Translation with a sear (professional slang ) is a type of interpretation using special technical means: a small portable device (transmitter) with a built-in microphone , the so-called “whisper” - for the translator, complete with portable receiving devices with headphones - for the addressees of the translation. Thanks to the sear, the translator can be next to the speaker or sit away from the participants of the conference , seminar , presentation , who hear the receivers with headphones, and quietly speak (“whisper”) the translation into the microphone.
The transfer with a sear is an intermediate option between consecutive and simultaneous translation .
Benefits of a searcher
- in comparison with consecutive translation, it is more effective, since it significantly reduces the total amount of time spent on translation (since the translation is carried out only with a slight lag behind the speaker's speech)
- Compared with simultaneous interpretation, it’s more economical for event organizers (since it allows you to get by with one translator who brings a set of equipment with him in a suitcase or bag )
- does not require installation and maintenance of equipment for simultaneous interpretation with a cabin
- unlike simultaneous interpretation, the portability of the equipment allows the translator to always be near the speaker and better hear and see him, as well as the visual aids used by him
- unlike simultaneous interpretation, the translator (if he is not far from the speaker) has the opportunity to ask again or clarify incomprehensible moments
Disadvantages of translations with sear
- Compared with simultaneous interpretation, in order to better hear the speaker, the translator is forced to be directly in the audience, close to the speaker or to have time to move from one speaker to another
- Conference participants usually pay even less attention to a translator with a sear than to simultaneous interpreters located in a separate booth, therefore omissions, distortions and semantic errors in translation are inevitable
- translation with a sear is less prestigious and reduces the general level of organization of translation at a conference, seminar, presentation