Enhance the output of your simultaneous interpreting by hiring a moderator-interpreter dyad
Improving the outcome of simultaneous interpreting requires a comprehensive approach. Arguably, moderator-interpreter dyads are the synergistic alternative that focuses on the needs of practitioners to address the drawbacks of standard interpreting.
To achieve success in interpreting, it is essential that the moderator and the interpreter are acquainted with each other’s needs. Only in this manner would the interpreter be able to capture the participants’ pertinent reactions. When the interpreter is familiar with the objectives of each section of the questionnaire and understands the purpose of the qualitative exercises, it is more likely that the recipients will receive relevant information.
Moderator-interpreter dyads are one of the best ways to avoid the drawbacks of standard interpreting in focus groups. Unlike the outcome delivered by interpreters without actual understanding of the marketing project, the pairing of moderators and interpreters promotes the overall comprehension of the study so they are both working towards a common goal, which in turn encourages the ability to convey not only words but connotative information that is vital to the projects.
Dyads offer a pro-active approach whereby all the parties that have an effect upon the interpretation process work together to acknowledge: a) the market research aims for the project, b) the techniques that the moderator will apply during the focus group and c) the type of audience that will receive the information. Only when the interpreters take these aspects into consideration do they learn to differentiate the information that is significant and gain competence to intensify the flow of meaningful messages towards the viewing room.
More precisely, moderator-interpreter dyads improve the outcome of interpreting as follows:
- Facilitating collaboration between moderator and interpreter with a view to delivering accurate messages instead of simply words
- Ensuring the interpreters’ understanding of the marketing objectives and the adequate preparation of the qualitative exercises.
- Reducing the impact of cultural barriers by facilitating the communication of the whole message, which includes feelings, intentions and cultural load
- Promoting the transmission of relevant messages.
- Allowing interpreters and moderators to tap into their common experience to approach the singularities of each project and cope with new situations.
- Helping practitioners to analyse the information.
Thus, dyads are a synergistic solution that allows practitioners to fully grasp conversations. They provide the comprehensive kind of interpreting that is required by international clients and practitioners alike.
By Marina Gonzalez, bilingual qualitative researcher and moderator. Partner at A Window.
