Modes of Interpreting
Simultaneous interpreting is the rendering of one spoken language into another when running renditions are needed at the same time as the English language communication. The interpreter speaks virtually at the same time as the LEP person. When done properly, it is a true and accurate interpretation of one language to another, done without omissions or embellishments, so that the parties can understand one another quickly.
The simultaneous mode is used whenever participants, most often defendants, are playing a passive role in court proceedings such as arraignments, hearings, or trials. The LEP speaker needs to hear what is being said but is not required, at that particular stage of the proceedings, to speak herself. In order to preserve the defendant’s due process rights, everything spoken in open court must be interpreted to her simultaneously. This enables the defendant to be truly present and take an active part in her defense.
In consecutive interpreting, the interpreter waits until the speaker has finished before rendering speech into another language. Consecutive interpreting is a true and accurate interpretation of one language to another, spoken in brief sound bites successively, without omissions or embellishments, so that the parties can understand each other slowly and deliberately.
The consecutive mode is used whenever LEP participants are playing an active role — when they must speak or respond — during examinations, cross examinations, and other proceedings. Consecutive interpreting is often used when parties are addressing a witness or defendant on the witness stand. In legal settings, such as attorney/client or prosecutor/witness/victim interviews, the consecutive mode is the preferred mode of interpreting, as it is in a question-and-answer session. Consecutive interpreting should be used during police interviews of suspects and/or witnesses or victims, especially during recorded interviews. The gaps in speech between the parties allow for a clear and accurate transcript to be prepared if necessary for further court proceedings.
Sight translation is the rendering of material written in one language into spoken speech in another language. It is a true and accurate verbal translation of written material into the spoken form so that the parties can understand what documents written in foreign languages say.
Sight translation is often used when LEP defendants are given forms in court that are written in English, such as rights forms, plea forms, and probation orders. It is also used when foreign language documents such as birth certificates, personal letters, and identity documents are presented in court.
Source: NAJIT.ORG
