RAQAMLI TEXNOLOGIYALAR DAVRIDA TARJIMASHUNOSLIK VA LINGVISTIKA: ZAMONAVIY YONDASHUVLAR TADQIQI” nomli ilmiy
maqolalar to‘plami May – 2024
125
PIONEERS OF SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION
Kozokova Charos Abduvaliyevna
Teacher, the Department of Translation theory and practice,
Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages
Makhmudova Maftuna Ilkhomovna
Master student of Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages
Abstract —
This scientific article delves into the evolution of simultaneous interpretation (SI) by exploring its foundations,
pioneers, techniques, and tools. By examining the historical roots of this practice and highlighting the contributions of key figures
in the field, a comprehensive understanding of simultaneous interpretation's development is presented. The article also provides
insights into the comparison between the traditional methods of simultaneous interpretation and its contemporary applications,
showcasing the advancements and innovations that have shaped the practice into what it is today. Through a detailed analysis of
past practices and current trends, this article offers a nuanced perspective on the transformative journey of simultaneous
interpretation.
Keywords
— simultaneous interpretation (SI), conference interpreting, history of SI, pioneers of SI, evolution of the professional,
techniques and tools.
1.
I
NTRODUCTION
The roots of SI extend beyond pragmatic necessity, intertwining with broader intellectual and technological currents of the time.
The birth of the League of Nations post-World War I marked a pivotal moment in the expansion of international cooperation,
necessitating effective cross-linguistic communication. Here, the emergence of conference interpreters as a professional cadre
mirrored the growing demand for linguistic mediation in diplomatic and organizational settings.
This paper embarks on a journey through the history and development of SI, exploring its foundational moments, technological
innovations, and the pivotal role played by pioneering figures. From the rudimentary setups of the Nuremberg Trials to the
seamless integration of digital technologies in contemporary practice, SI exemplifies the dynamic interplay between human skill
and technological advancement in the pursuit of linguistic harmony on the global stage.
2.
M
AIN PART
Foundations of SI: history and development. The roots of simultaneous interpretation can be traced back to the early 20th century,
with the groundbreaking developments at the Nuremberg Trials. The need for an efficient method of interpretation that matched the
pace of the proceedings led to the formalization of systems that relied heavily on technology – specifically, the invention of the
Nuremberg method by Dr. Alphonso J. Cremm, Jr., which employed microphones and headphones in a soundproof booth.
Simultaneous interpretation, often heralded as an engineering marvel of the 20th century, owes its genesis not just to practical
necessities but also to significant intellectual and technological advancements. The Nuremberg Trials, held in 1945-46 as part of
the international efforts to bring Nazi war criminals to justice, marked the first large-scale use of simultaneous interpretation. It was
here that the term "simultaneous" was coined, reflecting the real-time nature in which the interpreters worked.
Central to this development was the challenge of interpreting for a multitude of languages in a setting that demanded efficiency,
accuracy, and a clear context of the testimony being given. In response, Dr. Alphonso J. Cremm, Jr., a remarkable American
psychologist and educational reformer, introduced a method that utilized soundproof booths for interpreters, who could then listen
to the speaker's language through headsets, translate the speech into another language, and send it to the listening recipients
through a set of headphones. This system, known as the "Nuremberg method," completely revolutionized the interpretation process
and paved the way for modern simultaneous interpretation.
The remarkable innovation of the Nuremberg method represented a true watershed moment in the history of interpretation. Not
only did it demonstrate the capabilities of technology in the service of linguistic mediation, but it also set a standard for subsequent
developments. These early systems often involved considerable technical challenges in ensuring that the spoken word was
accurately transmitted and that the interpreters could handle the sometimes-complex grammatical differences between languages.
The basic setup and principles of this method are still in use today, demonstrating how a solution devised in a moment of historical
necessity has evolved into a long-standing practice.
Further development in the latter half of the 20th century and the beginnings of the 21st century have seen the merging of new
technologies with the skills developed by interpreters over the years. Today's process incorporates digital and communication
technologies that have made the system more efficient and have expanded the scope of simultaneous interpretation.
RAQAMLI TEXNOLOGIYALAR DAVRIDA TARJIMASHUNOSLIK VA LINGVISTIKA: ZAMONAVIY YONDASHUVLAR TADQIQI” nomli ilmiy
maqolalar to‘plami May – 2024
126
The pioneers of conference interpretation. The birth of the conference interpreter as a professional group is closely linked to the
expansion of international organizations, most notably the League of Nations. The first international meetings were typically
conducted in multiple languages, each delegate speaking their own language. This necessitated the presence of interpreters, who
would be the first to perform the task we now recognize as conference interpretation.
As the need for efficient and effective cross-linguistic communication heightened post-WWI, the League of Nations established a
cadre of interpreters to facilitate the communication between its member countries. This unique group of professionals, often
drawing from academia and multi-lingual backgrounds, possessed the impressive ability to interpret consecutively and later, when
technological advancements allowed, simultaneously from one language to another, and vice versa. Notable figures such as Eugen
Nöthlich, a German interpreter who played a significant role in the early years of the League of Nations, and Gregorio Salvatori, an
Italian pioneer in the establishment of interpreting as a profession, stand out as among the first individuals to undertake these tasks.
These early conference interpreters laid the foundation for the profession, creating standards and working practices that would later
become critical as the demand for global communication escalated throughout the 20th century. The innovative techniques and
complex linguistic skills required were groundbreaking and set the stage for the development of modern interpretation services.
Their work greatly impacted the international landscape, as the standardized systems they developed allowed debates, discussions,
and negotiations to occur seamlessly across a multitude of languages. This not only facilitated better understanding and
cooperation between countries but also contributed to the development of a truly international community.
Evolution of the professional: from visionaries to the digital age. The role of the conference interpreter has evolved significantly
since the early days of the League of Nations. Technological advances have transformed the profession, expanded the capabilities
and reached of interpreters. From the initial use of soundproof booths and stationary microphones, to modern portable digital
systems and remote interpreting, technology has played a crucial role in increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of conference
interpretation.
Today's conference interpreters continue the legacy set by their predecessors, with the additional advantage of modern tools. The
adaptability and linguistic prowess of interpreters, combined with the convenience and sophistication of contemporary technology,
allow for smooth and accurate interpretation in a myriad of settings, from international summits to business conferences.
The profession has also broadened its scope. Conference interpreters now serve in not only intergovernmental organizations but
also in a variety of public and private sectors, including legal and medical fields, the media, and academic conferences. This
expansion has necessitated a diverse array of skills and knowledge, making the work of modern interpreters highly specialized and
comprehensive.
3.
C
ONCLUSION
The evolution of simultaneous interpretation has been a fascinating journey marked by innovation, dedication, and continuous
improvement. From its humble beginnings to the sophisticated technology-driven practice we see today, simultaneous
interpretation has undergone significant transformations that have shaped its effectiveness and relevance in various settings. By
tracing the historical roots, recognizing the pioneering figures, and examining the techniques and tools that have propelled its
development, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and artistry involved in this vital communication process. As we
look to the future, it is clear that simultaneous interpretation will continue to adapt and evolve in response to changing needs and
advancements in technology, ensuring that it remains an indispensable tool for fostering cross-cultural understanding and
communication on a global scale.
4.
R
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