Simultaneous vs. Consecutive Interpreting ┃ ASL Stew

[@corystajduhar]

The benefit of consecutive interpreting is that there are times when the meaning does not become very apparent until later in the sentence and listening to a few phrases helps clarify. However, the main problem with consecutive is the fact that one must rely on his or her memory. It's much easier to completely leave out details and other information because of lack of retention. There are studies on consecutive interpreting which reveal that the more chunks of information contained in the message, the more likelihood to forget, omit or make another error. Each situation is different. I have worked as a Sign Language Interpreter before, and I have worked as an English-Spanish Spoken Interpreter for over 20 years. I work in the court system and we perform English to Spanish simultaneously and Spanish to English consecutively (mainly because the English to Spanish is only for the Spanish-speaker's benefit and the Spanish to English is for the entire courtroom as well as the record). During consecutive interpreting, I am able to take notes (a little less more awkward for sign). The main thing is that the interpreter must realize how much he or she can take in before having to start the interpretation and getting others on board. It's much easier when people cooperate with the flow and pause in order to allow you to interpret. In simultaneous, there are basically two situations: 1. You can ask people to slow down or clarify or 2. You are interpreting for a source message that you are not going to have an influence on, for example, interpreting a speech where you can't or shouldn't interrupt the speaker. Consecutive works best if the turns between source language message and interpretation are short.

[@TheStews]

+Cory Stajduhar Thank you that is great information.

[@petercrume4584]

Hi Jill. I was hoping to use your video to show to my interpreting students but I think you could be clearer on some of the points in your video. One thing that you did not cover is when you would actually use consecutive interpreting in an actual interpreting situation. Consecutive Interpreting is used more frequently in one on one interpreting situations, such as a medical appointment or legal appointments, where there is more of a natural back and forth. All interpreters are generally more accurate with consecutive interpreting because you're able to process the whole message, with and with simultaneous you'll make more mistakes because of processing demands. You showed what the process looks like and the reason student and novice interpreters prefer consecutive interpreting because it is a less cognitively demanding task allowing them to process the message in more manageable chunks and not all at once. As they develop more experience, they become better able to process the message simultaneously and more automatically. I think this is the point you were trying to make. I applaud the work you're doing with your videos and think that many of the comments are quite harsh. Perhaps clarifying your message some more would make it clearer.

[@TheStews]

+Peter Crume Thank you for your feedback. :)

[@lovejulieandrews]

Interesting. I've never heard about consecutive interpreting! I always just assumed that all interpreting was simultaneous.... Thanks for the video Jill!

[@TheStews]

lovejulieandrews Np glad to introduce you to something new!

[@putramatebean2606]

Thanks a Lot for the great explanation as they are very useful for me. God bless you

[@stevenmorris9415]

Consecutive interpreter is more useful for CDI: Certified Deaf Interpreter, some of Deaf Interpreting (DI) tends to watch everything what’s voicing talk about then sign it more clear without any misuses. :) Hearing interpreter tend to be usually simultaneous interpreting, that’s normally for them but noticed often time to do miscues, omission. That’s why we need to see an interpreters think process is more importantly. More waiting is more benefits to understand CLEARLY. Hope it is helpfully.

[@shaynalemay8516]

Very good to know!! I am more of an consecutive interpreter but my goal is to become more of a simutaneous signer. It's just that, processing the concepts of spoken English into ASL at that kind of speed is hard! 😉 I enjoy watching you do it Jill, as always 😊

[@TheStews]

[Jill] Yes, that can be a challenge, but overtime it become easier with more practice. Good luck!

[@rachelmoats]

So with simultaneous, there can still be a lag right? Because of ASL grammar you don't want to interpret everything right as they're being said because that could result in a PSE/SEE interpretation?

[@TheStews]

Rachel Moats Yes with simultaneous interpreting there is still a lag, but obviously it is minimal compared to consecutive. With simultaneous you wait until you get a concept or so and then start. Then you will be simultaneous, so to speak, but still interpret effectively.

[@sarahr5513]

Thanks for the video! You're good at explaining things!

[@TheStews]

Sarah R Thank you!

[@TheSweetAutumn]

Thank you so much for this! Will be sharing with my colleagues

[@TheStews]

So glad it was helpful. Thanks for sharing!

[@ConcreteAngelx3]

When you do the voice overs are you essentially just interpreting your own ASL into English or do you do the voice over first and then ASL?

[@TheStews]

+ConcreteAngelx3 Yes I am interpreting my own ASL into English.

[@marielep7303]

Thanks for the video!

[@TheStews]

Mariele Ponti Thank you for watching!

[@noahatlas5240]

hey Jill, what is the sign you use where your index finger is at your nose and you flick it out? you use it quite a lot. thanks!

[@TheStews]

[Jill] I'm guessing you mean simultaneous?

[@samgold9151]

Part 2 waiting to communicate interpreter

[@williamlong5182]

May I ask why you are not giving this presentation in ASL?

[@williamlong5182]

***** So from your response, you do not encourage the use of the language of the Deaf but how you want to sign to meet YOUR needs. To me, this sounds a very Audist attitude. Too bad you don't have a heart for the Deaf.

[@SpongebobSQpants]

+William Long Oh please, not every single thing is "against the Deaf". PSE and SEE are sign languages, and sign languages are for Deaf people, not for hearing people, so this has nothing to do with Audism. And yes, we use the language that meets our needs, as you won't use Chinese if you don't know Chinese... that's the same.

[@Iamlainylaine]

William L

[@williamlong5182]

May I point out Consecutive Interpreting happens when it's a one to one situation. Such as with a doctor or lawyer or student talking to the teacher. You make it sound that if we do conssecutive, we are lacking in skill. WATCH YOURSELF!!!!