In small courts or private hearings, interpreters usually do not use full simultaneous interpreting with booths and headsets like in conferences. Instead, they often use a technique called “whispered interpreting”. It is also called chuchotage.
Whispered Interpreting (Chuchotage)
- The interpreter sits or stands next to the client (the person who needs translation).
- They whisper the interpretation in real time as the speaker talks.
- It’s typically used when only one or two people need interpreting, so full equipment is unnecessary.
- This is a form of simultaneous interpreting, but on a very small, informal scale.
When Consecutive Interpreting Is Used in Small Courts
- The speaker pauses after a few sentences, and the interpreter then renders the speech in the target language.
- This can be more formal or structured, for example during witness testimony or official questioning.
- Whispering = mini-simultaneous interpreting
- Consecutive = speaker pauses, interpreter translates
If you want, I can write a short explanatory paragraph for your profile that explains this clearly for clients unfamiliar with the difference. Do you want me to do that?
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