Frequently Asked Questions

Translators transfer written text from one language to another, for example contracts, correspondence, brochures, regulations. Interpreters transmit verbal contributions from speakers during negotiations, AGMs, meetings and conferences.

Simultaneous interpretation:
The message is rendered into the required language(s) more or less in real time. More

Consecutive interpretation:
Speaker and interpreter alternate. More

Spoken language is rendered into other languages almost instantaneously. The interpreters sit in interpreting booths, hear the speakers via headsets and deliver their interpretation into a microphone. The interpretation is transmitted to receivers/headsets worn by participants, who can select the language they would like to listen to. For simultaneous interpretation the interpreters work in sound-proof mobile or built-in booths (see: technical equipment). As the work calls for supreme levels of concentration, interpreters usually work in teams of two so that they can relieve each other every 20 to 30 minutes.

Today simultaneous interpretation is the most frequently-used mode of interpreting. In Switzerland it is typically used for:

• Meetings of international organizations
• AGMs of Swiss corporations, pension funds, industry federations and associations
• Technical conferences
• Television broadcasts

Whispered interpretation is a special form of simultaneous interpretation which requires no equipment and is suitable for a maximum of two listeners.

In consecutive interpretation, speaker and interpreter take turns to speak. The interpreter uses special note-taking skills to record the speech. Consecutive interpreting requires about twice as much time as simultaneous interpretation. In Switzerland consecutive interpreting is typically used for:

• Welcome speeches, official speeches
• Bilateral negotiations

A-language: Mother tongue
B-language: Active language. The conference interpreter works from and into this language.
C-language: Passive language. The conference interpreter only works from (not into) this language.

There is no single answer. The number of interpreters depends on:

• The number of languages from which and into which interpretation is required
• The mode of interpretation (simultaneous or consecutive)
• The length of the meeting
• The number of break-out sessions requiring interpreters

Example: For simultaneous interpretation for a series of presentations at a conference you should normally reckon on 2-3 interpreters per active language. More interpreters are needed if break-out sessions requiring interpretation are planned. You can find detailed information in AIIC’s Professional Standards. The client can choose to work with a consultant interpreter, who will help the client establish a detailed brief and propose the best solution.

For the same reason that you always have two pilots in a plane’s cockpit. Simultaneous interpretation calls for supreme levels of concentration. To maintain the very best professional standards, the interpreters alternate every 20 to 30 minutes. During his time off an interpreter is not inactive but helps his colleague by finding documents and jotting down numbers and names. It is team work.

This depends on the mode of interpretation to be used and the structure of the meeting.

For consecutive interpretation the interpreter generally needs the same equipment as the speaker (e.g. a microphone).

For simultaneous interpretation the interpreters require special equipment and booths with a direct sound feed from the room, and in some cases monitors, cameras, etc.

Your consultant interpreter or a reputable equipment supplier can advise you. In Switzerland a good number of venues such as hotels, congress centres and exhibition centres have built-in booths for interpreters.

The following standards apply to simultaneous interpretation equipment:

• ISO 22259:2019 Conference Systems – Equipment – Requirements
• ISO 20109:2016 Simultaneous Interpretation – Equipment – Requirements

For events with video-conferencing/remote interpretation, further information is available under Resources and links / RSI – remote simultaneous interpreting

Interpreting is not the mechanical transfer of words but the rendering of complex and technical content, in accordance with the speaker’s intention. Every company and every organization has its own jargon. Interpreters use preparatory material such as presentations, background information and scripts to acquaint themselves with the subject and the speaker’s intention. They draw up lists of terminology, so they can learn the specialist vocabulary before the meeting. With such preparation, interpreters fully master the subject under discussion and make sure that communication really works.

In line with AIIC’s Code of Professional Ethics, all documents are treated confidentially as a matter of course.

AIIC is the only international association of conference interpreters and has over 3,000 members across all five continents.

Simultaneous interpretation first became established in the years after World War II with the Nuremberg Trials and many other political conferences. There was a rapid increase in the number of conference interpreters. Some interpreters recognised by the early 1950s that the growing profession needed rules and representatives who could speak on their behalf. They established AIIC in Paris in 1953 and approved the first rules such as the Code of Professional Ethics and Professional Standards.

The titles “interpreter”, “conference interpreter” and “simultaneous interpreter” are not protected. With its stringent Rules of Admission, its Code of Professional Ethics and its Professional Standards, AIIC is a guarantor of quality in a confusing and varied market.

The Swiss region of AIIC has 285 members, who serve their clients on a daily basis at events including:

• Swiss national conferences
• Corporate events
• Meetings of international organizations
• International congresses
• Contract negotiations

The following aspects are important when selecting interpreters:

• Language combinations: from and into which languages is interpreting required?
• How many interpreters are needed?
• Qualified graduate conference interpreters
• Professional experience
• Professional conduct
• Professional secrecy
• Membership of professional associations such as AIIC
• References
• Expert advice
• Transparent pricing

Qualifications and experience

AIIC interpreters are highly qualified and experienced conference interpreters. Most are graduates of an internationally-recognized university or college. Interpreters must have worked 150 days before they can apply for AIIC membership, and applicants need the support of existing members who can vouch for their proficiency in the appropriate languages.

Professionalism and confidentiality

By joining AIIC, members undertake to abide by the Association’s Professional Standards and its Code of Professional Ethics. These two documents set standards for professional behaviour, the importance of preparation, quality assurance, team strength, confidentiality, etc. This guarantees the best possible service to the client.

Fully prepared

In line with AIIC’s Code of Professional Ethics, members are obliged to prepare appropriately for every assignment. They use material provided by the client (e.g. presentations and speaking notes) and gather background information in order to acquaint themselves with the subject, the purpose of the meeting and the specialist terminology. In this way they ensure smooth and fluid communication

Up-to-date

Thanks to its global network of training  (see: AIIC-CH events or AIIC International events) and professional information (e.g. News, Research), AIIC ensures that its members stay up-to-the-minute professionally and technically and provides further training in new areas of expertise.

Fee: Interpreters are usually paid a daily fee which includes all preparation time for the assignment.

Cancellation fee: Once an assignment is confirmed, interpreters refuse other work for the same day. In the event of cancellation they therefore charge a cancellation fee. This may be offset if another assignment replaces the one which was cancelled.

Travel time allowance: This covers time spent travelling on the day before or the day after the assignment.

Subsistence allowance: This is to cover the cost of meals, hotel accommodation and transport at the venue. If the client provides hotel accommodation, a reduced allowance is due.

Travel costs for travelling to and from the venue if not in the interpreter’s professional domicile.

Cost of interpretation equipment and other technical kit that meets ISO/DIN standards from a reputable supplier with a qualified technician in attendance throughout the event.

Copyright fee: May be charged if the interpretation is streamed or recorded for later use.

There are few places on earth where interpreters have not worked. And many interpreters have anecdotes about attending high-profile meetings where they had to learn how to curtsy, or tales of donning a hardhat on a building site or a rubber apron in an abattoir.

Common assignments include:

• Meetings or overseas trips with politicians or business people
• Technical conferences
• Congresses
• AGMs
• Meetings of governing bodies
• Meetings of sports federations, trade union internationals, international organizations and the like
• Broadcasts on television, radio and new media
• Negotiations