Glossary of Language Interpretation Terms A-D Audio Feedback Bilingual Booth Closed Captions Consecutive Interpretation Delegate I-Ra Infrared Receiver Interference Interpreters' Console Interpreter's Microphone Radio Receivers Real-time Closed Captions Re-Ta Receiver Relay Set-up Simultaneous Interpretation Sound-proof Booths Tabletop Booths Te-W Technician Tour-guide System Translation Transmitter Travel Time Walk-in Booths Audio Feedback An undesired effect—usually a humming or high-pitched wailing sound—resulting from an improperly balanced volume between the microphone and the output speakers. Can be controlled by qualified technicians. See also Services. Bilingual A person who understands and communicates in two languages. Not necessarily qualified to interpret simultaneously, unless specially trained. See 7 Steps to a Great Conference Booth A sound barrier that surrounds the interpreters, allowing the interpreters to concentrate better on the message without distractions. When placed in the same room as the event, they also insulate the voices of interpreters from the delegates sitting nearby. See also sound-proof booth and table-top booth. See also Equipment Rental & Sales. Consecutive Interpretation The method of interpretation, in which the interpreters take notes while allowing the speaker to talk for a moment or more. The interpreters interpret the message based on his/her notes. No special equipment is needed. This method is often used in courtrooms. See also Services. Delegate A person attending your meeting as a guest to listen to your speaker. Also a generic term for any meeting participant when there is no clear distinction between speaker and audience, as in brainstorming sessions. Infrared receiver A small device which receives the interpreted message via infrared signals. Includes a small earpiece which fits discreetly over the ear. Allows meeting delegates to hear the interpreted message in a secure setting. As small and lightweight as their radio counterparts, but work only in the same room as the speaker. An expensive option but the best choice for those organizations—like the military—who want the highest degree of security for sensitive issues such as secret formulas or strategic new product developments. See also radio receivers. See also Equipment Rental & Sales. Interference The result of too many radio frequencies being used in close proximity. Causes a break-up or interruption of the audio signal. May be manifested in the receiver earpiece as hissing or crackling noises, overlapping speakers, garbled audio, or intermittent reception. Can be prevented by using properly-trained technicians and appropriate equipment. See also Equipment Rental & Sales. Interpreter A highly trained person who specializes in spoken translation of one language into one or more other languages. We use also use this term to distinguish between trained persons and regular bilingual persons. See also Services. Interpreters' Console An audio control center which allows interpreters to control the volume of the incoming message as well as direct the interpreters' outbound (interpreted) signal to a particular transmitter. See also Equipment Rental & Sales. Interpreter's Microphone The device into which the interpreter speaks. The interpretation signal is then sent to a transmitter which sends the signal to the delegates' receivers. See also Equipment Rental & Sales. Radio receivers A small device which receives the interpreted message via radio signals. Includes a small earpiece which fits discretely over the ear. The best all-around solution for allowing meeting delegates to hear the interpreted message. Can pick up signals from up to 300 feet away—including through walls. Give attendees maximum flexibility to move around the conference venue. Economical, small, lightweight, and offer six channels (one for each language). The top choice for most conferences and meetings. See also infrared receivers. See also Equipment Rental & Sales. Real-time closed captioning The process of converting a spoken message into closed captions which are usually then projected on a screen. Occurs in real time. Assists the hearing impaired in understanding the speaker. Requires a specially-trained stenotyper. See also Services. Receiver A small device which receives the interpreted message via radio signals. Includes a small earpiece which fits discretely over the ear. Can use either radio or infrared technologies. See also Equipment Rental & Sales. Relay A subset of simultaneous interpretation services. The process by which several languages are interpreted by relying on the interpretation of one or more previously interpreted languages. Requires the interpreters' set-ups to be interconnected with special equipment. Can be described as a chain reaction of interpretation. The method of interpretation used at United Nations meetings. See also Services. Set-up Refers to all the required equipment in the interpreters' booth, including interpreters' console, interpreter's microphone, and transmitter. May also refer to the process of setting up the equipment before the meeting begins. See also Services. Simultaneous Interpretation The spoken conveyance of ideas and concepts from one language into one or more other languages. Places a heavy emphasis on communicating at the same rate as the speaker. Differs from translation in that it requires special equipment and involves the interpreter's interpretation of what is being said rather than exact word-for-word translation. See also Services. Soundproof Booths Also called walk-in booths. Give interpreters a nearly-silent presence in your room. Completely surround the interpreters, confining their voices within the six-foot high walls. Best for sound-proofing meetings in small intimate rooms, when the original message is interpreted into multiple languages, or when interpreters will be within ten feet of the nearest attendee's chair. See also Equipment Rental & Sales. Tabletop Booths Sound barriers between the interpreters in the back of the room and the meeting attendees. Light, easily transportable, and inexpensive. Best used in large meeting rooms, when the original message is interpreted into only one language, or when the interpreters are at least ten feet from the nearest attendee's chair. See also Equipment Rental & Sales. Technician A person trained to set up and control interpreter's equipment and prevent common audio problems involved with simultaneous interpretation. Monitors equipment for proper transmission and reception, as well as feedback and interference. See also Services. Tour-guide system A small portable system used for interpreting to small groups. Affords high mobility (hence the name). A low cost solution for interpretation services--but not recommended for most situations. See also Equipment Rental & Sales. Translation The written conveyance of ideas and concepts from one language into one or more other languages. Requires the translators to be versatile in word processing and computing skills. Requires an understanding for the perceived meaning of particular words and phrases in the lingual and cultural context of the end language, but still closely approximates the original message in content and form. See also Services. Transmitter Receives the interpreters' outbound (interpreted) signal and sends it on a predetermined channel to the delegates' receivers. Each interpreted language is sent on a different channel. See also Equipment Rental & Sales. Travel time A billing procedure by which interpreters charge for their time spent traveling to the meeting/conference location. Compensates interpreters for the expenditure of time which could have been spent generating interpreting revenue. Walk-in Booths See Soundproof booths See also Equipment Rental & Sales.

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