Interpretation is "verbal and face-to-face" translation using professional interpreters and specialized technology (compared to "translation", which is written). Peritus Precision Translations, Inc. provides three kinds of interpretation: consecutive, simultaneous, and tele/videoconference interpretation. Peritus provides a full range of interpretation services for meetings, teleconferences, conferences, seminars, litigation proceedings, and briefings.

If you want to learn more about the various types of interpretation, please click on the links below:

Consecutive Interpretation
Simultaneous Interpretation
Tele/Videoconference Interpretation

Consecutive Interpretation means that the interpreter takes notes and interprets what the speaker has said into another language. The speaker must pause periodically for the interpreter in order to make sure that the interpretation can cover as much as possible of the speech and that it is as accurate as possible. Consecutive interpreting is a somewhat time consuming, but very accurate form of interpretation. It is used in meetings, teleconferences, small seminars and court proceedings.

Simultaneous Interpretation is carried out by highly professional interpreters who have received special training in listening to one language while speaking simultaneously in another. The interpreters sit in small soundproof isolation booths and listen to the conference proceedings on a headset while simultaneously interpreting into a microphone. For smaller conferences, or situations where venues are changed frequently, the interpreters can use the so-called Whisper equipment. The interpreters wear a portable transmitter with a microphone and listen to the conference proceedings with the naked ear. The interpreter whispers into the microphone while the delegates listen on small wireless receivers. Simultaneous interpreters usually work in teams of two or more for each language. Simultaneous interpreting is a skill that requires extreme concentration and is usually only possible for 15-30 minutes at a time. That is why a team of translators is always required for simultaneous assignments.

Teleconference/Videoconference Interpretation usually can be undertaken either virtually, with the interpreter working from their home office, or on-site, at the client location, with the interpreter sitting in on a tele- or videoconference. The level of interpretation skills required depends entirely on each individual case, i.e. if the conference is a basic sales call, if senior engineers want to discuss specific technical issues, or if the tele/videoconference serves the purpose of high-level negotiations. Each case will require a different skill-set for the interpreter, both in regard to the technical background knowledge and the diplomatic skills that may be required in such a setting. Teleconference interpreting can be kept low-cost if it is handled virtually, over the phone. It can get more expensive, if the interpreter has to travel on-site and spend a large part of the day with a client. Therefore, Peritus will provide a project specific cost estimate for each occurrence.

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