Interpreting Services

Simultaneous interpreting needs to be delivered by specially trained individuals.

This is because there really is no room for error here. Even a slight hesitation when deciding the most accurate way to convey what a speaker is saying can mean entire thoughts and important points are lost.

As well as their training and experience, you might want to ask yourself…

1) Does your interpreter know local customs, etiquette and body language?

The simultaneous interpreters we deploy in Singapore always have a deep appreciating and native-level understanding of the differences in body language, etiquette and local customs which are such important features of communication in South-East Asia – and, indeed, around the world.

You will always want to be sure that the language specialists you hire know how important it is to take these elements into account when conveying what a speaker has said.

2) Does your linguist truly understand the topic of your discussion?

In almost any field – business, banking, life sciences, engineering – specialist terminology will be involved.

Often, these aren’t the sorts of terms which will appear in everyday speech. Also, your conference interpreter won’t have time to stop and check a dictionary.

That’s the reason why all of Asian Absolute’s linguists are subject matter specialists – either through training, qualifications and/or more than five years of industry experience.

You’ll want to be confident that wherever you get your simultaneous interpreters from, they are too.

In order to provide this service, a language specialist will need:

• Microphones
• A “booth” (a sound-controlled environment separate from the main floor) which must allow the linguist to view the speaker in full, either directly or via video link
• Headsets for the audience

Please get in touch with us if you need any advice as to specific equipment and where to acquire it. We are used to handling the language support for all scales of conferences and meetings.

You can also usually discuss any equipment requirements with any event space which you might be hiring.

Your opposite number speaks. They pause. The interpreter verbally translates what they have said. Then it’s your turn. If you’ve ever watched a courtroom or police drama where a suspect is being interviewed with an actor playing an interpreter, you’ll have some idea what consecutive interpreting is.

In conference or simultaneous interpreting, the linguist speaks over the speech being given. Usually through a headset while they sit in a soundproof booth elsewhere. A consecutive interpreter will be physically present and part of your conversation.

Consecutive interpreting services are usually requested by our clients in Singapore and around the world for:

• Business meetings
• Presentations and after dinner speeches
• Interviews
• Site visits
• Specialist medical interpreting services are available for doctor’s appointments
• Dinners and other small-scale social situations

In short, any time when:

1. You might need to ask questions. During a business meeting, for example, needing to request clarification of a certain point is fairly common. With your linguist sitting right beside you, that will be easy.
2. You might prefer a more personal approach. You could be part of a conversation where someone who translates your particular way of speaking would be an advantage. When you need to persuade or negotiate, for instance.
3. You might need to keep your language services cost-effective. Because it is slightly less demanding than simultaneous interpreting, consecutive interpreting is usually cheaper.

None at all. The only exception might be if you want your service to happen via remote video conferencing or over the phone. In these cases we will be happy to arrange suitable equipment for you.