Simultaneous Interpretation
Professional Simultaneous Interpretation Services in South Africa
Soror Language Services provides professional simultaneous interpretation for conferences, seminars, conventions, presentations, workshops and multilingual events throughout South Africa.
In simultaneous interpretation, the interpreter conveys the speaker's message into another language while the speaker continues speaking. Delegates can therefore follow the presentation in their preferred language with minimal interruption to the event programme.
The interpreting team, equipment and technical setup depend on the languages required, number of delegates, venue, programme and duration of the event.
How Simultaneous Interpretation Works
Simultaneous interpreting is designed for situations where a speaker needs to continue presenting while delegates listen to the interpreted language at approximately the same time.
1. The Speaker Presents
The presenter speaks normally into the venue microphone or sound system.
The interpreter listens to the original speech through the interpreting system.
2. The Interpreter Interprets
The interpreter listens, processes the message and conveys it into the target language while the speaker continues.
This requires sustained concentration, preparation and appropriate interpreting conditions.
3. Delegates Listen
Delegates select the required language channel and listen to the interpretation through receivers, headsets or the applicable event platform.
When Is Simultaneous Interpretation Used?
Simultaneous interpretation is particularly useful where regular pauses would disrupt the flow or timing of the programme.
Conferences
Multilingual conferences, conventions, summits and large professional events.
Corporate Events
Company presentations, stakeholder meetings, launches and corporate gatherings.
Seminars
Professional seminars and educational events where participants require real-time language access.
Government & Public Events
Public participation, stakeholder engagements, forums and multilingual meetings.
Training Programmes
Large training sessions where participants need to follow the same presentation in different languages.
Hybrid & Online Events
Suitable virtual and hybrid events where the technical platform supports multilingual interpretation.
For smaller meetings where regular pauses are practical, consecutive interpretation may be more appropriate. Learn about Consecutive Interpretation →
Simultaneous Interpretation for Conferences
Simultaneous interpretation is commonly used at conferences because it allows presentations to continue without the speaker stopping after each section.
It can be especially useful where delegates speak different languages, the programme contains multiple presentations or strict timing needs to be maintained.
Some conferences use simultaneous interpreting during plenary sessions and consecutive interpreting during smaller workshops, interviews or side meetings.
Multiple Language Channels
A multilingual conference may require more than one interpreted language channel.
For example, speakers may present in English while different groups of delegates listen in selected South African or international languages.
The number of languages affects the interpreter teams, booths, consoles, receivers and overall technical arrangement required.
Simultaneous Interpretation Equipment
Professional simultaneous interpretation normally requires an appropriate technical setup so that interpreters can hear the speaker clearly and delegates can receive the interpreted audio.
Interpreter Booths
Booths provide interpreters with an appropriate working environment and help separate the interpreter's voice from the conference room.
Interpreter Consoles
Consoles allow interpreters to receive the source audio and transmit the interpreted language through the appropriate language channel.
Receivers & Headsets
Delegates use receivers and headsets to select and listen to the required interpreted language.
Microphones & Audio Feed
Clear source audio is essential. The interpreting system must receive the speaker's voice clearly and consistently.
Transmitters
The interpreted audio is transmitted to delegates through the appropriate event interpretation system.
Technical Planning
Venue layout, audience size, number of languages and available infrastructure should be assessed before the event.
View Interpretation Equipment →Why Simultaneous Interpreters Work in Teams
Simultaneous interpreting requires continuous listening, language processing and speaking at the same time.
For longer assignments, interpreters may work as a team and alternate at appropriate intervals so that the interpreting function can be maintained throughout the programme.
The number of interpreters required depends on the duration, language combination, programme and complexity of the assignment.
Preparation Before the Event
Conference interpreters benefit from receiving relevant material before the event.
Where available, send presentation slides, agendas, programmes, terminology lists, speaker names, technical documentation and other relevant reference material.
This helps the interpreters familiarise themselves with terminology, names, abbreviations and specialist subject matter before the assignment begins.
South African, African and International Languages
Simultaneous interpretation can be arranged for South African, African and international language requirements, subject to the language pair, event date, location and interpreter availability.
Frequently requested South African languages include Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sesotho, Setswana, Sepedi, siSwati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga, together with English.
For events involving several languages, send us the complete language requirements so that the interpreting teams and technical channels can be assessed together.
How to Arrange Simultaneous Interpretation
Send us the key details of your event and we will assess the interpreting and technical requirements.
Send Event Details
Provide the date, venue, start and finish times, programme and estimated number of delegates.
Confirm Languages
Tell us the speaker languages and which interpreted languages the delegates require.
Assess Team & Equipment
We assess interpreter requirements, language channels and the technical setup required.
Receive Your Quote
A quotation is prepared according to the confirmed assignment and technical requirements.
Information We Need for a Simultaneous Interpretation Quote
Supplying complete information helps us assess the event correctly from the beginning.
Why Choose SLS for Simultaneous Interpretation?
Simultaneous interpreting requires coordination between the interpreters, event programme, language requirements and technical environment.
Related Interpretation Services
Explore the interpretation service that best matches your meeting or event.
Conference Interpretation
Interpretation planning for multilingual conferences, seminars, workshops and professional events.
Conference Interpretation →Consecutive Interpretation
Suitable for smaller meetings and discussions where the speaker can pause while the interpreter conveys the message.
Consecutive Interpretation →Interpretation Equipment
Equipment solutions for simultaneous interpretation and multilingual events.
Interpretation Equipment →Simultaneous Interpretation FAQs
What is simultaneous interpretation?
Simultaneous interpretation is a method in which the interpreter conveys the speaker's message into another language while the speaker continues speaking. Delegates normally listen to the interpreted language through a headset or suitable event platform.
What is the difference between simultaneous and consecutive interpretation?
In simultaneous interpretation, the interpreter works while the speaker continues speaking. In consecutive interpretation, the speaker pauses at intervals while the interpreter conveys the message. The most suitable method depends on the meeting or event format.
Does simultaneous interpretation require equipment?
In many conference environments, yes. Equipment may include interpreter booths, consoles, microphones, transmitters, receivers and headsets. The exact setup depends on the venue, audience and number of language channels.
Why are two interpreters sometimes required?
Simultaneous interpreting requires sustained concentration. For longer assignments, interpreters may need to work as a team and alternate at appropriate intervals. The required team size depends on the event.
Can you provide several languages at the same conference?
Multilingual requirements can be assessed according to the language combinations, programme, venue and interpreter availability. Additional languages may require additional interpreter teams and technical channels.
What information should we send interpreters before the event?
Where available, provide the agenda, programme, presentation slides, speaker names, terminology lists and relevant background material.
Can simultaneous interpretation be provided remotely?
Remote simultaneous interpretation may be possible for suitable online or hybrid events. The platform, technical setup, languages and number of participants should be assessed in advance.
How is simultaneous interpretation priced?
Pricing depends on the languages required, duration, number of interpreters, venue, travel requirements, event programme and equipment requirements. Send us the full event details for a quotation.
Request a Simultaneous Interpretation Quote
Send us your event date, venue, languages, programme, delegate numbers and equipment requirements. We will assess the assignment and provide a quotation.