Terms

Explanation

A Language

The interpreter's native language (or another language strictly equivalent to a native language), into which the interpreter works from all her or his other languages in both modes of interpretation, simultaneous and consecutive.

Active Language

The language or languages into which the interpreter is capable of providing professional interpretation.

Availability Request

A person (chief interpreter, consulting interpreter, recruiter, colleague, PCO, private client) who wants to recruit an interpreter may ask whether the interpreter is still available, either for a specific date or for a given period of time. This availability request, sometimes called an option, should not be understood as an offer of employment, nor a fortiori as a contract. It does not constitute a commitment by either the person making the request or the interpreter.

B Language

A language other than the interpreter's native language, of which she or he has a perfect command and into which she or he works from one or more of her or his other languages. Some interpreters into a "B" language in only one of the two modes of interpretation.

Booth

Interpreters provide simultaneous interpretation in a booth. Since they remain in the booth for many hours each day and have to perform at their best, the booths must meet certain size, air quality and accessibility standards.

C Language

The language(s) of which the interpreter has a complete understanding and from which she or he works. Interpreters often have several C languages.

Code of Professional Ethics

The Code of Professional Ethics is one of AIIC's basic texts. It sets out the three fundamental principles of professional secrecy or confidentiality, professionalism and collegiality.

Double Relay

Double relay refers to a method whereby the speaker's language reaches the listener after three successive interpretations. Example: the speaker speaks in Hungarian, the Hungarian is interpreted into German and the German is interpreted into English. Although double relay sometimes cannot be avoided with certain so-called "rare" languages or where interpreters of these languages only work into one language, it increases the risk that the initial message may be distorted. Therefore, it should be avoided whenever possible.

Interpreting - Chuchotage/Whispering

Whispering is an interpreting mode whereby the interpreter is seated next to one or two meeting participants and whispers the interpretation of the speech. This mode is used mainly when only very few people need interpretation. Whispering is not recommended when there are more than two listeners or when several interpreters need to work at the same time in the same room (since this could create too much noise and is as unpleasant for the interpreters as for the audience). A team working in this mode requires at least two interpreters. Since this technique is hard on the vocal chords, it is only appropriate for very short meetings.

Interpreting - Consecutive

The interpreter providing consecutive interpretation sits at the same table with the delegates or at the speaker's platform and interprets a speech into the target language after the speaker speaks. The length of the speeches varies. For this purpose the interpreter may take notes (see note-taking).

Interpreting - Simultaneous

In simultaneous mode, the interpreter sits in a booth with a clear view of the meeting room and the speaker and listens to and simultaneously interprets the speech into a target language. Simultaneous interpreting requires a booth (fixed or mobile) that meets ISO standards of acoustic isolation, dimensions, air quality and accessibility as well as appropriate equipment (headphones, microphones).

Mobile Booth

A mobile booth is an interpreting booth that can be assembled and disassembled and which is set up in meeting rooms when needed.

Note-taking

Note-taking is an essential element of consecutive interpreting. It consists of noting on paper the logic and structure of a speech in order to help the interpreter remember the contents of the speech. Note-taking is a singularly individual exercise: some interpreters use a lot of symbols, while others prefer drawings and still others restrict themselves to certain words. The amount of detail noted down also varies considerably, as does the choice of notepad, the language in which the notes are taken, etc.

Passive Language

For interpreters, passive languages are the languages out of which the interpreter is capable of interpreting professionally.