Chuchotage is a type of oral translation that some consider a subspecies, and others consider it a precursor to simultaneous interpretation, however it is a specific type of translation that, like simultaneous interpreting, continuously follows the speaker’s presentations in real time, but which, unlike simultaneous, is realized by whispering in the listener’s ear. The very name of this type of translation comes from the French term for whispering “chuchotage” which is pronounced “shishotage” and which has found its home in Serbian dictionary under that name, while the English term for it is “whispering interpretation”.
How does chuchotage interpreting work?
This type of translation works only in certain specific situations, because the interpreter’s speech can disturb other participants attending the same event. Chuchotage is often used in combination with consecutive interpretation, where the interpreter whispers to one or two delegates, and when those delegates take the floor, the interpreter takes notes and, after their presentation, communicates the interpretation to the other participants in consecutive mode. It is important for the interpreter to be positioned as close as possible to the person listening to him and to have an unobstructed view of all the visual elements being shown, and depending on the duration of the event, two or even more interpreters may have to alternate.
Is there any equipment required for chuchotage?
Chuchotage basically does not require any equipment, but if you still decide to use portable equipment for interpretation (tour guide equipment), this type of translation will gain a completely new dimension because the number of listeners in that case can be increased to almost unlimited, i.e. limited only by the number of participants in the event or the number headphones at your disposal. Despite the fact that the use of portable equipment for chuchotage is a really great solution from a technological point of view, it is still not an alternative to simultaneous interpretation because direct translation from the conference room cannot be a substitute for interpretation from the cabin. This is precisely the reason why chuchotage with portable equipment is practiced almost exclusively for events with a smaller number of participants, while for all more massive and significantly more demanding events, simultaneous interpreting is generally organized, including appropriate technical support.
