In today’s globalized world, interpreting services are essential for successful communication.

The assistance of professional interpreters is needed for international business meetings, conferences, training seminars, and diplomatic negotiations. For someone who speaks foreign languages, interpreting may seem easy – the interpreter just says the same thing in another language. But professional interpreting is actually much more complex. Professional interpreting demands a broad vocabulary, quick thinking, a good memory, and cultural awareness.

Of course, interpreting may also be needed in less complex everyday situations, such as doctor’s appointments, driving lessons and exams, notary appointments, interviews, etc.

Interlex also offers social interpreting. This is useful for short conversations between a few people. Social interpreting is a more affordable option, as our interpreter assists you via phone or video call, and the service does not require in-depth knowledge of the subject matter. Social interpreting can be booked on short notice.

Types of Interpreting

Consecutive interpreting – The speaker pauses every few sentences to allow the interpreter to translate. Used in: Business meetings, interviews, courtrooms.
Simultaneous interpreting – The interpreter translates in real time while the speaker is talking. Used in: Conferences, EU institutions, live broadcasts.
Whispered interpreting (Chuchotage) – A type of simultaneous interpreting where the interpreter sits next to the listener and whispers the translation quietly.
Remote interpreting – Interpretation is done remotely, either over the phone or via a video meeting. This can be either consecutive or simultaneous and is useful when travel is not feasible.
Social interpreting – Used for short conversations between a few people. Our interpreter assists you via phone or video call. Social interpreting can be booked on short notice.

What Should Clients Consider When Booking an Interpreter?

To ensure the interpretation service meets your expectations, it’s important to plan ahead and communicate clearly with your language service provider. Another important aspect you should consider is your budget for the event.

Our project managers can advise you on what type of interpreting would be best for your event, and what solutions would actually be feasible considering the location, date, time, languages needed, the layout of the rooms, etc.

Here are some key details you need to share with us:

Languages needed (including the interpretation direction – e.g., Estonian-French-Estonian)
Event date, time, duration and location
Event topic and field
Any written materials, such as slideshows or prepared speeches. These should be shared a few days in advance and with a clear indication of which texts will actually be relevant for the interpreter. So you should share enough information, but only the relevant information. This is why the customer or their event organizer plays a key role in ensuring the interpretation meets expectations.
Preferred industry-specific terminology.
Confidentiality concerns (materials can be encrypted and shared securely).
Whether remote interpreting is possible (over the phone interpreting or online interpreting) or if on-site presence is required
What interpreting equipment is available or needs to be arranged (Interlex can assist with this too).
Type of interpreting needed – consecutive, simultaneous, or both.
Number of interpreters needed – depending on the languages, interpreting type, and duration of the event.
Budget considerations: number of interpreters, their travel and accommodation costs (if applicable), interpreting equipment. Also, minimum fees (e.g., 1 or 2 hours) may apply.

Interpreting Challenges – Why Preparation Matters

Limited availability of interpreters
Estonia is a small market, and the number of professional interpreters is limited, especially for less-used languages. The earlier you book the interpreter, the better. If you’ve previously worked with a preferred interpreter, it’s wise to book them well in advance for your upcoming events.
Speed and terminology
Unlike written translation, interpreting happens in real time – there’s no room for corrections. Accuracy and speed are crucial. That’s why sharing materials and terminology beforehand is vital for preparation.
Cultural nuance
Interpreters don’t just translate words – they convey context, meaning, and cultural subtext. Jokes, idioms, and references may not always translate directly. A skilled interpreter knows how to handle these nuances, but some elements may still be lost or adapted.
Acoustics and pronunciation
Poor sound, unclear diction, strong accents, or emotional speeches can be challenging. Interpreters must adapt quickly and, if necessary, diplomatically ask for clarifications. Reliably working technology (microphones, headsets) is also essential for ensuring that the audience understands the interpreter clearly.

In Summary

Professional interpreting is a demanding and highly skilled profession requiring linguistic excellence and emotional intelligence. When done well, it enables successful communication and builds trust across borders. If you’re planning an important multilingual event or meeting, don’t let the language barrier stand in your way – trust professionals.

But remember: good communication is a two-way street. Clients play a key role in ensuring that the setup is a success – from clear planning to providing the right materials.