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Cabine/Glossary

Conference Interpreting Industry Glossary

The definitive operational reference for simultaneous conference interpreting terminology, technical acoustic standards, cognitive formulas, and contractual rules.

A-Z Index:
Showing 26 of 26 glossary terms
Linguistic & Cognitive2.5 - 4.0s lag

Décalage (Ear-Voice Span)

The cognitive time lag between a speaker uttering a phrase and the simultaneous interpreter rendering it in the target language.

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Audio & HardwareRelay Pivot

Pivot Language (Relay Pivot)

A central bridge language into which a floor speech is interpreted so downstream booths without direct combinations can translate from it.

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Standards & ISO SpecsDn,w ≥ 24 dB

ISO 4043 (Mobile Soundproof Booths)

The international acoustic and structural standard governing transportable simultaneous interpreting booths assembled in temporary venues.

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Standards & ISO SpecsPermanent Cabins

ISO 2603 (Permanent Built-In Booths)

The international standard for permanent, built-in simultaneous interpreting booths constructed into conference venues and congress centers.

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Standards & ISO Specs125Hz - 15kHz

ISO 20108 & ISO 20109 (RSI Standards)

The international standards defining minimum audio frequency response, video synchronization, and equipment requirements for remote interpreting.

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Audio & Hardware≤ 85 dBA Safe

Acoustic Shock & Trauma

Sudden, high-amplitude sound spikes that cause auditory trauma; mitigated by strict inline acoustic limiters on interpreter consoles.

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Audio & Hardware< 1ms Attack

Acoustic Limiter & Peak Clamping

The essential inline audio engineering safety mechanism that clamps dangerous acoustic transients to protect interpreter hearing.

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Audio & Hardware863 - 865 MHz

UHF Audio Transmitter & Channels

Wireless radio frequency broadcast systems (typically 863-865 MHz) transmitting interpreter audio to delegate pocket receivers.

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Audio & HardwareSecure Optical

Infrared (IR) vs UHF Transmission

The operational comparison between secure optical line-of-sight audio broadcast and UHF radio transmission in simultaneous interpretation.

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Linguistic & CognitiveA / B / C Tiers

Language Classification (A, B, C)

The standard professional tiering system classifying a conference interpreter's working language proficiency.

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Linguistic & CognitiveA → B Direction

Retour Interpreting

Working out of one's native language (Language A) into an active second language (Language B).

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Modes & FormatsConcurrent Mode

Simultaneous Interpreting

Real-time interpretation delivered concurrently with the speaker's continuous delivery via soundproof booths and wireless delegate receivers.

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Modes & FormatsShorthand Notes

Consecutive Interpreting

An interpreting mode where the speaker pauses every 2-5 minutes while the interpreter delivers the translation using specialized shorthand notes.

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Modes & FormatsMax 2 Listeners

Chuchotage (Whispered Interpreting)

Simultaneous interpretation whispered directly into the ear of one or two listeners without soundproof booths or electronic equipment.

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Modes & FormatsWritten to Spoken

Sight Translation (Traduction à Vue)

The real-time oral delivery of a written document handed to the interpreter with little or no advance preparation time.

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Roles & OperationsTeam Lead

Consultant Interpreter (Chef d'Équipe)

The senior conference interpreting practitioner responsible for technical team recruitment, language combinations, and on-site booth leadership.

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Roles & Operations2-Booth Split

Cheval Interpreter (Two-Booth Staffing)

A specialized conference interpreting staffing pattern where one interpreter works across two different booths to optimize team headcount.

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Standards & ISO Specs< 10 dB Isolation

Tabletop Booth (ISO 4043 Half-Booth)

The operational trade-offs, acoustic isolation limits, and venue requirements for tabletop interpreting hoods versus full walk-in booths.

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Contractual & LegalT-48h 100% Fee

Cancellation Indemnity Schedule

Standardized contractual compensation windows protecting conference interpreters against unrecoverable diary losses from late cancellations.

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Contractual & LegalUN / EC Standard

Per Diem & Travel Day Remuneration

The standard industry rules governing daily subsistence allowances, travel compensation, and non-working days for traveling interpreters.

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Audio & HardwarePivot Cascade

Relay Cascade (Downstream Audio Chain)

The multi-tier audio transmission architecture where downstream interpreter booths listen to an intermediate pivot feed rather than the floor speaker.

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Roles & OperationsBooth Co-Pilot

Coude Interpreter (Colleague at the Elbow)

The non-active booth partner seated beside the live interpreter, providing continuous terminology support, numerical verification, and cognitive redundancy.

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Audio & Hardware< 1ms Audio-over-IP

Dante Audio Network (Audio-over-IP)

The professional digital audio-over-IP standard enabling multi-channel, uncompressed, ultra-low-latency interpretation routing across Gigabit Ethernet.

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Standards & ISO SpecsService Standard

ISO 23155 (Conference Interpreting Services)

The international service standard governing professional qualifications, team strength quotas, organizer obligations, and quality management.

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Contractual & LegalConference Standard

Professional Domicile

The officially registered professional base city of an interpreter, determining local billing status versus non-local travel riders, per diems, and lodging.

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Audio & HardwareMobile Wireless Kit

Infoport System (Tourguide Interpretation Kit)

A portable multi-channel wireless radio transmitter and bodypack receiver kit used for mobile simultaneous interpretation where fixed booths cannot fit.

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