Simultaneous interpreters: why they must change every 30 minutes

The demands of simultaneous interpreting

Simultaneous interpreting is one of the most demanding aspects of language services. Unlike consecutive interpreting, where the interpreter first listens and then translates, simultaneous interpreting takes place in real time. Simultaneous interpreters have to listen, understand, analyse and translate into another language – all at the same time. This incredible mental juggling act places immense cognitive demands on the interpreter, leading to fatigue after about 30 minutes.

What happens after 30 minutes?

Even the most experienced and skilled simultaneous interpreters experience a drop in concentration and are more likely to make mistakes after 30 minutes. This isn’t due to a lack of training, but is a natural consequence of the intense cognitive demands of simultaneous interpreting. When juggling several mental processes – listening, analysing and translating – the brain and memory quickly reach their limits.

The effect of fatigue on simultaneous interpretation

After 30 minutes, the quality of the interpretation begins to suffer. Cognitive overload leads to reduced accuracy and fluency, which can have a negative impact on the transfer of information. Physical factors also come into play – prolonged interpreting causes stress hormones such as cortisol to drop, leading to feelings of exhaustion and the risk of ‘switching off’. Without regular breaks, interpreters may find it difficult to maintain the accuracy and clarity required for simultaneous interpreting.

The role of breaks in maintaining interpretation quality

Taking regular breaks is not just a suggestion, it is an essential practice to ensure that simultaneous interpreting remains accurate and professional throughout an event. At CB Multilingual, we strictly adhere to AIIC (International Association of Conference Interpreters) guidelines and rotate interpreters every 30 minutes to maintain high standards. This rotation allows interpreters to stay sharp and ensures that your message is conveyed clearly from start to finish.

Industry standards ensure professionalism

AIIC guidelines recommend that simultaneous interpreters rotate every 30 minutes for longer events, especially for complex topics in fields such as medicine, technology or law. For conferences lasting more than an hour, at least two interpreters must be present to alternate and maintain consistent quality. These standards aren’t just formalities – they are the cornerstone of reliable simultaneous interpreting.

Trust CB Multilingual for professional simultaneous interpreting

At CB Multilingual, we pay attention to every detail to ensure the success of your event. By regularly rotating our interpreters, we maintain the highest level of service throughout. Our team of expert simultaneous interpreters excel in specialised and technical fields, ensuring that your message is conveyed with accuracy and precision.

When you choose CB Multilingual, you’re choosing a partner committed to seamless international communication. You can be assured that your event’s interpretation will be handled with the utmost professionalism, allowing your audience to receive your message clearly and effectively.

Planning a conference, meeting or event? Rely on clear and accurate simultaneous interpretation – contact us and let our simultaneous interpreters ensure that your message is conveyed professionally and clearly.