Whispered Interpreting(Chuchotage)

Kriswanda Krishnapatria

ChuchotageIn whispered interpreting (chuchotage)

/su:sotaj/, the interpreter sits or stands next to the small target-language audience whilst whispering a simultaneous interpretation of the matter to hand;

Chuchotage is used in circumstances where the majority of a group speaks the source language, and a minority (ideally no more than three people) does not speak it.

ChuchotageThis method requires no equipment, but

may be done via a microphone and headphones if the participants prefer.

Chuchotage may well involve portable interpreting equipment, with its use being ever more on the increase. Such interpreting can be viewed as a sub-variant of whispered interpreting.

Guided Plant ToursIt permits significant flexibility since no

interpreting booth is required. It is for instance ideal for guided plant tours. The interpreter stays close to the speaker and

in a low voice interprets what is being said into a wireless microphone.

Listeners in the vicinity hear what is being interpreted via headsets.

Preferably, however, this mode of interpreting is used only under specific circumstances and for a maximum of c. 25 listeners.

BenefitsNo simultaneous interpreting booth is

requiredGreat flexibility (hence particularly well

suited for guided tours at industrial plant)

Drawbacks (1)The whispered interpreting may distract

other participants (the interpreter is not housed in a sound-proof booth, as would normally be the case)

Drawbacks (2)The interpreter may similarly be somewhat

distracted, being exposed to a great variety of noises (and the original is not transmitted via a microphone to the interpreter’s headset as would be the case in an interpreting booth). Consequently, the interpreter always needs to be positioned close to the speaker, and all participants need to exercise a significant degree of discipline.

Drawbacks (3)Interpreting can only be into one language

Fields of UseSeminarsMeetingEvents with a very small number of

participants who are in need of language assistance, and who themselves do not intend to take the floor Guided plant tours

Practice of (whispered) Interpreting

Speech of President Yudhoyono:International Relations :

It is not enough for Indonesia and Australia

just to be neighbors