SIMULTANEOUS
TRANSLATION
FOR LIVE EVENTS

Simultaneous translation is an important audio service for international events. Only with simultaneous translation can speakers and participants of different languages follow and actively take part in the event in real time. Let’s find out together what it is.

Servizi di traduzione simultanea, G20 Roma, Tecnoconference

SECRETS OF SUCCESS

What is the secret to successful simultaneous translation? We asked Lorenzo Grotti, CEO of Tecnoconference, a leading company in the field of simultaneous translation for events since 1980:

“For a simultaneous translation service to be successful, it must include: highly qualified interpreters, top notch equipment, up-to-date technicians, excellent equipment setup and good coordination.

Here at Tecnoconference, we are well aware that all these factors together raise the level of proficiency of a service and this is why we have been chosen by Bosch, since 1990, as the only Italian company to be part of the worldwide Congress Rental Network. This allows us to have an impeccable translation system and certified “Technical Specialist BOSCH DICENTIS” technicians always up-to-date, thanks to annual training courses at the Bosch headquarters in Eindhoven.

Furthermore, thanks to our 40 years of experience, we are able to provide the best teams of simultaneous interpreters specialised in the given content.”

Lorenzo Grotti – Ceo | Tecnoconference

OUR EVENTS

I. WHAT IS SIMULTANEOUS TRANSLATION AND HOW IT WORKS

Simultaneous translation for events is a form of translation in which the interpreter translates simultaneously while the speaker is speaking. This type of translation occurs in public events, conferences, congresses or international meetings, to enable participants to follow the speeches given in a language other than their own.

Here is, in general, how simultaneous translation works:

  • PREPARATION: Before the event, the interpreter trains himself on the topic that will be covered during the conference, so as to be ready to translate with the utmost precision. For a successful translation, it is a good idea to equip the interpreter with abstracts, detailed reports, glossaries and lists of acronyms related to the speech.

  • TRANSLATION CABIN: the interpreter is in an acoustically isolated booth, which enables the interpreter to listen to the original speech via a headset and simultaneously translate using a microphone.

  • TRANSMISSION OF THE TRANSLATION: the translation is transmitted to the listeners via headphones or loudspeakers so that they can understand the content of the speech.

  • INTERACTION: during the translation, the interpreter can interact with the speaker to clarify any uncertainties or loss of information during the translation.

  • TECHNICAL SUPPORT: a good simultaneous translation service for events requires the presence of specialised technicians capable of providing full assistance before, during and after the event. Always up-to-date and regularly certified for B2 knowledge of the English language, such as those at Tecnoconference.

The simultaneous translation service is important to create an environment which is inclusive and to ensure that all participants feel an active part of the event. It requires a lot of talent, experience and training on the part of the interpreters and top notch equipment on the part of the organisers to ensure the highest quality of translation and listening, both for the interpreters and the event guests.

II. EQUIPMENT

In a simultaneous translation service for events, there are essential technical components that include:

  • HEADSETS and RECEIVERS: participants can listen to the translation via headphones or receivers. These devices must be comfortable to wear and have good sound quality.
  • MICROPHONES: high quality microphones are needed to capture the speaker’s voice and transmit it to the interpreters as clearly as possible.
  • TRANSLATION CABINS: these are soundproof rooms that provide the interpreters with a quiet environment to listen and transmit.

  • TRANSLATION SOFTWARE: some simultaneous interpretation services use automatic translation software to support the interpreters during the event.

These components alone, however, are of little use without an excellent simultaneous translation system. These systems generally include: an audio mixer, a central signal processing unit and a distribution system that allows the interpreters to translate and transmit the translation to the participants. And this is where the real game is played.

The choice of translation system really makes the difference, which is why Tecnoconference only offers systems from the Gruppo Bosch, the best on the global market.

Over the years, Bosch has created the unique Digital Congress Network (DCN) Next Generation, the ideal solution for applications ranging from small discussion groups to multilingual conferences. At the simplest level it enables unmanned speaking and listening; at the most advanced level it becomes an all-in-one communications infrastructure capable of easing and managing even the most complex international conferences.

It features a flexible and elegant design, manages up to 4000 microphone positions (fixed or detachable) and guarantees a very high level of compatibility with external systems. Also ideal for panel discussions as it features a full range of voting functions and with its 32 language channels, the DCN Next Generation system easily handles even the most demanding requirements of international conferences worldwide. Delegates can choose the original language or one of 31 simultaneously translated languages, all broadcast in Hi-Fi sound quality.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

Davide FalteriDavide Falteri
07:00 25 Oct 22
Excellent professionalism, skilled staff,
REZART MEJDIREZART MEJDI
15:06 01 Sep 22
Real professionals
simone ciofisimone ciofi
18:35 28 Sep 21
Think One step toward the Future
alessandro gallialessandro galli
17:33 04 Mar 18
Over 30 years of experience in the world of audio and video technology, and excellent software.In addition, in their warehouse they have a green screen direction to make video recordings and post-produce, or even make a fad in real time via streaming.
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III. TYPES OF TRANSLATION

During an event requiring simultaneous audio translation, the interpreter plays an essential role: listening and translating. There are several ways of doing this:

SIMULTANEOUS TRANSLATION

In this type of translation, the interpreter translates simultaneously while the speaker is speaking. The translation in this case is transmitted almost immediately to the audience. The second that the interpreter needs to understand the message and translate it into a detailed and precise version is called décalage. A time gap, which is practically imperceptible if the translation is carried out by very high-profile interpreters. This type of translation is very fast and requires a high degree of concentration on the part of the interpreter, which is why, in most cases, two or more simultaneous interpreters are required, alternating between them every 30-40 minutes or so.

CONSECUTIVE SIMULTANEOUS TRANSLATION

In this type of translation, the interpreter listens to a portion of the speech, takes notes and then translates. This type of translation is less fast than simultaneous simultaneous translation, but allows the interpreter to process the meaning of the speech more accurately.

WHISPERED SIMULTANEOUS TRANSLATION

Also called ‘Chuchotage’ from French, this type of translation is only applied in the presence of 2-3 foreign participants. Translators in this case sit next to the foreign guests and report, in a very low voice, everything the speaker says. This style is very tiring for the interpreters, who have to switch from whispered simultaneous translation to consecutive translation if necessary, in the case of questions to the speaker.

TECNOCONFERENCE CERTIFICATIONS

TECNOCONFERENCE
CERTIFICATIONS

Find out more

IV. TRANSLATION BOOTHS

The translator then goes inside the so-called translation booths, which must be certified, such as the Tecnoconference booths in compliance with the current ISO 4043/2016 standard, and have very specific features:

  • ACOUSTIC INSULATION: the booth must be soundproofed to avoid any outside noise and ensure that the translator can hear the original speech clearly and understand the content to be translated.

  • COMFORT: the booth must be comfortable for the translator, with a cosy chair and a desk to rest working materials.

  • TOP CLASS EQUIPMENT: the booth must be equipped with high quality translation systems, such as headsets, microphones and sound systems, to ensure that the translation is crisp and of superior quality.
  • ACCESSIBILITY: the booth must be easily accessible for the translator and any technicians who need to assist in case of technical problems.

  • LIGHTING: the booth must be easily accessible for the translator and any technicians who need to intervene in the event of technical problems.

In short, a simultaneous translator must prepare for the topic, sit in an acoustically isolated translation booth, listen to the original speech, simultaneously translate, transmit the translation to the listeners and interact with the speaker to clarify any uncertainties or loss of information during the translation. In addition, he or she has to adapt the translation to suit the cultural and linguistic differences of the listeners.

V. TECNOCONFERENCE SERVICES

As you may have gathered, providing simultaneous translation services for events is no simple matter. That is why the first consideration you will have to depend on is expertise.

Tecnoconference has been offering simultaneous translation services for over 40 years. Our experience allows us today to offer a complete and reliable service thanks to the use of Bosch technology, a team of specialised technicians and the large number of interpreters at our service. We offer simultaneous translation services in Italian English, as well as German, French, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese.

In addition to simultaneous translation for in-person events, we handle real-time remote interpreting services for your meetings, conferences, and international events. There is no need for the translator to physically be at the event venue, our technicians will ensure an audio/video flow for each of your languages with state-of-the-art technology even remotely.

A few figures to substantiate our work: Tecnoconference was the official supplier for simultaneous translation services at EXPO 2015 and the Europe Pavilion. Technology partner for several meetings of the Italian G7 Presidency in 2017 including the Summit of Heads of State and Government in Taormina, as well as the 6 ministerial meetings of the G20 in 2021 including the Culture Summit and the Summit of Heads of State and Government in Rome (La Nuvola).

What drives us is the level of expertise we always put at the top of our game to guarantee an flawless simultaneous translation service.

VI. OUR OPERATIONAL HUBS

We offer simultaneous translation services in Florence, Milan and Rome. Three operating locations with specialized technicians to be mobilized anywhere in Italy and abroad.

BOSCH technology and translation booths available throughout Italy. All necessary hardware equipment for audio, video and lighting stored in the more than 1,800 square meters of warehouses, located in the most strategic points of the country.

The Florence office has been operating for over 40 years offering translation services throughout central Italy for national and international events, conventions and congresses.

The Milan operations hub covers the entire northern part of the peninsula for simultaneous translation services with customized estimates in less than 48 hours from the request.

Rome serves the entire central south, with materials always available and operational staff to be mobilized for all types of events, conventions and congresses.

Our team is at your complete disposal for simultaneous translation services in Florence, Milan and Rome with 24/7 availability.

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