What is the difference between consecutive and simultaneous interpretation? Which one is better?
In consecutive interpreting the interpreter listens while a person speaks, the speaker then pauses after a few sentences and the interpreter restates what has just been said in another language to the listener. If something is unclear the interpreter can ask the speaker to repeat or clarify what was meant by his/her statement. No special equipment is necessary for consecutive interpreting. In simultaneous interpreting the interpreter listens to a person speak in one language while at the same time restating what the speaker is saying into another language. Since the conversion takes place almost instantaneously the interpreter cannot stop the speech to catch up or to ask questions. Simultaneous interpreting is a very difficult and specialized skill, especially in Japanese, that requires intense concentration, mental acuity, and years of experience to master. For this reason simultaneous interpreting is only done in teams of 2-3 interpreters who take turns every 20-30 minutes. Simultane
