For many South African companies, entering international markets is a significant step forward. However, it usually means facing a new set of challenges. One of these can be language barriers. When participants in business meetings speak different languages, communication can become a source of misunderstanding and unnecessary stress, and potential mistakes can lead to additional costs in the long run. However, these problems can be easily avoided by hiring a consecutive interpreter for your business meeting in Johannesburg.
In a world characterised by diversity, consecutive interpreters serve as linguistic bridges, enabling effective communication between people of different linguistic backgrounds. This is particularly vital in business interactions.
Consecutive interpretation: what is it?
Imagine a multilingual audience gathered together. It could be a business meeting with French-speaking clients from the Democratic Republic of Congo, or a training workshop with non-native speakers. In each of these scenarios, interpretation is essential. Consecutive interpreting is an effective way of delivering a message that is consistent in both the source and target languages.
At its core, consecutive interpretation is a process through which a trained interpreter conveys spoken words or messages from one language to another, typically after the speaker has completed a segment of their speech. In consecutive interpretation, the interpreter listens attentively to the speaker, takes notes as necessary, and then relays the message in the target language once the speaker pauses. This approach allows for a more deliberate and accurate translation of the speaker’s words and intentions.
Consecutive interpreting requires a high degree of accuracy. The interpreter must have a very good command of both the source and target languages and impeccable communication skills. A good interpreter must be able to take notes and interpret from memory. They should be able to maintain eye contact with the audience and use their voice to convey the message in the target language.
The Consecutive Interpretation Process
The interpreter will surely appreciate any information about the company, the scope of its activity and the subject of the meeting you can provide. If the company operates in a sector where specialist vocabulary is used, such information is crucial. Please note that the more information you provide to the interpreter, the better they can prepare for the meeting, which leads to higher quality of their services. Also, consider choosing a meeting place with proper acoustic insulation and make sure that the participants don’t talk at once, as this might hinder the interpreter’s work or even make it impossible.
Tips and Things to Consider on Consecutive Interpreting
T If you need to use the services of a consecutive interpreter, it’s important to plan ahead and ensure that your interpreter is fully briefed. This preparation should take into account a number of factors. Here’s a run-down of the essentials.
- Time Between Speaking and Interpreting
Consecutive interpreters need to know in advance whether they will be doing short or long consecutive interpreting. The time that elapses between speaking and interpreting will have an impact on how they deliver the speech and whether they need to use a notepad.
- Event Format
The set-up of the meeting or event will also affect how the consecutive interpreter delivers the speech. At a business meeting, for example, the interpreter will be able to sit and take notes with ease. At a small networking reception, where you’ll be moving around the room as you speak, this would be much more difficult.
- Noise
It’s also worth considering the level of background noise that will be present. The interpreter needs to hear the speaker’s words very clearly in order to accurately render them into another language.
- Vocabulary Building:
Always ensure that the interpreter has sufficient specialist knowledge. For example, if you’re holding a meeting to inform business partners about geotechnical issues at a mine site, I would advise you to check beforehand that the interpreter is familiar with the terms. The same applies if you’re going to be using legal terminology and so on.
Need a Reliable consecutive interpreter? Contact Frenchside!
Frenchside is one of the industry-leading providers of consecutive interpreter and multilingual conference interpreters in and around Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town. We have over 10 years of experience in the conference interpreting industry. This extensive knowledge allows us to provide very efficient and highly experienced interpreters at major international conferences, business meetings, seminars and trade missions nationwide. Our consecutive interpreter in Johannesburg are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Contact us today for a Free Quote
Email: info@frenchside.co.za
Cell: 081 347 6060
Tel: 012 348 3134
