Interpretation services
Simultaneous, consecutive and chuchotage interpreters
The highly experienced interpreters at SMG Languages provide UNI 10574-certified interpretation services and spoken-language support to distinguished clients, including the OECD, the European Commission, and the Spanish Ministry of Justice.
SMG has an experienced team of interpreters specializing in all forms of interpretation, including simultaneous interpretation, consecutive interpretation, chuchotage, liaison interpretation, and other modes.
We have provided interpretation services for
Services
Simultaneous interpreting
The interpreters interpret speech in real time using specialist equipment, such as headphones and microphones, from soundproof booths. SMG also provides all the necessary equipment and technical support.
We also provide remote simultaneous interpretation for videoconferences, with interpreters working remotely via online meeting platforms such as Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, GoToWebinar, Webex and Skype.
Consecutive interpreting
The interpreter listens and takes notes while the speaker is talking and, when the speaker pauses, renders the speech in the target language for those present.
Chuchotage or whispered interpreting
The interpreter sits alongside those listening to the foreign-language speaker and whispers the translation in real time, without the aid of technical equipment.
Hostesses/Stewards
Multilingual hostesses/stewards trained in your business sector can assist with communication and look after your clients at national and international events. They also help protect and promote your corporate image.
Liaison interpreting
The interpreter provides interpreting during meetings and business trips, where also playing the important role of cultural mediator.
This assistance is particularly useful during trade negotiations.
Online and telephone interpreting
Our multilingual interpreters enable customers to communicate by telephone or videoconference with one or more foreign-language speakers, providing immediate and accurate interpreting. The service can be booked 24 hours a day. We use the most common online conferencing and meeting platforms, such as Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, GoToWebinar, Webex and Skype.
On request, we can provide technical support for the use of your digital platform or make our own online conferencing technology available to you, with interpreting services included.
Linguistic and cultural mediation
Our mediators provide linguistic and cultural support to help resolve situations in which misunderstandings may arise. This may include delicate trade negotiations or, increasingly, support for foreign populations in migration emergencies, as well as first aid and guidance for foreign nationals provided by welfare services and hospitals.
Equipment for conferences and simultaneous interpreting
SMG offers conference and simultaneous interpreting equipment for hire, including interpreter booths, interpreter consoles, audience headsets, portable systems for guided tours, audiovisual equipment, and more.
The service includes equipment set-up and support from qualified technicians during the event.
Dubbing
Translation and dubbing of films, videos, and documentaries into foreign languages. This includes all the technical and linguistic operations required to deliver the finished product to the client.
Event management
With over thirty years’ experience, we not only provide interpreting services for all types of event, but also organise the supply of equipment and manage the logistics.
Thanks to a team of expert project managers and above all the support of SMG Meeting, we can coordinate staff (interpreters, translators, hostesses/stewards and technicians) and event participants, scheduling presentations, breaks and workshops.
Main geographical areas where our interpretation service is available
Italy
476 interpreters in: Brescia, Bergamo, Milan, Verona, Venice, Padua, Turin, Genova, Florence, Bologna, Modena, Rome, Naples, Bari, Palermo and Cagliari.
Germany
134 interpreters in: Munich, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Hannover, Dortmund, Bonn and Berlin.
USA
46 interpreters in: New York, Washington, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Denver, and Seattle.
What are the characteristics of our interpreters?
- Quality of linguistic expertise and service: SMG employs interpreters whose professional skills are rated 10/10 or 8/10. These ratings attest to advanced linguistic expertise in syntax, terminology, and comprehension; advanced verbal and nonverbal communication skills, including public speaking; strong diction and pronunciation; and a positive approach to interpersonal interaction, also reflected in appropriate attire and general appearance.
- Other psychological and aptitude-related qualities: SMG employs interpreters who possess general and local cultural knowledge, research skills, technological skills, and the ability to follow instructions, and who demonstrate an adequate level of honesty, awareness, and willingness to develop professionally. These qualities are evaluated with high scores of 10/10 or 8/10.
- Training: a degree/diploma in languages,translation, or interpretation.
- Experience: several years’ experience in interpretation in the client’s subject area.
Other essential requirements
- Local presence: SMG selects local interpreters to ensure timely service delivery. SMG’s offices serve as reference points for its linguistic personnel, where they receive training and instructions from Project Managers and can wait and prepare for assignments.
- Contracts and compliance with administrative requirements: SMG ensures interpreter availability through employment contracts or guaranteed stand-by agreements. SMG employs personnel in compliance with the labor, social security, accident-prevention, and confidentiality regulations in force in the country in which they are contracted. In addition, all foreign personnel hold the residence permits and authorizations required by law.
- Sufficient personnel: SMG has a sufficient number of specialized interpreters available to provide interpretation services in the language combinations requested, manage peak workloads, provide replacements with equivalent expertise in cases of sick leave or holidays and ensure shift coverage.
- Equipment: SMG selects interpreters who have their own transport, where possible, and are equipped with mobile devices and PCs to maintain continuous contact with Project Managers.
- Gender balance: SMG applies a non-discrimination policy in the employment of personnel.
General process for managing our interpreting services
The main stages of our interpretation services are outlined below:
Request acquisition
First, the client sends the Project Manager (PM) an order or a request for a quote via the agreed channel (SMGDesk platform, e-mail, etc.). The PM communicates with the client, including by telephone, and uploads email requests/orders to SMGDesk so the client can follow the progress of the service online.
Service Assessment
The PM then assesses the interpretation service request as follows:
- assesses the linguistic and logistical requirements of the service;
- organizes the work by assigning the interpreters, the necessary terminological resources and support personnel to ensure efficient management of travel and working hours;
- contacts the client with any queries or suggestions.
Quote
A quotation setting out the costs and timing of the service can be sent via SMGDesk or email for the client’s evaluation before the order is placed.
Execution of the service
The PM coordinates the execution of the interpretation service and remains available to support both the client and the interpreters.
Quality control
After the interpretation service, the PM obtains feedback from the client on their satisfaction with the service provided.
Finally, SMG’s Director of Project Management monitors quality based on service-check results, client feedback, key performance indicators, and internal audit results. This enables the Director of Project Management to take corrective action in response to any nonconformities and to prepare the Quality Improvement Plans. Clients can view the results and reports of these activities and can discuss any issues with the PM and Director of Project Management at any time by telephone, email, and during periodic coordination meetings.
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