Simultaneous interpreting at GMP inspections, medical technology audits and other events such as trade fairs and pharmaceutical congresses is a particular challenge for professional pharmaceutical interpreters. Verbal transmission in real time requires maximum concentration.

Simultaneous interpreting: Definition and significance for the GMP & Pharmaceutical industry

Simultaneous interpreting plays a special role within the language services complex of translation and interpreting. As with all other forms of language mediation, the aim is to facilitate dialogue between representatives of states, their ministries and authorities, educational and research institutes or companies (such as pharmaceutical companies) if they do not speak the same native language. Definition: Unlike consecutive interpreting, simultaneous interpreting is characterised by the fact that the interpreting into the target language takes place almost simultaneously with the speech in the original language. A professional Russian, German or English simultaneous interpreter therefore has to deal with an extremely challenging task, which is why two simultaneous interpreters usually take turns at very long events. The simultaneous interpreters are usually in a soundproof booth and work for 20 - 30 minutes at a time before their partner takes over again. Simultaneous interpreting is a cognitive challenge that should not be underestimated, which is why only trained interpreters should be used for this highly demanding activity. Typical pharmaceutical events where professional simultaneous interpreters are needed are pharmaceutical congresses, GMP conferences and pharmaceutical meetings as well as contract negotiations or GMP inspections. These are often carried out by the Russian institute SID&GP for pharmaceutical companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland if the pharmaceutical companies in question are targeting the Russian market or the market of the EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union). In the case of the US, the regulatory and approval authority is the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Trained, professional simultaneous interpreters for English, Russian and German are essential for this. Simultaneous interpreting is also an indispensable qualification in the field of trade fair interpreting.

Professional simultaneous interpreting - requirements and particularities

A simultaneous interpreter starts interpreting a speech as soon as it begins, i.e. during the speech in the original language. The task of the simultaneous interpreter is the correct translation of a continuous speech or conversation into the target language relevant to the audience. In order to fulfil this enormous task, a professional simultaneous interpreter must have outstanding skills. In most cases, special conference equipment (interpreting or conference technology) is also required: A soundproof booth is the workplace of the simultaneous interpreter, who speaks into a microphone during the original speech. This signal, i.e. the interpretation in the target language, reaches the recipients via headphones. Professional simultaneous interpreting does not always involve a literal translation of the spoken word. Rather, it is about the analogous and correct reproduction of the speech. At multilingual events such as pharmaceutical congresses, simultaneous interpreters are used for each relevant target language; at international conferences, of course, English is usually the language of choice. The simultaneous interpreters for the different languages are located in isolated booths and speak into a microphone; the listeners can select the interpreter for their target language by setting their headphones to the correct channel. Simultaneous interpreting has an advantage over other forms of interpreting in that there is virtually no time delay, ensuring that the event runs smoothly.

Special form of simultaneous interpreting: whispered interpreting (chuchotage)

In addition to simultaneous interpreting from a soundproof booth, there is a special type of simultaneous interpreting that is used in certain situations. In whispered interpreting (also known as chuchotage), the interpreter stands or sits relatively close to the person who needs the interpretation and whispers the translation to them. The low volume is intended to prevent the other listeners from being disturbed by the whispered interpretation. However, this is not always possible, as the interpretation must still be clearly audible. Depending on the length of the event, two interpreters may also be required. The great advantage of whispered interpreting is that no technical equipment is required and it is spatially flexible. An interpreting booth is usually either permanently installed or requires booking and professional set-up, which takes some time. Of course, this organisational and logistical effort also entails corresponding costs. These are not applicable with whispered interpreting. However, there is an obvious disadvantage to whispered interpreting: Interpreting can only be provided for one or two people and not for a larger audience.

For this reason, tour guide systems are often used for city tours, tours of production facilities or museums, for example. These enable simultaneous interpreting in one language direction for a larger group of people who may be travelling over certain distances. This tour-guide system consists of at least one microphone and several sets of headphones that receive the simultaneous interpreter's speech via radio and enables simultaneous interpreting for mobile groups with comparatively little technical effort.

Russian and English simultaneous interpreting as a special challenge for pharmaceutical interpreters

Simultaneous interpreting is considered the most complex and difficult task in the field of interpreting and translation. A basic requirement for all professional translators and interpreters (including conversational interpreters and conference interpreters) is an excellent command of at least two languages. Thorough preparation is also essential, especially if the event is long and has a large number of speakers or dialogue partners. The objective is the correct interpretation of the spoken word and the retention of linguistic subtleties. This requires not only excellent language skills, but also knowledge of cultural idiosyncrasies. The additional challenge of simultaneous interpreting is the very short time available to the interpreter to listen to the speech, grasp it correctly and translate it orally into the target language. Normally, the simultaneous interpreter starts translating just a few seconds after the speaker has started speaking. The linguistic skills that a professional simultaneous interpreter must have are therefore enormous - after all, there is no time to consult dictionaries. A certain talent for improvisation is also necessary to avoid linguistic pitfalls. Due to the high workload placed on simultaneous interpreters, it is common practice to employ more than one interpreter; they then work in shifts of 20 to 30 minutes. Pharmaceutical companies that book simultaneous interpreters should also ensure that the interpreters have experience with GMP inspections and pharmaceutical events and have knowledge of pharmacy and the specialist terminology required for the pharmaceutical event.

Our German, Russian and English simultaneous interpreters in the pharmaceutical industry

Simultaneous interpreting is primarily used for formal events with large groups and situations in which an international audience is the addressee of a speech. In the pharmaceutical industry, these can be international GMP conferences, pharmaceutical trade fairs, board meetings of a pharmaceutical company, GDP and GLP training courses, GMP inspections by foreign regulatory, supervisory and health authorities or pharmaceutical product presentations with a multilingual audience.

GMP-inspection.com from Nuremberg specialises in translations and simultaneous interpreting at pharmaceutical events and GMP inspections. With German, Russian and English as our working languages, we can support your audits and other pharmaceutical events throughout Europe. Our broad network of GMP translators allows us to provide you with language experts for numerous other languages as well. Our specialised pharmaceutical interpreters are proficient in both simultaneous and consecutive interpreting and can draw on a wealth of experience in GMP inspections and pharmaceutical trade fairs - take a look at the letters of recommendation from our clients to see for yourself.

Image: senivpetro, en.freepik.com