ABOUT INTERPRETING
EDIMART Interpreting and Translation Agency works with experienced professional interpreters who are either university-trained, licensed interpreters or graduates of the interpreting courses offered in Strasbourg and by ELTE University and the University of Technology and Economics in Budapest with EMCI (European Master in Conference Interpreting) degrees.
Edimart’s primary concern is customer satisfaction. We want our clients to return to us when they require further interpreting services and for this reason, we are very careful when selecting our interpreters.
A prerequisite for high standard interpreting is proper and extensive preparation. Interpreters selected for an assignment must acquaint themselves with the subject matter and carefully read through texts on the topic. Where a client requires interpreters for a conference, seminar or lecture, we always request that any available texts be forwarded to us in advance. If this is not possible, we ask that our interpreters be given the opportunity to consult with the speakers.
What makes a good interpreter?
The task of a good interpreter is to make the negotiating partners feel as though they are speaking the same language. In
addition to interpreting skills and techniques, an interpreter must also have
an excellent knowledge of the foreign language and an ability to express him/herself
concisely and accurately in the native language. An understanding of what’s being said is not enough, for the meaning also has to be transmitted. This will ensure the discussion runs smoothly. Ideally, the interpreter becomes invisible, so that your business partner will remember your words rather than the interpreter’s words.
A good interpreter will constantly be learning and improving
his or her knowledge. On its own, a good vocabulary will never be enough. Background information is just as necessary if the task is to be performed in a professional manner professionally.
A good interpreter will always research the topic. Knowledge of the appropriate vocabulary is therefore a reasonable expectation: an interpreter should never hinder dialogue between negotiating partners. With this in mind, clients are kindly requested to provide any important information to our interpreters as soon as possible.
What makes a good client?
A good client will think through and will have a clear idea of what he/she wants to say and then inform the interpreter accordingly. This will enable the interpreter to prepare. If presentation aids are to be used (overhead projector, demo films, written material, quotations, etc.), the interpreter should be informed and given a preview. A good client will be mindful of the fact that his or her words are to be interpreted and will speak in concise, full sentences and will be aware of speed. Of course, this does not mean that everything has to be pre-arranged, only that proper (linguistic) preparation for a meeting is in the client’s interest as well. Negotiating partners will gain a favourable impression of the client if the interpreter is well prepared and professional
What are the various types of interpreting?
Consecutive interpreting is perhaps the most commonly known form of interpreting. This is suitable for small meetings and discussions. Contributors stop after a few sentences and wait for the interpreter—who may have been taking notes—to interpret concisely but accurately what has been said.
Simultaneous interpreting is used at major conferences and events. Interpreters in booths translate the speaker’s words while the speaker is speaking. Participants listen to what is said with the help of headphones. This type of interpreting requires considerable preparation, experience and stamina from the interpreters. Clients should therefore provide as much information as possible (texts of speeches, auxiliary material, the names and positions of speakers, a glossary of abbreviations, etc.) to our interpreters, who work in rotation, app. 20 minutes at a time. On request, Edimart is able to provide the specialist equipment and technical support (interpreters’ booths, headphones, headsets etc.) necessary for simultaneous interpreting.
Ad-hoc interpreting may be requested by a client for minor administrative matters or for informal conversations. In such cases, the interpreter will have the proper language skills, but will not be expected to demonstrate a well-polished knowledge of the subject matter.
