German-English simultaneous interpreting with bidule system in the fashion field
A fashion training translated from German into English: the work done for Max Mara GmbH
Laura, a colleague, contacted me for a special interpreting assignment: she was looking for a professional interpreter for a client of hers, someone who could translate simultaneously from German into English at an internal corporate training in the fashion field using a bidule system.
So off I went to Munich to visit a famous Italian fashion company in its German offices.
Interpreting
fashion
Working together
First contact
I have known Laura for a long time, ever since she attended some of my training sessions for interpreters. I was very pleased when she thought about me for this assignment: she already works in the field, so from the very first email she shared all the event’s details so I could prepare a quote.
We then had a videocall to discuss the terms of the assignment and other details: having her as an intermediary made me feel very confident because she knew perfectly the ideal conditions for successful interpreting.
She showed me the schedule of the day, when the training sessions for north Europe dealers were scheduled, with coffee breaks and catwalks inbewteen.
Preparing for the assignment
Since the client was very important, my anxiety was skyrocketing. And the only way I know to take care of my work-related anxiety is to get prepared for the assignment so I’m ready for any situation. As fashion is one of my strengths I didn’t need to start learning from scratch, but since it was an interpreting job with what’s known as a crossed language combination (working between two languages which are both foreign to me) I had to merge my English and German glossaries, updating them and revising them in light of this job. I also studied the presentation material they had shared with me so I’d know in detail what the training would be about. I lastly simulated similar situations and translated aloud fashion speeches from German into English: to refresh my understanding of German, I regularly listened to German videos and podcasts, doing shadowing exercises (repeating what I was listening to, and simultaneously translating aloud).
The service Laura chose
For this assignment, Laura and I opted for a German into English simultaneous translation with bidule system: compared to a classic simultaneous translation, where soundproof booths and an audio system with earphones and microphones are involved, with the bidule system the interpreter uses a microphone and earphones are given to the audience that needs the translation. Only five people didn’t speak German and needed interpretation, which is why this mode was perfect in this situation. Normally during simultaneous interpreting assignments over three hours interpreters work in pairs, so they can switch out and take breaks. This is because translating aloud while you’re listening to a message is a very complex and mentally tiring task. To guarantee high quality it’s crucial the service is time-limited for every interpreter. This event was planned to have short training sessions – one hour max. – to be interpreted with many breaks inbetween, so we thought a single interpreter could provide the services needed. And we were right.
Internal corporate training with foreign guests?
Difficulties
Translating from one foreign language into another is really difficult and needs intensive training: our own mothertongue plays a crucial role in our communication and even if we are used to working between two different foreign languages, Italian will always peep out, making the translation process a bit longer and more complex. The risk is losing track of the conversation. The speakers were great and respected my requests: not only did they keep an ideal speed of speaking for my simultaneous translation, they also respected the scheduled breaks.
This training was the first time in which the company’s Munich office relied on an interpreter and though both my colleague and I told them the ideal conditions for carrying out our job, like sending the presentations shared with them in advance, some slides were added last minute without letting me know. I knew the topic of those slides, which were about fashion, but this is an example of why it’s crucial for us interpreters to know in advance the topics that will be covered during events: it affects the outcome of the interpreting service.
Results
Corporate training understandable to participants who didn’t speak German.
Important communication conveyed in a comprehensible language.
Introduction of the fashion company’s news.
What the client has to say
I want to thank you for your support and all the work you did on Wednesday. We’re really pleased with the final output!
Thanks again for your great work!
Thank you!
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Other situations where an interpreting service with the bidule system may be the right choice
- Guided tours in cities or museums: the bidule system is ideal when you need simultaneous translation on the move, allowing users to listen to the explanations in their own language while moving.
- Itinerant company visits: during company visits the bidule system is a great choice as well because leaves people free to move around while listening to the translation in their earphones.
- Workshops, conferences or events where a small audience needs translation: if only a few guests don’t speak the event’s language, you can opt for an interpreting service with receivers during events, conferences and training sessions, minimizing costs compared to the technical supports of a regular simultaneous interpreting service.
