Instantaneous translation.

The term instantaneous translation is used here to refer to cases in which the translation is required to be produced in a short time, sometimes directly after a speech while the

source text is still being produced. The source text in instantaneous translation, whether a conversation or a formal speech, may be written or spoken. But the translated text, the translator’s output, is often spoken.

Two kindsof instantaneous translation can be recognized: consecutivetranslation and simultaneous translation (Omar Sheik Al-Shabab. London, 1996) or simultaneous interpretation (Максимов, 2002,8).

Consecutive translation:the source text maker produces a sentence or an utterance of text and then gives the translator ample time to produce the translation of sentence or utterance. This generally happens in business dealing and political discussions.

Simultaneous translation: a text is being produced or delivered non-stop, e. g. a speech or a research paper, and the translator is producing a translation simultaneously. The development of audio transmission and acoustic technology has advanced this type of translation to perfection.

Oral translation (interpretation) may be of the following kinds which are described below:

· Consecutive interpretation, which is defined as a kind of oral translation done “by ear” (at viva voce) and performed by an interpreter consecutively, i. e. messages of the SL speaker are translated one after another in pauses (these messages may be sentences or paragraphs long enough to convey a complete meaning and short enough for an interpreter to remember them);

· Simultaneous interpretation, which is a kind of oral translation done “by ear” (at viva voce) and performed by an interpreter simultaneously (i. e. within the time gap of not more than several seconds) with receiving a message in the SL with the help of special equipment.

· Simultaneous interpretation, is also called “conference translation / interpretation” because today it is mostly used at international (often multilingual) forums, associated with bilingual meetings, discussions and interviews.

· Consecutive interpretation is characterized by establishing “interpersonal relationships” between a translator and other participants, while professional simultaneous interpretation is performed in a both which isolates interpreters from the audience and with the help of special equipment (microphones, earphones, LW or FM radio or infra-red transceivers, TV monitors, tape-records, etc.)

4. Specific skills required for interpreting “by ear” (at viva voce).

Professional interpretation requires certain specific skills which interpreters must have and constantly improve. The most important of these skills are as follows. (see Чернов, 1987, Максимов 2002, 9, 10).

1. Ability to comprehend and understand the message which includes:

- phonological aspects

- lexical aspects

- grammatical aspects

- communicative aspects

2. Memory factor, which is of prime importance for the consecutive interpretation;

3. Ability to predict the probability of occurrence of certain patterns of information in speech being guided by the communicative situation;

4. Synchronization of perception and speech;

5. Ability to “switch” from one language to another;

6. Ability to arrange the “final design” of translation;

7. Compliance with the rules of the etiquette, respect to the culture, traditions and customs of the SL and TL countries;

8. Compliance with the requirements of professional integrity and confidentiality;

9. Ability to relax and ensure personal physical and mental health.