Interpretation

As an interpreter you are the link between two or more people who don’t speak each other’s languages. Thanks to the interpreter both parties can speak in their mother tongue and thus communication is made possible. Interpreters are engaged for meetings, conferences, seminars, working visits, exchanges and training courses in international organizations and companies, but also for governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Interpretation or translation?

The terms “interpretation” and “translation” are often confused, which is very understandable. In both cases a translation takes place, however a translator translates written text whereas an interpreter translates orally. In the world of translators and interpreters a clear distinction is made between these two professions: translation exclusively consists of a written translation, whereas interpretation refers only to an oral translation. This means in practice that a translator has the time to think about his translation and can revise it on a later moment in time if he wishes to. The interpreter however has to be able to switch between the source language and the target language in real-time. Interpreters don’t have a lot of time to think about their translation, nor can they correct it. That’s why interpreters must have exceptional language skills both for their mother tongue as well as their second language(s).

Hereunder you will find an overview of the different interpretation services which I offer, my working languages and the subjects in which I am experienced.

Interpreting services

Consecutive interpretation

With consecutive interpretation the interpreter first listens to the speaker for 3 to 5 minutes. During the listening the interpreter takes notes and afterwards he gives his interpretation based on his or her memory and with the help of notes. One form of consecutive interpretation is liaison interpretation. This form is often used within social public organizations, for example immigration services, police stations, doctors and hospitals where the interpreter translates in a conversational setting for people who don’t speak the Dutch language.

Simultaneous interpretation

With simultaneous interpretation the interpreter listens to the speaker and translates his speech in a simultaneous way. Simultaneous interpretation is a very intensive interpretation technique in which the interpreter has to be capable of listening and speaking at the same time. Therefore the interpreter needs to possess both excellent language skills as well as a high level of concentration. Usually interpreters work in pairs so that they can switch and relieve each other. One form of simultaneous interpretation is whispered interpretation. This form of interpretation is best used for small meetings where only a small number of participants need interpretation. The interpreter is seated beside or among the participants (2 persons maximum) and interprets simultaneously into their ears.

In cases where more participants require interpretation it becomes necessary to use equipment such as a soundproof interpretation booth or a whisper set. For big events with many participants, for example conferences and congresses, interpreters work in pairs in a sound proof interpretation booth. They listen to the original message of the speaker through a headset and simultaneously render their interpretation into a microphone. The audience listens to the interpretation through headsets or earphones.

In a small setting you can also choose for simultaneous interpretation with the use of a whisper set (a microphone and transmitter and a headset or earphones for the audience). For example, in the situation of a training session where 5 to 6 participants need translation, the best option would be to use a whisper set. During the training the interpreter is in the same room as the audience, but renders his or her interpretation simultaneously on the background into a microphone with a transmitter while the participants are listening to the interpretation through headsets or earphones.

Working languages

A language: Dutch
B language: French
C language: English

Subjects

  • Development aid
  • Human rights
  • Women’s empowerment
  • Fair Trade and certification
  • Child labour
  • Poverty reduction
  • Care for disabled persons, national policy and upcoming decentralization in the Netherlands and France
  • Renewable energy, sustainable development
  • Firefighting, survival at sea, first aid, helicopter safety