1. What is the difference between a translator and an interpreter?

A translator translates written texts whilst a conference interpreter translates the spoken word. This means translating speeches as they are delivered or discussions in progress, and can be done either simultaneously - in a booth - or consecutively.

2. What is the difference between a conference interpreter and a public service/community interpreter?

A conference interpreter works at meetings and conferences, simultaneously or consecutively. A public service or community interpreter functions as a link between two people in public or community institutions such as hospitals, prisons, etc.

3. Why do you need technical equipment?

For simultaneous interpretation a soundproof booth is required to enable the interpreters to hear the incoming message clearly through headsets. They speak into a microphone which relays their simultaneous interpretation into the delegates’ headsets, with minimum background noise in the conference room.

4. Why do interpreters need conference documents and background material before the meeting?

In order to interpret they need to understand the topics under discussion and to be familiar with the specific terminology that will be used. Every organization has its own internal ‘jargon’ and specific terminology, often technical, and the interpreters need to use the terms familiar to the listeners. Having the documents in advance will enable them to prepare adequately. AIIC interpreters guarantee total confidentiality.

5. Why don't simultaneous interpreters work on their own?

Simultaneous interpretation requires high levels of concentration that cannot be sustained for long. Therefore, in order to maintain quality, interpreters alternate approximately every 30 minutes.

6. Is there any difference between "Brussels-interpreters”, "UN interpreters" and conference interpreters?

No. AIIC interpreters work both nationally and internationally: they work for the private sector, the United Nations, the EU institutions as well as many other international organizations.

7. Why is interpretation needed? We can all speak English!

When delegates are asked to speak English and are not too comfortable with it, they will need to make an effort and focus on the language rather than the message. Language is the expression of a culture and interpreters can help overcome cultural as well as language barriers, thus creating better understanding and better participation for all delegates.

We would like to quote Professor Jan Svartvik, Professor Emeritus in English at the University of Lund, who in his book, English, island language, world language, mode language, states: One Swedish industrialist says, "We think we speak English really well. But there's not the same density in the discussion if English is spoken at board meetings. You have to have simultaneous interpretation. The key word is "density" - discussions in a language that is not your mother tongue do not necessarily lead to misunderstanding but to a meagre, impersonal language, whereas it is probably the articulate, personal point of view that the Chairman of the Board was hoping to elicit.”

And as Louis Armand, President of the UIC, (the International Union of Railways) used to say: “Now that we have simultaneous interpretation we can send real technical experts to meetings rather than someone who speaks the other language”.

8. What is AIIC?

The International Association of Conference Interpreters, known by its French acronym AIIC, is the association where interpreters from every part of the world meet to further the interests of their profession. Its members are conference interpreters who work on a freelance or permanent basis for international organizations, governments and the corporate sector. AIIC is:

• The sole recognized representative of the profession at international level.
• The professional organization of conference interpreters that sets the standards for the practice of the profession worldwide.
• The main source of know-how, information, resources and guidance for interpreters and users of interpretation.

AIIC's headquarters are at:
10, avenue de Sécheron, CH-1202 Geneva, Switzerland
Tel: +41-22 908 15 40, Fax: +41-22 732 41 51
E-mail:
Web site: www.aiic.net

Learn more about what AIIC is and what it does.

9. What are the origins of AIIC?

In the aftermath of World War II, a new technology became available that enabled conference interpreters to interpret speakers simultaneously, thus reducing communication time to a fraction of what it took in consecutive.

Experiments with simultaneous interpretation had begun in the mid 1920s, and by 1928 the system had been tested and adopted at the annual conferences of the International Labour Organization.

But the coming of age of simultaneous interpretation essentially took place in 1945 at the Nuremberg Trials. It was at the trials that the intense concentration required to maintain the accuracy of the interpretation became evident, and thus the need for interpreters to carry out their work in teams and take turns. The success of the new technology, coupled with the flurry of post war peace and reconstruction conference activity, created an enormous demand for conference interpreting.

Its practitioners, who were quickly growing in numbers, saw the need to define a code of ethics, establish standards of practice, and promote communication and solidarity within the profession. It was to achieve these ends that the International Association of Conference Interpreters was founded in 1953 in Paris.

10. What are AIIC’s goals?

• To represent the profession of conference interpreter.
• To promote international understanding and cooperation by ensuring high professional standards in conference interpretation.
• To uphold established professional ethics.
• To safeguard the interests of its members.
• To promote the best standards of professional practice.

11. What requirements does AIIC place on its members?

AIIC requires that its members be competent and experienced professionals. Members commit themselves to abide by a Code of Professional Ethics and a set of Professional Standards that enable them to provide a competent, reliable, high-quality service.

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