Contents introduction chapter definition and concepts of the methods of simultaneous interpretation

Whispered interpretation
Whispered interpretation is also called chuchotage (whispering in French). A whispered interpreter interprets the message in their head and “whispers” it to the client. The interpreter leans over and communicates the message in a client’s preferred language in a quiet voice. Just like simultaneous interpreting mode, whispered interpreting carries the challenge of immediate understanding: you have to listen, understand, translate and deliver the speech at the same time.
While it can be suitable for smaller meetings, whispered interpretation is hard to imagine at large-scale events such as conferences. Imagine what would happen if all 300 delegates at a governmental session had their personal whispered interpreter! The process of communication would become chaotic, with 300 interpreters and 300 clients constantly whispering to each other.
Since Chuchotage interpreting is done simultaneously, it’s dynamic and time-efficient. As an in-person interpreting service, Chuchotage has all the benefits of this type of interpreting solution.
In-person interpreting is considered by many as the ideal form of interpreting because when the interpreter is in the room, they can easily appreciate the body language of the speaker, which makes it easier for them to detect and translate nuances and elucidate potential ambiguities.
On the other hand, unlike other forms of in-person simultaneous interpreting, Chuchotage doesn’t require any extra setup or infrastructure. While some companies make headsets and other technology available to clients, but they’re only available in certain specific settings. For instance, in guided visits, in which the linguist has to interpret for a dozen tourists. But in settings like seminars or video conferences, such equipment isn’t required, nor standard.
Whispered interpreting can have some disadvantages. It can be distracting to those around the person or people in need of interpreting. And simultaneous interpreting is always challenging since the linguist has to listen, translate, and speak at the same time. On the other hand, since whispered interpreting is done in person, it can be more expensive than other forms of interpreting, and interpreter availability could be very limited for certain language pairs, and in certain areas.
But, is there a quality alternative to Chuchotage interpreting? Is there a more cost-effective way of meeting our interpreting needs when Chuchotage would be our first option?
Whispering interpreters have a big responsibility to their clients. People depend on them to have the ability to keep up and translate all information correctly. The interpreter has to listen to the speaker carefully and translate not just the words but the meaning behind the words in order to ensure the client does not miss anything important.
It can be a very stressful and demanding job so the interpreter must have lots of patience along with a calm and pleasant personality. He is the one that will actually be speaking to and socializing with the other people. His actions will be a direct reflection on the person he’s representing and the impression he makes will be the impression people have of the individual or company that hired him.
He must be focused and have the ability to block outside noises so he can concentrate on the speaker and keep up with the conversations. The client must also stay focused and listen carefully to what the interpreter is saying because things usually move too quickly to repeat information.
When in need of whispering interpreting services, look for an interpreter with the qualities mentioned above and who has experience working in this type of environment and everything should go smoothly.