence in the written text and compare your interpretation of that sentence against it. Underline in the written text the words, expressions and segments that appear wrong. Repeat this step for each sentence, until you complete the last sentence.

Stage 5: Analysis and resolution of problemsExamine the notes you have taken during Stages 3 and 4 and analyse any words, expressions and segments that you missed or think are wrong. Try to determine why they caused you problems. Was it because: - you did not understand the word or expression? - you did not know the equivalent in the target language? - you did not remember something that was said earlier? Think of ways you can correct these mistakes. Do any basic research required.

Stage 6Repeat the drill with the recording of the monologuePractice_14_Simultaneous_Monologue.mp3

The link to the transcript is here