Cultures Connection recently provided its simultaneous interpretation services during a visit of Nigerien parliamentary senior officials at the National Assembly in Paris. Senior parliamentary officials of both countries sought to exchange information on the administrative functioning of their parliaments and oversight procedures, in view of Niger’s National Assembly’s newly developing strategic plan.
How did our company go about providing professional interpretation services for such an event? First, our we listened to our clients. It is necessary to first determine their needs and expectations. Of course, at such a luxurious venue as the magnificent 18th century Palais Bourbon, home to France’s deputies, our interpreters needed to be ready for the occasion.
Successful Simultaneous Interpretation Services Have…
Simultaneous interpreting – AKA conference interpreting – is an interpreting technique that allows speech to be translated in real time. Some of the main characteristics of simultaneous interpretation are:
– High Speed: Simultaneous interpretation takes place in real-time. Therefore, it is necessary to keep pace with the speaker’s speech to ensure a smooth and coherent interpretation. Simultaneous interpreters must process information quickly to convey it clearly and accurately.
– High Concentration: Simultaneous interpreting requires a lot of focus and attention on the part of the interpreter. Interpreters carefully listen to a speaker and translate their words into another language. They try and remain undisturbed by surrounding noise or conversation.
– High Accuracy: Interpreters must be precise and accurate in the translation of each word/expression and each idea expressed. It’s essential that the interpreter not misinterpret the meaning of the original message. Interpreters must remain faithful to the exact message a speaker is communicating.
– Technical Equipment: For simultaneous interpretation requires professional technical equipment. This equipment may include soundproof booths, audio consoles, high quality headphones, microphones, and various transmission systems. Clear communication without any interference is the goal.
Specialized schools and programs offer courses and training in simultaneous interpretation. Developing this highly specialized skill requires training and practice in order to master the skills necessary to perform it. National and international professional interpreters’ associations offer valuable training, guidance and advice to complement academic credentials. These associations play an essential role in promoting best practices and providing continuing education for interpreters who wish to remain up-to-date in their field.
Conference interpreting specially requires interpreters well-versed in the field. This is why our translation agency makes it a point to recruit fully competent professionals who have not only the required qualifications but also extensive professional experience.
How an Interpreter Prepares Pre-Event
Over the years, Cultures Connection has developed a large network of experienced interpreters in many languages and fields of expertise. For this event, our translation agency selected two professional conference interpreters in Paris, both specialized in international organizations and institutions. Both are graduates of the best translation and interpreting schools. Both French and English native speakers, they also have years of experience. Most of their past assignments were for various United Nations agencies, the European Union, and various other international agencies and ministries. Occasionally, they also interpret for major media and multinational companies.
International IDEA sent a several-page document that included the event schedule and a proposed list topics. With this helpful document, our interpreters were then able to do some essential preparatory work. Finally, the two interpreters researched the professional backgrounds of participants, educated themselves on EU strategies concerning relevant parliaments and objectives, and compiled a glossary of technical terms that may be of use.
Diplomatic Happenings the Day Of
At the heart of this simultaneous interpretation service was the many exchanges and conversations surrounding the “administrative operations and control mechanisms” necessary in developing a strategic plan. A delegation of ten senior officials from the Niger’s parliament visited the National Assembly, to exchange with their French and Danish parliamentary peers. Several days before the event, our client provided our interpreters with reference documents in both French and English. These documents allowed our interpreters to familiarize themselves with the subject matter in advance.
Essentially, this was a meeting on the proper functioning of democracy! The event was part of a European Union-funded project, INTER PARES (Latin for “among peers”), named Parliaments in Partnership. The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) is responsible for the implementation of this international project. An intergovernmental organization, the IDEA supports sustainable democracy around the world. They fight for the rights and fundamental principles of democratic pluralism, and work with governments that strive for these same goals.
This was not the first time that International IDEA trusted our agency to provide interpreting services. Highly satisfied with our work in previous events, the international institute called on our skills once again. This time for a two-day conference interpreting assignment.
IDEA informed us that they were fully satisfied with our two interpreters and the work they provided during INTER PARES’ exchanges at the National Assembly with the Nigerien delegation. In addition to their superb technical skills, we were delighted to hear from the International IDEA of the “pleasure of having them with us during these two days.”
Our team at Cultures Connection is always happy to receive positive feedback. Nothing compares to the satisfaction of a job well done and the appreciation of our clients!
Discover more about our language services here! If you’re interested in out simultaneous interpretation services, fill out our form from our home page, and get a free quote!
