A specialised form of interpreting, where trained specialist interpreters translate spoken language from one language to another in real time. Using special equipment such as soundproof booths, headphones and a microphone, the interpreters deliver the message at the same time as the speaker delivers it, ensuring seamless communication. Typically, the speaker’s speech and the interpreter’s interpretation are separated by just 3 seconds. This service is commonly used at international conferences, meetings and events. In most cases, the translation is done by two interpreters so that there are no interruptions or long pauses.

This is a method where the translator listens to a section of the speaker’s speech and then translates it into the language into which it is being translated. The speaker pauses at intervals to allow the translator to convey the message in the other language. These pauses are usually short, as the translator is usually already formulating the translation while the speaker is speaking and says it during the pause. This method is usually used in places such as business meetings, signing of documents with a notary for foreign nationals, court proceedings and interviews, or where special equipment for simultaneous translation may not be available.