chuchotage

Chuchotage is a term used in the field of interpretation to describe whispered interpretation delivered directly to one or a few listeners. The word comes from the French chuchoter, meaning to whisper. In professional practice, chuchotage is considered a variant of simultaneous interpretation, performed in real time but at a very low volume so that only the intended listener hears the translation.

In practice, the interpreter sits close to the recipient(s) and speaks softly, often using a discreet headset or simply whispering into the ear. Unlike booth-based simultaneous interpretation, chuchotage relies on minimal or no equipment and requires the interpreter to manage pace and accuracy while delivering the translation nearly as the speaker speaks. The mode places a higher cognitive load on the interpreter, who must balance fidelity with the constraints of whispering.

Chuchotage is typically used in situations where only a small number of participants need translation, such as executive briefings, small diplomatic meetings, court proceedings, or multilingual business meetings. It can also serve as a practical option when a full interpretation setup is unavailable or when confidentiality or immediacy is important and a larger audience does not require translation.

Advantages include lower cost, minimal equipment, and greater privacy for translated content. Disadvantages include a very limited audience (usually one to three people), potential distraction or disturbance to others nearby, greater interpreter fatigue, and challenges in rendering complex or lengthy material with the same precision as full-scale interpretation.