Learn why having two interpreters is crucial for flawless simultaneous interpretation and why it’s a smart investment for your event. Get your free quote today!
When hosting an international conference, seminar, or event, one common question arises: “Why do I need two simultaneous interpreters in the booth?” After all, if the event is short or budgets are tight, wouldn’t one be enough?
Let’s dive into why having two interpreters is essential for simultaneous interpretation and address some typical concerns.
What Does a Simultaneous Interpreter Do?
Simultaneous interpreting is one of the most demanding professions in the linguistic world. The interpreter listens to the speaker’s words in one language and, almost simultaneously, renders them into another one, maintaining accuracy, tone, and cultural nuance. All of this happens in real time, with no pauses or chances to rewind.
Imagine juggling these three activities at once: listening, processing information, and speaking. And meanwhile, staying one step ahead of the speaker. Now, add technical terminology, idiomatic expressions, and the need to deliver in a polished, audience-friendly style. This is the mental gymnastics interpreters perform every second they’re on the job.
And that’s why interpreters don’t work solo. If you glance into a booth during an event, you’ll notice two interpreters. While one interprets, the other provides support: tracking timing, researching terms, jotting down notes, and stepping in when their partner needs a break.
Why Can’t One Interpreter Work Alone?
Even the most experienced interpreters can sustain peak performance for only about 20-30 minutes. After that, mental fatigue sets in. Mistakes can slip in—not because the interpreter isn’t skilled, but because their cognitive resources are stretched to the limit.
Think of it like running a race. Runners may struggle to keep top speed throughout the entire race. Likewise, interpreters can’t maintain high-quality simultaneous interpretation for hours without rest. That’s why they work in pairs to ensure the translation remains flawless throughout the event.
Fun fact: in some countries like Japan, the standard is often three interpreters instead of two. This is due to the added complexity of the language and cultural norms surrounding interpretation.
Common Client Concerns
Let us answer some frequent questions about why having two interpreters is a must.
- My event is only two hours long. Why can’t one interpreter handle it?
Two hours may seem short, but the intensity of simultaneous interpreting is unlike most other tasks. Studies show that after about 30 minutes, an interpreter’s accuracy can falter. Even subtle lapses in concentration can lead to mistranslations or omissions, which can have significant consequences—especially in technical or high-stakes contexts.
- Speakers talk for hours without a break. Why can’t interpreters do the same?
Speakers present their ideas, stories, or research—information they know inside out. They don’t need to decode and reformulate it in a different language.
Interpreters face a different challenge. While they may be subject-matter experts or have studied the content beforehand, they process a constant flow of new information and convert it into another language. This mental juggling makes the task of interpreting very demanding.
- Can’t we use consecutive interpretation instead?
Consecutive interpretation, where the interpreter speaks after the presenter, is an option for certain settings. However, it doubles the time needed for the event, as each speech segment is repeated. For many conferences, this approach is impractical.
Now, it works well for business meetings and smaller events, where the interpreter can work alone.
- I’ve heard of interpreters working alone for a whole day. Why don’t you offer the same?
While some interpreters may claim they can work solo, you should consider the trade-offs. Without a partner, they may struggle to maintain the focus, and the quality of interpretation can decline over time. Plus, a lone interpreter has no backup in case of unexpected issues like fatigue, illness, or technical difficulties.
- What about the extra costs for equipment?
Simultaneous interpretation requires specialized equipment—soundproof booths, headsets, and microphones—so interpreters can focus without distractions. Ideally, interpreters should be in the same room as the event, but video feeds can be an alternative.
While these technical elements add to the budget, they ensure your event’s messages are conveyed clearly and professionally.
What Other Options Do I Have for Short Events?
If your event is brief and budget constraints are a concern, you may want to consider:
- Consecutive interpreting: For smaller meetings or less formal events, consecutive interpreting might be a cost-effective alternative.
- Built-in breaks: Structuring your event with frequent pauses can help manage the workload for a single interpreter. However, we’d advise against it for highly technical or fast-paced sessions.
Think about it this way. Events involve a significant investment in travel, venues, and production. If your message isn’t communicated effectively, all your efforts may be in vain. Two interpreters aren’t a luxury; they’re a necessity.
So, the next time you consider hiring a single interpreter to save costs, remember that relying on two is an investment in ensuring that every word and idea is conveyed clearly.
Request a free, no-obligation quote. You may find that high-quality interpretation is more affordable than you think!