Typical Mistakes of Junior Simultaneous Interpreters

Today we will talk about five typical "idols", i.e. misconceptions that prevent effective work in simultaneous translation.

1. False perfectionism

Many people strive to convey every thought perfectly, as in written translation. But syncing is about limited time and speed. It is better to choose an adequate option quickly, albeit less accurate, than to linger and skip a few phrases.

2. Idols of recognition

When a familiar phrase comes across, the brain happily "clings" to it and tries to translate it word-for-word, sometimes to the detriment of understanding more important thoughts. You need to be able to shorten and skip the secondary in order to maintain the overall essence and pace.

3. Fear of generalization

Converting specific details into more general concepts is an important technique in simultaneous interpretation. Do not be afraid to translate "detail" instead of a complex specific term, the main thing is to convey the idea and preserve the semantic core.

4. Fear of literal translation

Junior interpreters are often afraid to use even a partial literal translation for fear of making a mistake. In conditions of time constraints, a literal translation, if it is understandable and does not violate the norms of the language, may be justified, especially when there is no alternative.

5. Idol of seriousness

It is believed that simultaneous interpretation should sound too formal and "prim". In fact, even at serious events, it is important to convey the speaker's natural intonation, emotions, and lively language. This makes the translation more vivid and understandable.

Understanding and overcoming these misconceptions will help reduce fears, improve skills, and work confidently in the profession.