WHAT WE DO

Conference interpreters enable attendants at any meeting to overcome linguistic barriers, thus facilitating free communication among them by interpreting, whether simultaneously or consecutively, that which has been expressed by the different speakers.
As conference interpreters, we work in teams of two and take turns every 20 minutes to guarantee the quality of our work in such a demanding profession and to maintain en even, world-class performance. Ours is basically a six hour working day, usually divided into three-hour blocks.  All other meetings taking up different lengths of time are considered case by case.  Interpreting for press conferences, for instance, which rarely last over 90 minutes, may be performed by just one interpreter.  On the other hand, in the case of conferences which last longer, fees will be higher and the work may even have to be carried out by 3 interpreters, if  it exceeds 8 working hours.
There are basically two modes of interpretation: consecutive and simultaneous interpretation.
ADICA interpreters take on with the same competence and ease simultaneous interpreting at congresses or consecutive interpretation at lectures and press conferences or while escorting dignitaries and foreign delegations.

Consecutive Interpretation:

This mode of working is suitable among small groups of participants. It consists in conveying the message after the speaker has spoken. The interpreter sits at the conference table, taking notes of what the speakers say and wait until they have finished expressing their ideas, and then interpret it into another language.  Consecutive interpretation necessarily takes longer, though it also allows to work in smaller rooms and to save money on technical equipment.  If the groups are very small it is possible to interpret without having to take notes and, if participants agree to it, even voice-over may be used, with both the speaker and the interpreter speaking at the same time, thus saving time and making the meeting progress at a faster pace. Should there be only one or two persons who do not speak the language in which the meeting is being held, everything may be simultaneously "whispered" to them in the other language.

Lidia McDonough, founding member and first ADICA President from 1979 to 1984, interpreting Henry Kissinger consecutively.

Simultaneous Interpretation: 

Simultaneous interpretation consists in transmitting the message at the same time it is stated by the speaker. Soundproof booths, microphones for the speakers, simultaneous translation consoles for the interpreters and headphones for the audience are necessary (for recommendations on technical equipment please see Hiring Interpreters ).  With all these means available, the interpreter may concentrate on giving a running interpretation in the other language.  On certain occasions mobile, wireless equipment may be used, thus making a booth unnecessary. Despite the speed of the speakers or the difficulties posed by the subject, ADICA interpreters are well known for being true "interpreters", making their translation as interesting and enthusiastic as the speaker's words, without overacting or dramatizing, nor falling into boring, monotonous discourse.