secrets of simultaneous interpretingpart 1 : split

attentionin under 90 seconds

by marina stubinski MA DPSI AITI

EU accredited interpreter speaker and lecturer

in simultaneous mode, the interpreter gives a rolling, live

interpretation using audio equipment

(there is no time to look up words in a dictionary!)

01/13/15 by marina stubinski 2014

for the interpreter to listen and speak at the same time, ‘split attention’ is required

this specialist, perishable skill is taught at postgraduate level

and must be exercised regularly

01/13/15 by marina stubinski 2014

mastering split attention requires at least one year of

practice. why?

in normal speech, listening stops. activating both to a

high level is a slow and exhausting process

01/13/15 by marina stubinski 2014

teaching methods vary.

all should include:1)recording practical exercises

for reflection

2) using a variety of topics and including names, numbers,

slow and fast speakers01/13/15 by marina stubinski 2014

3) copious background reading

4) self-monitoring: one ear remains uncovered

5) preparing strategies for typical pitfalls

6) repeat, repeat, repeat

01/13/15 by marina stubinski 2014

this training requires high concentration and motivation

coping with the stress of the resulting ‘cognitive load’

proves too difficult for many beginners

01/13/15 by marina stubinski 2014

as well as excellent understanding of the foreign

language, interpreters must be very articulate in their own

first language

a broad vocabulary is vital. amateurs are quickly exposed!

01/13/15 by marina stubinski 2014

are you using simultaneous interpreters?

here are a few tips for achieving good results…

01/13/15 by marina stubinski 2014

1give your interpreter as much

preparatory material as possible

nobody can know everything about every subject

01/13/15 by marina stubinski 2014

2your speech should be

spontaneous (not read out), spoken slowly with short

sentences

01/13/15 by marina stubinski 2014

3if you must read a speech,

give a copy to the interpreter before the event or be

prepared for omissions! the dense nature of prepared speeches makes simultaneous

interpreting very difficult01/13/15 by marina stubinski 2014

look out for more from this series!

01/13/15 by marina stubinski 2014

comments to marina stubinski : www.germanitalian.co.uk