What is Whisper Interpretation?
Whisper interpreting is a type of consecutive interpreting. In whisper interpreting, the interpreter sits or stands next to a small target-language audience (most often just one person) and whispers a rendition of the message simultaneously. There is no audio system, no booth, and no headphones to assist the interpreter to fully concentrate on the job. It is used in circumstances where the majority of a group speaks the source language, and a minority (ideally no more than three people) does not speak it.
This method is only suitable for conferences or large board meetings where the interpreter whispering at the same time as the speaker would not be disruptive to the proceeding.
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Frequently asked questions about Whisper Interpreting
- Does whisper interpretation require special equipment?
No equipment is needed for whisper interpretation. When used in site visits, we recommend using wireless transmitters and receivers for the ease of addressing a dispersed crowd in open-setting.
- Are additional interpreters necessary for whisper settings?
No. One interpreter can handle all the linguistic duties in whisper interpretation setting.
- What are the advantages of whisper interpreting?
Whisper interpretation does not require any special set-up. Our interpreter shows up to a proceeding or meeting like any other party and they perform the oral rendering of whatever is being said in the foreign language.
- What are the disadvantages of whisper interpreting?
Whisper interpretation is only meant to give the gist of the proceeding to the foreign language speaker. The interpretation will be done on the fly and the interpreter might miss out on important dates and numbers during the proceeding as they will be speaking at the same time as the presenter.
