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Japanese-English Interpretation Services

Interpretation is a completely different animal than translation, and involves the verbal (as opposed to written) transmission of ideas from one language to another. There are two types of interpreting: simultaneous and consecutive.

Simultaneous interpreting is a highly specialized form of interpreting that requires interpretation at the same rate as the speaker with only minimal lag time. The Japanese interpreter must have a complete mastery of the Japanese and English languages as well as technical knowledge of the topic being discussed. Good simultaneous interpreters will have received specialized training and will have significant in-field interpreting experience.

Simultaneous interpreting also often involves electronic equipment such as headsets and transmitters so that the interpreter's presence doesn't interfere with language facilitation. Simultaneous interpreters always work in teams of at least two, and alternate every 10 to 15 minutes due to the tremendous amount of concentration required for this type of highly intense interpreting. Simultaneous interpreting is used in court, during conferences, or in other situations where the speaker is unable to pause to wait for interpretation.

In consecutive interpreting, the speaker pauses after expressing a single thought and allows the interpreter to interpret that thought to or from Japanese. The interpreter must still have a complete mastery of the Japanese and English languages and a thorough technical knowledge of the topic being discussed, but the slower pace often allows a single qualified interpreter to handle the language facilitation required.

Intellingua provides both simultaneous and consecutive Japanese interpreters. Our highly skilled interpreters have experience interpreting in a broad range of industries. Since preparation is key to providing good interpreting services, we work extensively with each client prior to the interpreting engagement. We also rent headsets and transmitters, and can walk you through setting up language facilitation at a conference or other venues.

When you are looking for an interpretation service, you need to ensure that the company you are considering is a competent interpretation provider. Here are some questions that can help you avert an interpreting disaster:

	1.	Does the company make a distinction between simultaneous and consecutive interpreting? Ignorance of the difference between the two generally means the company lacks competence and experience in providing quality interpretation services.
	2.	Is the company willing to provide a list of satisfied clients? Refusal to do so should raise major flags about the company's qualifications.
	3.	Is the company willing to provide resumes of its interpreters? A quick review of these resumes can help you determine if the interpreter is qualified for the subject matter at hand. Be very wary of companies that won't provide such information.
	4.	Does the company claim to have local simultaneous interpreters capable of handling all subjects? There may be a qualified simultaneous interpreter in your area, but this is unlikely. Simultaneous Japanese interpreters are rare, in high demand, and will usually need to travel to the interpreting venue. You should be very skeptical of companies that promise to save you money by hiring qualified local simultaneous interpreters. Usually, such simultaneous interpreters simply don't exist.
	5.	Does the company ask you for background materials to prepare for the interpreting assignment? Preparation is key to ensuring a smooth interpreting experience, and a lack of interest in obtaining reference materials can indicate that the company isn't interested in quality.

Above all, remember that you get what you pay for. Cutting corners by hiring underqualified interpreters can seriously damage a potential business relationship, while qualified language facilitation solidifies business partnerships and nips communication problems in the bud.

Intellingua uses only highly qualified interpreters with extensive interpreting experience. We charge US$ 800/day for consecutive interpreters and US$ 1200/day for simultaneous interpreters. One day is considered 8 hours (including lunch). Travel and lodging expenses are also required. This may seem expensive, but quality comes with a price.