The interpreter's job is to interpret (translate orally) from one language to another everything that is said, preserving the tone and level of the original language, adding and deleting nothing. But there are different types of interpreting for different needs.

• simultaneous interpreter
• Whispered interpreting
• consecutive interpreter
• escort interpreter
• legal interpreter
• Over-the-Phone Interpreting

A simultaneous interpreter talks at the same time as the speaker usually in a conference or meeting. The interpreter listens to one language and interprets into another. The interpreter is not visible to the speakers or to the audience but sits in a private 'booth' listening to the speaker through headphones and interpreting into a microphone. The audience listen either to the person speaking or, through headphones, to the interprete. The conference room can either be equipped so that there is just one speaker addressing a group or can have microphones round the room so other people can (one at a time) speak. Listening to a conference or taking part in a meeting which is being simultaneously interpreted takes a little getting used to, but after a short time a good interpreter makes the language barrier almost imperceptible.
The interpreter does not keep a record what is said and does not converse with the speaker. Since the work requires intense concentration and is tiring, simultaneous interpreters normally work in teams of 2 or more and alternate short sessions of 20-25 minutes each. The equipment (microphones, headphones, interpreters' booth) is quite complex and is normally run by a dedicated technician who is present throughout.

Whispered interpreting is similar to conference interpreting in that the interpreter talks at the same time as the speaker, but the interpreter is physically present and works by talking quietly to the one or two people the speaker is addressing. Whispering interpreting is not suitable for larger audiences and no conference interpreting equipment is required.

A consecutive interpreter also known as a liaison interpreter, is physically present in the room (unlike a simultaneous interpreter) and translates short utterances: normally a sentence or a few sentences at a time, though sometimes up to 4 or 5 minutes of speech. The interpreter will often take notes to help him/her in the interpreting process, especially if the utterances are long. Consecutive interpreting is usually bi-directional between two languages, for example interpreting French to a listener in English and then translating the English reply back into French. The fact that the interpreter is present in the room, and that the speaker has to stop talking before the interpreter begins, makes it possible for an interpreter to ask the speaker for an explanation if there is an understanding difficulty. Consecutive interpreters normally work alone.

An escort interpreter works with individuals or groups who are not confined to a conference or meeting room. Typical occasions are site visits, tours of facilities and inspection rounds. Escort interpreters work consecutively (see above) but can expect a typical day to range from formal meetings to tours of factories to dinner parties.
When using the services of consecutive or escort interpreters it is important to recognise that they are always on duty. When the meeting breaks up and sits for lunch or for drinks the interpreter is still working, often much more intensively than in a formal situation as different groups compete for his help. They will need rest breaks!

A legal interpreter works in a legal setting such as a courtroom, police station or lawyer's office, where some proceeding or activity related to law is conducted. Legal interpreting is similar to consecutive interpreting, but the interpreter must be more precise in his wording and is not able to add explanation to an utterance, except with explicit direction from the speaker.

Over-the-Phone Interpreting is normally done consecutively, but in some situations simultaneous interpreting is possible provided the technology is available.

500 Euros per full day
300 Euros per half day

These prices concern Paris and some other capitals in Europe. Transportation, food and lodging (if applicable) are additionals.

2 - 2 Phone Interpreting 1.20 Euros per minute ( calculated from the moment we receive the call).

Note: For interpretation, arrangements should be made at least 7 days in advance. The minimum charge for phone interpreting is 36 Euros