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Translation/Interpretation Industry Glossary
A language
The interpreter’s dominant language, into which he or she is competent to interpret professionally. Usually, but not always, this is the interpreter’s native language.
Accreditation
A formal process for evaluating the competence of a translator, which may include examinations, a review of education and experience, etc., conducted by a professional association, such as the American Translators Association.
Accredited translator
A translator who has received accreditation from a professional association, such as the American Translators Association.
Active languages
(1) The language or languages into which an interpreter is competent to interpret professionally.
(2) The term is also used in meetings & conventions to mean the target languages into which interpreting is provided. For example, in a convention where all presentations are to be given in English and interpretation is provided into Spanish, French, and Russian, these three would be the active languages, while English would be the passive language.
B language
Language other than the interpreter's dominant language, in which he or she has native language competence and into which he or she is competent to interpret professionally. An interpreter may have one or more B languages.
Back translation
A translation of a translation. It is a common misconception that the quality of a translation can be judged by having a second translator translate a translated text back into its source language. In fact, the opposite is true; the worse the translation, the closer the back translation will adhere to the original. The reason for this is that a bad translation normally follows very closely the wording of the original, but not the meaning. The best examples of this are the word-for-word translations produced by the different online machine translation tools, such as Babel Fish.
Booth
Interpretation booths are divided into fixed, which are built into some conference rooms, and mobile, which are set up and dismantled wherever needed, typically in hotels and convention centers. There can be huge differences in the quality of mobile booths, from full booths to tabletop booths. The best comply with ISO 4043.
C language
The source languages from which an interpreter is competent to interpret professionally. Interpreters may have several C languages.
Certified court interpreter
A person who has passed an examination to assess competency to interpret during court proceedings. Court interpreters are certified by the different States and by the Federal Government.
See also Federally Certified Court Interpreters.
Certified translation
In the US, a certified translation is one where the translator has signed an oath before a notary public certifying the accuracy and correctness of the translation, as well as the fact that he is qualified to make such a certification.
Since in the US, there are no restrictions as to who can or cannot be a translator, anyone willing to swear that he or she is qualified to translate into and from a language pair can certify a translation.
Certified translator
There is no such thing, contrary to the claims made by countless "certified translators" who advertise themselves as such, as there is no official certification program for translators in the US.
Computer Translation
Also known as machine translation, such as Google translates. However, a distinction should be made between computer-aided translation, where the translator uses software to aid in the translation and a machine translation, where there is no human intervention.
Computer-assisted translation
Translation using software that manages dictionaries and user-defined glossaries. When the program encounters previously translated words and phrases, it suggests a translation and the translator decides whether to accept or reject it.
Conference interpretation
Interpretation (oral translation of a speech) during a conference or convention. Although most conference interpretation is simultaneous interpretation, the two terms are not synonymous. Sometimes conferences may also involve consecutive interpretation.
Conference interpreter
An interpreter trained, knowledgeable, and experienced in conference interpretation.
Conference translator
A person who translates written text intended for use during a conference, or generated during a conference (such as conference proceedings, etc.) Sometimes the term is erroneously applied to a conference interpreter.
Confidentiality
For translators and interpreters, professional confidentiality is absolute. It goes into effect the moment the translator or interpreter is given access to the client's information and remains in effect until his or her death. It applies in all cases, with no exceptions. Some countries have laws granting client-translator and client-interpreter confidentiality the same status as is enjoyed by physicians and lawyers.
Consecutive interpretation
Oral translation of speech into another language, after the speaker speaks. The interpreter takes notes while the speaker talks and then delivers the interpretation while the speaker is silent. No equipment is used. Often used in business meetings, negotiations, and press conferences.
Consecutive interpreter
An interpreter who listens while the speaker speaks and then interprets while the speaker pauses. The interpreter providing consecutive interpretation sits, either at the same table as the speaker, or at separate table, and speaks, either into the same microphone, or a separate microphone, so that everyone in the room can hear. The interpreter may take notes while he or she listens.
Court interpretation
The process of providing interpretation in a court setting or during court-related proceedings, such as depositions.
Court interpreter
An interpreter for court-related proceedings. Not to be confused with a legal interpreter, who is a highly qualified simultaneous interpreter with knowledge of comparative law and the legal systems of civil law countries and common law countries.
Dialect
What constitutes a dialect and what to do about it is one of the most misunderstood concepts in translation, perhaps second only to the "native speaker" syndrome (the pernicious idea, promoted by some language schools, that being a native speaker qualifies a person to translate).
Every major language has regional and class variations, but more importantly, every language also has clear standards and guidelines for correct and incorrect grammar and usage.
Although there may be times when it is appropriate to write in a regional or class dialect (targeted advertising comes to mind), business communications (and this includes technical writings, contracts, legislation, financial statements, etc.) must always be written in standard language.
Dominant language
This term has two distinct meanings:
1) the language of primary competence, the language that a person knows best, which may or may not be the person’s native language. For example, in the case of immigrants educated primarily (or exclusively) in the US, although their native language may be other than English, their primary language competence is in English, not in their native language.
2) the language spoken by the dominant class, the recognized standard of correct grammar and usage. Some examples would be "the King's English," "New York Times English", the Spanish prescribed by the Real Academia, etc. The more usual term for this is standard language.
Equipment
The quality of a simultaneous interpretation depends largely on the quality of the equipment available to the interpreter. The quality of the booth, field of vision, headphones, microphones, sound quality, etc. are integral components of the simultaneous interpretation services.
Equipment company
A company whose primary business consists of supplying various types of equipment for meetings and conventions. As a sideline, they usually also "source out" interpreters who may, or may not be competent, but who will surely not be able to do their best work since the equipment people know nothing of interpretation and can offer them neither guidance nor supervision.
Equivalence
The concept that translation or interpretation must strive to transfer meaning from one language to its equivalent in another, taking into consideration the class, culture, profession, etc. of both the source and the target text or speech.
Equivalent language
The language of the equivalent time period and class or profession in the other language. For example, if the source text is an article published in a US medical journal, and the target language is Spanish, the equivalent language would be the language used in medical journal articles published in Spanish-speaking countries at around the same timeframe as the original.
Escort interpreter
An interpreter who travels with an individual or small delegation during technical, state visits, trade shows, etc., usually performing whispering interpreting or wireless interpreting.
Federally Certified Court Interpreter
A court interpreter who has passed the examination to assess competency to interpret during federal court proceedings, given under the Court Interpreters Act.
Not to be confused with a legal interpreter, who is a highly qualified simultaneous interpreter with knowledge of comparative law and the legal systems of civil law countries and common law countries and a much higher level of competence.
Fixed booth
A fixed booth is an interpretation booth that is built permanently into some conference centers, as opposed to a mobile booth, which can be assembled and disassembled and is set up in meeting rooms when needed. See also ISO Standards for Fixed Booths.
FM interpretation equipment
Interpretation equipment that transmits sound over FM radio frequencies. FM systems consist of a transmitter and a receiver. The advantages of FM interpretation systems are their ease of installation, reliability, and wide range. In cases where secrecy is desired, the wide range can be a disadvantage, as a person with a receiver tuned to the proper frequency can sometimes hear perfectly from as far away as 500 yards or more, even from a different building. Radio frequency systems are also more susceptible to radio interference than IR systems.
Glossary
Glossaries are essential tools for translators, but must never be considered substitutes for translating competence. A good glossary will make a good translator better, but it is of little help to a poor translator. Glossaries should be generated by the translators or translation companies, sometimes with the assistance of the client.
Hybridization
(1) The assimilation of foreign terms into a language
(2) The intermingling of the legal systems of common law and civil law countries as a consequence of globalization.
Idiomatic translation
A translation that conveys the meaning of the original, or source text, by using equivalent language and the forms and structures of the target language, in order to produce a translation that reads like an original.
Infrared interpretation equipment
Interpretation equipment that uses infrared emissions to transmit sound. Infrared systems require an emitter, a modulator, and receivers. They are less susceptible to radio interference than FM systems, but they require a clear line of sight between the emitter or radiator and the receiver and are susceptible to light. They are recommended for meetings where secrecy is important, as the interpretation cannot be heard outside of the emitter's well-defined radiation pattern.
Interpretation
The oral translation of spoken language. Interpretation can be simultaneous (at the same time and same rate of speech as the speaker) or consecutive (the speaker speaks, then pauses while the interpreter interprets, then speaks again).
Interpretation booth
Interpretation booths are divided into fixed, which are built into some conference rooms, and mobile, which are set up and dismantled wherever needed, typically in hotels and convention centers. The best comply with ISO 4043.
Interpretation equipment
Equipment used in simultaneous interpretation. Simultaneous interpreting requires (1) appropriate equipment for the interpreters. This includes, at a minimum, interpreter headphones, microphones, amplifiers, control consoles, and a booth (fixed or mobile) that meets ISO standards of sound insulation, dimensions, air quality, and accessibility. It may also include risers, video monitors, and other equipment, depending on the venue or application; and (2) appropriate equipment for the participants. This includes transmitters, receivers, headphones or earphones, and any other equipment required by the venue or particular application. Click here for more information.
Interpretation equipment company
A company whose primary business consists of supplying interpretation equipment for meetings and conventions.
Interpretation team
A simultaneous interpretation team is made up of two, or sometimes three interpreters, depending on the language and various other factors.
The essential qualities of an interpretation team are competence, teamwork, and mutual assistance. Since members must complement one another's skills, the selection of team members is extremely important and must be based on a thorough knowledge of each member's strengths and weaknesses, as well as of the specific demands of the subject matter and target audience of the meeting.
Interpreter
A person who translates spoken language orally, as opposed to a translator, who translates written language
Interpreter booth
Interpretation booths are divided into fixed, which are built into some conference rooms, and mobile, which are set up and dismantled wherever needed, typically in hotels and convention centers. Mobile booths can be full, walk-in booths or simple tabletop booths.
Interpreter console
Any of a number of different devices, such as the IC-2 or the Interpreter Desk used by simultaneous interpreters to control the interpreter's microphone and headphones. As a minimum, an interpreter console must include a volume control for the interpreter's headphones, a switch to turn the microphone on and off, and a mute or cough button that the interpreter can press to turn off the microphone momentarily.
Interpreter equipment
Equipment used by the interpreters, as opposed to the equipment used by the participants. This includes, interpreters' headphones, microphones, amplifiers, control consoles, and a booth (fixed or mobile) that meets ISO standards of sound insulation, dimensions, air quality, and accessibility. It may also include risers, video monitors, and other equipment, depending on the venue or application. Click here for more information.
Interpreter neutrality
The concept that establishes that the interpreter’s job is to convey the meaning of the speaker’s discourse and under no circumstances may he or she allow personal opinion to tinge the interpretation.
Interpreting
The process of translating spoken language orally, as opposed to translating, which deals with written language.
IR interpretation equipment
Interpretation equipment that uses infrared (IR) emissions to transmit sound. Infrared systems require an emitter, a modulator, and receivers. They are less susceptible to radio interference than FM systems, but they require a clear line of sight between the emitter and the receiver and are very susceptible to light. They are recommended for meetings where secrecy is important, as the interpretation cannot be heard outside of the emitter's well-defined radiation pattern. Click here for more information.
ISO
Acronym for the International Organization for Standardization, a worldwide federation of national standards bodies (ISO member bodies).
ISO Standards
Standards defined by the International Organization for Standardization, which are named as ISO + a number.
The work of preparing International standards is normally carried out through ISO technical committees. each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
Draft International Standards adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75% of the member bodies casting a vote.
Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75% of the national bodies casting a vote.
Source: International Organization for Standardization, AIIC.
ISO Standards for Fixed Booths
These standards are set forth in ISO 2603-Fixed booths for simultaneous interpretation. ISO 2603 was first issued in 1974 and revised in 1983 and 1998, and evaluated by the technical committees of the International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC) and the Joint Service Interpretation-Conferences (JSIC) of the European Commission (EU).
Source: International Organization for Standardization, AIIC.
ISO Standards for Mobile Booths
Are set forth in ISO 4043-Mobile booths for simultaneous interpretation. This standard was prepared at the request of the International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC) and the Joint Service Interpretation-Conferences (JSIC) of the European Commission (EU). Its purpose is to define optimal conditions for simultaneous interpretation using mobile booths. It adapts ISO 2603 to booths that must be set up and dismantled in facilities not equipped with fixed booths.
Source: International Organization for Standardization, AIIC.
Language combination
(1) The languages a translator translates from and into.
(2) The source language and target languages of a translation or interpretation.
(3) The languages interpreters work into (active language) and from (passive language) during an interpretation.
Language competence
The ability to read, write, and speak a language at the level of a college-educated native speaker. Although language competence is a basic requirement of translation competence, it is not a criterion for judging a person’s ability to translate. Translation competence requires much more than simple language competence.
Language pair
(1) The two languages a translator or interpreter translates from and into.
(2) The source language and target language of a translation or interpretation.
(3) The two languages an interpreter works into (active language) and from (passive language) during a given interpretation. See also language combination.
Legal interpretation
Interpretation of speeches at continuing legal education seminars, bar association conventions, etc. Not to be confused with court interpretation.
Legal interpreter
A legal interpreter is not to be confused with a court interpreter. Legal interpreters are highly skilled interpreters with an extensive knowledge of comparative law who interpret at continuing legal education seminars, bar association conventions, etc.
Legal translation
The translation of legal documents such as contracts, legislation, etc.
Legal translator
A translator with extensive knowledge of comparative law who specializes in international contracts, licenses, franchises, legislation, and other international legal documents. It takes a highly skilled legal translator to translate legal documents from a civil law country into the language of a common law country and vice versa, since many of the legal concepts do not have exact parallels.
Literal translation
Translation that closely follows the form of the source text. Because language derives a great deal of meaning from its form, a literal translation distorts meaning and often reads as nonsense. See also word-for-word translation.
Literary translator
A translator who specializes in the translation of fiction, such as novels and poetry.
Localization
One of the most overused words of the last few years. In the context of translation, it usually refers to the process of adapting software to the specific language, technical standards, laws, and requirements of the target market, as for example, translating screen texts, help files, etc.
Machine translation
Machine translation refers to any kind of translation performed by translation software, hand-held translators, and online translators, such as Google Translates. Machine translation is extremely poor in quality, since it cannot provide for the complexities of the source and target languages. It is useful for obtaining a general idea about the content of a text and deciding whether to have it translated by a human translator.
Medical interpretation
Interpretation during medical conventions, continuing medical education seminars, medical equipment demonstrations, teaching of new surgical procedures, etc.
Medical interpreter
A highly skilled interpreter with knowledge of medical procedures and specialties, who interprets during medical conventions, continuing medical education seminars, medical equipment demonstrations, teaching of new surgical procedures, etc.
Not to be confused with health care interpreters, who interpret for patients during consultations with health care personnel.
Medical translation
Translation of medical texts, such as research, medical devices, medical equipment manuals, books, patents, etc.
Medical translator
A translator who specializes in the translation of medical texts, such as research, medical devices, medical equipment manuals, books, patents, etc.
Mobile booth
A mobile booth is an interpreting booth that can be assembled and disassembled and which is set up in meeting rooms when needed, as opposed to a fixed booth, which is built permanently into some conference centers. See also ISO Standards for Mobile Booths.
Mobile simultaneous interpreting
Interpretation using a small wireless transmitter. The interpreter whispers into a microphone attached to the transmitter and the participants listen through headphones attached to receivers.
The advantage of this system is that it is mobile and can handle more participants than whisper interpretation. The disadvantages, as for whisper interpretation, are that it does not permit sound isolation or amplification, and it is very taxing for the interpreter. It is designed for touring trade shows, factories, plants, etc. It can also be used for brief presentations, press conferences, etc. See also simultaneous interpreting without a booth.
Native language
The first language learned by a person, which may or may not be the person’s dominant language or language of primary competence. Native speakers can have a grossly inadequate knowledge of their native language, particularly when they have been brought up and educated in a country where a language other than their native language is spoken.
Native language competence
Oral and written command of a language equivalent to that of a person born, educated, and living in the country where that language is spoken.
Native speaker
A person who speaks the first language he or she learned, which may or may not be the person’s dominant language or language of primary competence. Native speakers can have a grossly inadequate knowledge of their native language, depending on their education and the country where that education was obtained.
For example, a person born in Mexico who immigrated to the United States as a child and received all his education here, is a native speaker of Spanish but will have a very limited knowledge of that language; his dominant language will be English.
Neutrality
In the context of translation, it refers to the concept that establishes that the translator’s or interpreter’s job is to convey the meaning of the source text or speaker’s discourse, and under no circumstances may he or she allow personal opinion to tinge the translation or interpretation.
Passive languages
The languages from which an interpreter is competent to interpret professionally. The term is also used in meetings & conventions to mean the languages from which interpreting is provided.
For example, in a meeting where all presentations are given in English and interpretation is provided into Spanish, French, and Russian, English is the passive language and Spanish, French, and Russian the active languages.
Per-word rate
Industry standard for assessing cost of a translation. The per-word rate can be quoted based on the source word count (original text) or the target word count (translated text). Since there can be enormous differences in source and target word counts, depending on the languages involved, when comparing estimates for a translation be sure that the per-word rates you are comparing specify either source or target text.
Project Manager
(1) In a translation company, this is the person responsible for total translation project management.
(2) In international companies, this title is sometimes given to the person who supervises in-house translators, hires freelancers, and manages translations.
R
Radiofrequency interpretation equipment
Interpretation equipment that transmits sound over radio frequencies, usually called RF. RF systems consist of a transmitter and a receiver. The advantages of RF interpretation systems are their ease of installation, reliability, and wide range. In cases where secrecy is desired, the wide range can be a disadvantage, as a person with a receiver tuned to the proper frequency can sometimes hear perfectly from as far away as 500 yards, or more, even from a different building. Radio frequency systems are also more susceptible to radio interference than infrared interpretation equipment.
Receiver
A radio receiver or infrared receiver used to tune into the interpretation. They are just like small pocket radios, except that they are wired to operate only in the specific frequencies assigned to the interpretation equipment.
Relay
In simultaneous interpretation, this refers to interpreting from an interpretation, not directly from the speaker, and it is used when an interpreter does not know the language of the speaker.
This is how it works: The first interpreter interprets into his target language. The second interpreter listens to the first interpreter and interprets into her target language.
RF interpretation equipment
Radiofrequency interpretation equipment, which see.
S
Sight translation
The oral translation of a text. One example would be when a consecutive interpreter at a press conference is handed a prepared statement in English and asked to read it aloud, in the target language.
Simultaneous interpretation
The oral translation of spoken language into another language, at the same time and at the same rate of speech as the speaker.
Simultaneous interpretation equipment
Simultaneous interpreting requires (1) appropriate equipment for the interpreters. This includes, at a minimum, interpreter headphones, microphones, amplifiers, control consoles, and a booth (fixed or mobile) that meets ISO standards of sound insulation, dimensions, air quality, and accessibility. It may also include risers, video monitors, and other equipment, depending on the venue or application; and (2) appropriate equipment for the participants. This includes transmitters, receivers, headphones or earphones, and any other equipment required by the venue or particular application.
Simultaneous interpretation team
A simultaneous interpretation team is made up of two, or sometimes three interpreters, depending on the language and various other factors. The essential qualities of an interpretation team are competence, teamwork, and mutual assistance. Since members must complement one another's skills, the selection of team members is extremely important and must be based on a thorough knowledge of each member's strengths and weaknesses, as well as of the specific demands of the subject matter and target audience of the meeting.
Simultaneous interpreting without a booth
There are some situations and venues where simultaneous interpretation can be done without a booth. Depending on the needs of the meeting, we may use tabletop transmitters or wireless transmitters. The most common examples of simultaneous interpreting without a booth are site visits, trade shows, factory tours, poster sessions, etc. where the participants and interpreters are on the move; brief meetings (for example, lunch or dinner speeches); small meetings with ten or fewer participants (for example, board of directors or committee meetings)
Working without a booth is much more strenuous for the interpreters and more frequent breaks should be considered under these conditions.
Simultaneous interpreter
A person who translates speech orally into another language at the same time and at the same rate of speech as the speaker. Simultaneous interpreters must have, not only simultaneous interpreting competence (training, skill, and experience in interpreting from the source to the target language), but also a thorough knowledge of the source material in both the source and target languages.
Simultaneous translation
A misnomer: A translation is done in writing; an interpretation orally. If your supplier doesn't know the difference between translation and interpretation, this is one of the Red Flags & Warning Bells that your meeting is in trouble.
Simultaneous translation equipment
A misnomer: This term is often used by interpretation brokers and equipment companies who, apparently, don't know the difference between translation and interpretation. If your supplier doesn't know the difference between translating and interpreting, find one who does.
Simultaneous translator
A misnomer: A translator translates written text, in writing; an interpreter translates speech, orally. If your supplier doesn't know the difference between translating and interpreting, this is one of the Red Flags & Warning Bells that your meeting is in trouble.
Sound
The level and quality of sound is crucial for good simultaneous interpretation. Not only must all participants hear the interpreters clearly over their headphones, but also interpreters need to receive an even higher sound quality through their headphones than listeners, since they are speaking at the same time they are listening.
Sound insulation A measure of the amount of noise transmitted from a conference room to an interpretation booth, from an interpretation booth to a conference room, and from one interpretation booth to another adjacent booth.
The difference in sound pressure levels between an interpretation booth and the room where it is set up, or between two adjacent booths. The sound pressure levels are measured in octave bands, both in the booths and the room.
Soundproof booth
Although no mobile booth is truly soundproof, the term is commonly used to refer to an interpretation booth that complies with ISO 4043 requirements for sound insulation.
Source language
Language in which a text to be translated is written, or in which a speech to be interpreted is spoken. The language of the original text or speech.
Source text
The text to be translated. The original text, as opposed to the translated, or target, text.
Standard language
The language spoken by the dominant class and generally recognized as the standard of correct language. Some examples would be "the Queen's English," "New York Times English”, the Spanish prescribed by the Real Academia, etc.
Sworn translator
In some countries, a sworn translator is a certified translator accredited to translate court documents.
T
Tabletop booth
A 3-sided shield that sits on a table and provides varying measures of isolation and sound dampening. Its use should be restricted to situations where strict sound insulation is not required and the use of a walk-in booth is not practical.
Tabletop transmitter
A transmitter that must be plugged into an AC outlet. They include a wide variety of types, frequencies, powers, and ranges. For more information, click here.
Target audience
Strictly speaking, the end users of interpretation services, although it is also commonly used to refer to the end users of translation services, or target readership. Knowing the target audience and how it uses language is a crucial and essential component of the interpretation process.
Target language
Language into which a text is translated or a speech interpreted.
Target text
The end result of the translation process.
Technician
Interpretation technicians are a very important part of the interpretation services. They set up and maintain the interpreters' equipment and distribute and maintain the receivers used by the participants.
Tour guide systems
Wireless transmitters are also used by tour guides, who very properly call them tour guide systems. They consist of a wireless transmitter and receivers. For more information, click here.
Translating
The process of transferring the meaning of a written text from one language into its equivalent language in another. The process of crafting language to create parallel and equivalent mental structures. The question for the translator is not "how do you say that in...?", but, rather, "how would it have been said, had it been said originally in...?
Translation
The end result of the process of transferring the meaning of a written text from one language into another.
Translation equipment
Properly speaking, it refers to the computers and software used by translators, human or machine. However, the term is sometimes erroneously used to refer to interpretation equipment.
Translation Manager
In international companies, this title is sometimes given to the person who supervises in-house translators, hires freelancers, and manages translations.
Translation Project Manager
In a translation company, this is the person responsible for total translation project management.
Transmitter
A radio transmitter operating over an assigned frequency that transmits the interpreter's voice to a defined range, permitting the participants to tune their receivers and hear the interpreter.
V
Videoconference
Videoconferencing, where participants are at several different venues and use telecommunications for remote access, have become very popular. Simultaneous interpreting at videoconferences requires a high quality of sound and video reception, in order for the interpreters to be able to see and hear the speakers as if they were in the same room.
W
Whisper interpretation
Simultaneous interpretation without the use of interpretation equipment, where the interpreter sits close to the listener and whispers the interpretation. Whispering is not recommended when there are more than two listeners or more than two interpreters working at the same time in the same room. Whispering requires a team of two interpreters and, since it is extremely taxing and hard on the vocal chords, it is only appropriate for very brief one-on-one meetings. See also simultaneous interpreting without a booth.
Wireless equipment
Although, strictly speaking, this describes all interpretation equipment that is operated by batteries, a distinction must be made between (1) interpreter's wireless equipment, which consists of a battery-operated transmitter and is used in wireless interpreting, and (2) participants' wireless equipment, which consists of wireless receivers. Nowadays, all participants' receivers are wireless, except in some of the fixed installations.
Wireless interpreting
Another term for mobile simultaneous interpreting. Interpretation using a small wireless transmitter used for mobile simultaneous interpreting. The interpreter whispers into a microphone attached to the transmitter and the participants listen through headphones attached to receivers.
The advantage of this system is that it is mobile and can handle more participants than whispering interpretation. The disadvantages, as for whispering interpretation, are that it does not permit sound isolation or amplification, and it is very taxing for the interpreter. It is designed for touring trade shows, factories, plants, etc. It can also be used for brief presentations, press conferences, etc. See also simultaneous interpreting without a booth.
Wireless receiver
A radio or infrared receiver used to tune into the interpretation. They are just like small pocket radios, except that they are wired to operate only in the specific frequencies assigned to the interpretation equipment. In order to hear, the interpreters' equipment must be operational and a headphone or earphone must be plugged into the receiver.
Wireless transmitter
A small battery-operated transmitter used for mobile simultaneous interpreting. It is the same size as a receiver (about the size of a pack of cards) and fits easily into a pocket. For more information on wireless transmitters, click here.
Word count
A standard measure of the size of an original or a translated text. In the US, translation projects are normally priced on the number of words of the target text, but sometimes they can be priced on the original. Since word count can vary enormously between languages, it is crucial to specify whether the per-word rate being quoted refers to the source or target language.
Word-for-word translation
Translation that closely follows every word in a source text. A word-for-word translation usually reads like nonsense, but at times it can be quite amusing. A good example is machine translations.
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