Conference interpreter
At the Court of Justice, the predominant method of interpreting is simultaneous interpreting: it takes place in a booth, generally by a team of at least two interpreters. The interpreters, sitting in a booth, listen to the speaker through headsets and orally translate the speech, simultaneously, and generally into their native language. Some interpreters have a second language at a high enough level to orally translate into that language from their mother tongue. This is known as ‘retour’ interpretation.
In order to cover all language combinations, it is sometimes necessary to use ‘relay’ interpretation. This occurs where some interpreters interpret – not from the language of the speaker directly but from the interpretation provided by a colleague in another language booth who is able to interpret directly into his or her own language.
Consecutive interpretation is another method which is often used during formal events, visits, receptions and, at the General Court, during amicable settlements and bilateral discussions between the judges and the parties away from hearings. This is where the interpreters take notes during the speaker’s address and reproduce the content thereof consecutively.
At hearings, interpreters rely on their meticulous preparation, which often begins several days earlier and accounts for a significant proportion of their working time. Ongoing training is also essential: the interpreter must have solid linguistic and thematic knowledge in order to analyse a speaker’s remarks in real time and to accurately convey their meaning.
The interpreter’s job is evolving rapidly with regards to technology, with the latest developments concerning, in particular, the participation of the parties by video conference when health reasons, security reasons or other serious reasons prevent them from participating physically or the use of preparation tools based on artificial intelligence.
The requirements in order to work as an interpreter at the Court are specified in the competition and vacancy notices published on the EPSO or Curia websites.
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