tulkkauskopin

Tulkkauskopin, or interpretation booth, is a soundproof enclosure used in live conferences and events to enable simultaneous interpretation. It houses one or more interpreters who listen to the source-language speech through headphones and speak into microphones that are transmitted to attendees’ receivers or to a digital conference system.

Typical features of a tulkkauskopin include acoustic isolation to minimize sound leakage, ventilation for comfort, a desk and chair, a window for visual contact with the room, and a control console that supports the interpretation equipment. In larger venues, several booths may be arranged in a row or clustered around a central control room, with a dedicated staff coordinating language channels and equipment.

Operation and workflow in a tulkkauskopin involve interpreters working in short shifts while listening to the source language and producing a simultaneous interpretation in their own language. The interpreted signal is distributed to audience receivers, headsets, or a digital platform. The booth is connected to a central interpretation desk or technical room that manages language distribution, microphone levels, and channel assignments, ensuring clear and synchronized delivery across languages.

Variants and installation practices vary by venue. Some booths are fixed installations in permanent conference facilities, while others are portable or modular for temporary events. Design considerations include acoustic performance, air quality, accessibility, and compliance with safety and broadcasting standards. In international institutions and large conferences, entire interpretation suites may be installed to support multiple languages and simultaneous sessions.

Etymology: tulkkaus means interpretation and koppi means booth. See also: simultaneous interpretation, conference interpreting.