Perättäistulkkaus

Perättäistulkkaus, a Finnish term, translates to consecutive interpreting. This is a mode of interpreting where the speaker delivers a portion of their speech, pauses, and then the interpreter conveys that portion in the target language. This process repeats for the duration of the communication.

Unlike simultaneous interpreting, where the interpreter speaks concurrently with the speaker, consecutive interpreting involves a distinct pause between the speaker's utterance and the interpreter's rendition. This allows the interpreter to focus on understanding and accurately reproducing the message without the pressure of real-time speech.

The interpreter typically takes notes during the speaker's turn using a specialized system of abbreviations and symbols. These notes serve as a memory aid to help them recall and accurately translate the entire segment when it's their turn to speak. The length of each segment can vary depending on the complexity of the topic, the speaker's pace, and the interpreter's skill.

Consecutive interpreting is often employed in situations where technology for simultaneous interpreting is unavailable or impractical, such as small meetings, one-on-one conversations, depositions, or legal proceedings. It requires a high level of concentration, excellent memory, and strong linguistic and cultural competence in both the source and target languages. The interpreter must be able to grasp the nuances of the original message and convey them effectively, ensuring clarity and accuracy for all participants.