Conferentietolken In Theorie En Praktijk

Conference interpreting is a relatively recent and highly specialized branch of one of the oldest professions in human civilization. Since its inception at the Peace Conference of Versailles the profession has rapidly expanded: an ever increasing number of international and private organizations require interpreters for their meetings. Two main modes of interpreting are currently in use: consecutive and simultaneous interpretation. In consecutive interpretation speakers can talk freely for about 5 minutes and the interpreter gives a full rendering of what has been said after the speaker has finished. Simultaneous interpretation requires a technical installation comprising soundproof booths, headsets and microphones which enables interpreters to give a running interpretation. Both are complex techniques: all elements of the reception-assimilation-reproduction sequence need to be perfectly mastered. At the moment there are relatively few qualified professional conference interpreters. AIIC (Association Internationale d'Interprètes de Conférence), the only world-wide association of professional Conference interpreters, has around 2000 members in 68 countries. The Dutch language has acquired international status in the institutions of the European Community. Even today most Dutch interpreters work for the EC. Their professional outlook therefore depends on how the position of Dutch within the EC evolves.