Interpreters are who get tired like anyone else and prolonged interpretation is a physically and mentally exhausting task. To ensure that the interpreted messages are communicated accurately and effectively, some assignments may require a team of two or more interpreters.

More than one interpreter may be needed in the following conditions:

• When the assignment is lengthy and of a complex nature.
• When the clients served may have special or unique communication needs.
• When the emotional and physical intensity of the assignment is high.
• To avoid repetitive stress injuries on interpreters who are on the job for long hours.
• When a Hearing Interpreter needs to pair up with a Deaf Interpreter

Sometimes, a team of interpreters may be required depending on the following:

• Size of the audience.
• Nature of the meeting (function, public event etc).
• Communication preferences of clients.
• Intensity of the interaction during the assignment (concurrent sessions, off site tours etc)

 

A Deaf Interpreter (DI) may be required to work in an assignment with a Hearing Interpreter under the following circumstances:

• When the Deaf client is illiterate or uses ‘home’ signs or non-standard signs/gestures.
• When the Deaf client uses foreign sign language.
• When the Deaf client has minimal or limited communication skills.
• When the Deaf client uses signs which Hearing Interpreters are not familiar with.

In the above situations, it would be prudent to engage a Deaf interpreter to work alongside a Hearing Interpreter. This ensures that there are no misunderstandings and the message has been interpreted correctly and clearly to parties involved.

 

1. Simultaneous – Interpretation is being done at the same time when the message is received. This means that the interpreter signs at almost the same time that a Hearing person delivers his message or speaks at almost the same time that a Deaf person signs his message. Simultaneous Interpretation usually occurs in meetings, seminars or conferences.

2. Consecutive – Interpretation is done after a part of the message is delivered, be it a sentence or a paragraph. In this case, time must be given to the interpreters to sign or speak the message. This type of interpretation may take place in courts of law or legal settings, interviews and one-to-one meetings.

3. Relay – When Deaf clients have limited language or use a gestural form of sign language which is best understood by Deaf interpreters, relay interpretation is used. A Hearing interpreter receives the message from the Hearing client and then relays it in sign language to the Deaf interpreter who then conveys it the Deaf client.
   Hearing Client ---- Hearing Interpreter ---- Deaf Interpreter ---- Deaf Client
   The process is then reversed for the message of the Deaf client to be relayed to the Hearing client.
   Deaf Client ---- Deaf Interpreter ---- Hearing Interpreter ---- Hearing Client
   In these cases, we strongly recommend the assistance of a Deaf Interpreter to ensure the accuracy of the messages communicated.