In person Interpretation - Modes of Interpretation - Consecutive Interpretation
In consecutive interpretation, the interpreter starts speaking after the source-text speaker has finished. (The speech may be divided into sections).
Normally, in consecutive interpretation, the interpreter is alongside the speaker, listening and taking notes as the speech progresses. When the speaker has finished, or comes to a pause, the interpreter reproduces (consecutively) the message in the target language, in its entirety and as though he or she was making the original speech.
Frequently, an experienced consecutive interpreter will prefer to interpret phrase by phrase, or even shorter portions of a sentence, in such a way as to approximate simultaneous interpretation. This method requires the speaker to pause between phrases and clauses long enough to allow the interpreter to render each portion of the speech instantly into the target language, without having to take time to take notes and without running the risk of forgetting any detail of the speech. This phrase-by-phrase method is frequently used in a number of settings, such as speeches before an audience, legal depositions, recorded statements, interpreting for a witness at a court hearing or trial, and others.
Consecutive interpretationis most often used when two or more people are having a conversation. Person A speaks then pauses while the interpreter conveys the sentence in Person B’s language. Then, Person B speaks, and then pauses while the interpreter conveys the sentence in Person A’s language. This type of interpretation is usually used in courtrooms, depositions, hospitals and other health care settings, and some business meetings.
