Professional simultaneous interpreters assure that their work in terms of stress can only be compared with the work of an astronaut in outer space or a test pilot. Who are simultaneous interpreters and why should they be stress-resistant.
Flawless foreign plus
Simultaneous interpreter - online translator from a foreign language. Of course, before becoming a synchronist, you need to learn a foreign language. And not just to learn, but flawlessly. Education at a language university plus the level of practical knowledge acquired as a result of long-term communication with native speakers.
A translator, or a step-by-step oral knowledge of the language, is also absolutely essential. But a simultaneous interpreter still needs oral speech skills, quick reaction, mastery of phraseology, the ability to instantly hear, understand and orientate. The main problem of a simultaneous interpreter is the time limit. He doesn't have time to look into a dictionary, ask a question to a google translator, he doesn't even have time to think.
Work specifics
Synchronists experience colossal loads comparable to those in space. They have a huge responsibility. They must have a lightning-fast reaction. Therefore, the profession of a simultaneous interpreter is named one of the most prestigious, highly paid, and its conditions are considered tough.
Due to the colossal load of the thinking and speech apparatus experienced during simultaneous interpretation, simultaneous interpreters work in shifts. It is recommended that one person translate a seminar, diplomatic reception or press conference for no more than 30 minutes. Then a colleague takes over. Even better, and many translation companies practice this, when one event is interpreted by two simultaneous interpreters at the same time, like sports commentators. The "teamwork" of the couple is of great importance in this case.
Required skills and equipment
Synchronist skills require constant daily training. For a simultaneous interpreter, in addition to knowledge of the language, the following skills are decisive and necessary:
- stress tolerance;
- quickness of reaction;
- noise immunity;
- physical endurance;
- the ability to abstract;
- clear diction.
For people with a slow reaction and speech, with increased nervousness and a tendency to pressure surges, the profession of a synchronist is contraindicated.
Simultaneous translation is performed using special equipment. This is first of all a booth, then an installation that includes a control panel, which not only adjusts the volume of sound to the headphones of the event participants, but also allows you to switch from language to language. Receivers are also needed, for each participant who needs an interpretation, working on a radio signal or using infrared radiation. In addition, a sound broadcasting installation, amplifier, microphones, headphones are used. Only with the availability of equipment is simultaneous translation possible without loss of time and quality.
