Conference interpretation

Professional standards of work for simultaneous conference interpreters

The following working conditions are based on the Code of Ethics and the Professional Standards of the International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC), the only worldwide professional association of conference interpreters to which most of the interpreters in Asia-Pacific belong.

Conference interpretation is a specialised, highly demanding profession. Two interpreters are usually required for each language used at a conference in order to ensure quality interpretation and to cover the various language combinations.

Types of interpretation

Interpretation can be simultaneous or consecutive. For simultaneous interpretation, which is most common, interpreters work in specially soundproofed booths equipped for this purpose. For consecutive interpretation they render an oral translation of a statement after the speaker. This does not require any equipment, but takes more time.

Simultaneous interpretation

One bilingual booth: 3 interpreters
From 2 languages into 2: 3 interpreters
From 3 languages into 2: 4 interpreters
From 3 languages into 3: 6 interpreters

For 4 or more languages, a minimum of 2 interpreters per booth. Usually 3 interpreters are required in booths with a particularly heavy work load, such as at scientific and technical meetings.

Consecutive interpretation

From 2 languages into 2: 2 interpreters

Interpreters must be informed of the subject and content of the meeting and have early access to documentation to become familiar with the terminology used, the names of people and institutions involved, etc. and to prepare their own vocabulary.

Contract period

Conference interpreters are usually hired by the day. If non-working days are included in the duration of a conference, such days are paid at a lower rate.

Should a contract be canceled or shortened, the interpreters are entitled to full payment of fees and travel and rest allowances, since they will have reserved the dates for the client and may have refused other offers of employment. However, if the interpreter secures another contract for all or part of the period canceled, the fees and other dues for the first contract are reduced accordingly. Remuneration is net of commission and, unless otherwise provided by law, net of tax.

Subsistence allowance

A daily subsistence allowance (DSA) is normally due to interpreters when the conference takes place away from their professional address. The DSA covers hotel accommodation, meals, etc. It is calculated per night of absence and is usually paid on the first day of the conference. When the organiser provides hotel accommodation for the interpreters, the DSA is reduced.

Travel and rest allowance

A fee is normally paid to interpreters for each day or part thereof spent traveling to the conference venue and back which prevents them from accepting other appointments.

Travel should not impair either the interpreters' health or the quality of their work after a journey. Journeys lasting a long time or involving a major shift in time zone call for rest before working (usually one rest day for journeys of between 9 and 16 hours; two rest days for journeys of 16-21 hours). Professional interpreters generally travel in business class, unless otherwise agreed.

AIIC code of ethics (Abstracts)

Interpreters shall behave in a professional and responsible manner and, in particular, observe the strictest secrecy with regard to information gathered in the course of professional practice at non-public meetings. Interpreters shall not derive any personal gain from confidential information acquired by them in the exercise of their duties.

In order to ensure the proper performance of their duties, members of AIIC shall try, at all times, to secure satisfactory conditions of sound, visibility and comfort, having particular regard to the ISO technical standards prepared or approved by the Association.

No recording or broadcasting of the interpretation shall be done without prior authorisation of the interpreters involved and payment of copyright, as negotiated.

Members of the Association shall not accept more than one assignment for the same period of time. Interpreters shall not withdraw from a contract unless they can:
a. give sufficient notice, or
b. give sound reasons, and
c. suggest a replacement under the same terms and conditions, at no additional expense to the conference organiser, and
d. secure the organiser's approval of the change.

AIIC code of ethics, read the full text...