This section discusses the different factors that are important to booths for
simultaneous interpretation, as reported by the interpreters interviewed.
z Booth size
The interview findings with regard to this factor are as follows:
1. Booth size is a basic requirement for interpretation booths;
2. Most booths are too small;
3. Booths that are too small could adversely affect interpretation quality; and
4. Booths that are too big, though rare, can also pose problems.
Unsurprisingly, Subjects A, B, C, D, and F reported sufficient booth size to be a
basic requirement for interpretation booths, which concurs with the findings of the
questionnaire. Quite often, booths are found to be too small, sometimes only
providing enough space for one interpreter. Examples of overly small booths include
those of the Grand Hotel, GIS, School of Continuing Education Chinese Culture
University on Chien-Kuo South Road, and the original booths of the Civil
Aeronautics Administration, as provided by Subjects A, B, C, and F. Subjects C and D
speculate that the designers must have been under the misconception that
simultaneous interpreters work alone, thus designing booths large enough only to fit
one person. Subject B remarks that the Civil Aeronautics Administration, whose
original booths were also as small as to seat only one person, knocked down the
partition walls between booths on the advice of a fellow interpreter so that they are
now just barely able to fit two interpreters in a booth, proving that poor conditions can
be improved at the urgings of interpreters.
Booths that are too small can be a distraction, as noted by Subjects C and F, and
could also adversely affect the quality of interpretation. Both Subjects B and C
recommend that booths which are too small should be enlarged, perhaps by taking
down the partition wall and combining two booths into one, especially since many
conference centers waste space by having three or four booths which are never used at
the same time, as noted by Subject B. In addition, Subject F believes that booths
should be enlarged to accommodate three interpreters to a booth, which is a standard
practice in conferences held in the European Union and United Nations, where several
language combinations are used and relay interpretation is needed. Although this
practice is rare in Taiwan’s current conference interpreting environment, she feels that
Taiwan should and will adopt this practice in the future; hence booths should be
prepared for this need.
Although booths that are too large are much rarer than booths that are too small,
they can also pose a problem, as reported by Subject B. Echoes are created in overly
large booths, such as those at National Defense University and Chung-Hua Institute
for Economic Research, where there is no partition separating the latter’s
interpretation booth from the sound control booth. Thus, while the technicians stay as
silent as possible, anything said by the interpreters echo throughout the combined
space. This is a distraction for interpreters, although their effect on the audience is not
known.
z Access
Some interpreters and one PCO interviewed mentioned the importance of easy
access as a basic requirement for interpretation booths, providing examples to
illustrate the problems and difficulties caused by poor access.
Examples of booths with poor access include those of the Liberty Square
Convention Center, Grand Hotel, and NTUH International Convention Center, as
mentioned by Subjects A, B, F, and H. Access is terrible for the Liberty Square
Convention Center booths, because interpreters have to climb stairs to get to the booth,
which is located in an obscure location that takes a long time to find for first timers.
The booths of the Grand Hotel are difficult to access, because first, interpreters have
to climb up steep stairs to reach the mezzanine level where the booths are located,
then walk down a few steps into the sound control booth, ducking to avoid hitting
your head, pass through the sound control booth, and maneuver a narrow hallway to
finally get to the booth. Restrooms are difficult to reach, as they are not located on the
same level. On the other hand, Subject A feels that as difficult as the booths are to
access, it is a good thing to have different access for interpreters and delegates. It is
also difficult for interpreters to reach the booth of NTUH International Convention
Center, because they have to cross through the sound control booth and maneuver
around a large column in order to get in and out of the booth.
z Visibility
The interview findings with regard to visibility are as follows:
1. Most interpreters and both PCOs considered visibility to be a most important
factor;
2. It is important for interpreters to see the speaker and his/her facial
expressions and the slides, including the numbers and fine print;
3. Opinions are split regarding the importance of seeing the audience;
4. Poor or a lack of visibility can result in lower interpretation quality or
physical discomfort for interpreters; and
5. Monitors are recommended to improve visual access, although a direct view
is preferred over a view through the monitor(s).
Visibility is one of the basic requirements for interpretation booths, according to
Subjects A, D, E, and F, while Subjects G and H note that poor visibility is one of the
biggest complaints the interpreters have. The importance of visibility extends to a
view of the speaker, the speaker’s facial expressions, and the slides. In particular,
Subject A feels that “interpreters need to see the speaker’s facial expressions, although
we rarely do in reality, due to the distance and angle of the booth from the podium,
and sometimes our view is blocked.” The ability to see the slides is also important,
since interpreters need to see the details, numbers, and fine print on the slides in order
to interpret. However, opinions on the importance of seeing the audience are rather
mixed. Subjects B and E consider seeing the audience as very important; Subject E
adds that without a view of the audience, interpreters are left in the dark, not knowing
the context in which nonverbal messages are conveyed. On the other hand, Subjects A,
C, and F feel that a view of the audience’s interaction is not important, as most of the
time, interpreters can only see the backs of their heads.
Visibility is so important to interpreting, that poor visibility or a lack of it can
cause lower interpretation quality or physical discomfort to interpreters. Subject A
states, “If I can’t see the speaker or if the audience blocks my view, my interpretation
quality drops.” Subjects B and D note that booths placed at awkward angles to the
screen force interpreters to stand or hold strange postures, resulting in back and neck
pains. However, one interpreter interviewed disagrees; Subject C feels that if
materials and documents are provided beforehand, visibility is not such a big issue.
Also, Subject C reports no physical discomfort from having to stand to see the
speaker.
Visual monitors should be added to facilitate the interpretation process for booths
with poor visual access to conference proceedings, as recommended by Subjects A, C,
and E. Subject G remarked that her PCO company would bring in monitors for visual
support in booths with poor visibility. Subject B recommends that all booths be fitted
with monitors, stating, “Most booths are located too far from the screen, and there is a
lot of information on the slides that we can’t see. Not to mention, oftentimes, speakers
finish their PowerPoint presentations at the last minute, and not even the conference
organizers have them, to say nothing of interpreters. So it’s crucial for interpreters to
have a good view of the slides, preferably by a monitor. Plus, monitors go a long way
toward giving interpreters peace of mind.” Subject D feels that although monitors
could help alleviate the poor existing conditions, the degree to which they may help
depends largely on the cameraman, who although is in all likelihood a professional,
nevertheless does not understand what interpreters needs to see and cannot anticipate
interpreters’ needs.
Examples of booths with poor visibility include the Taipei County Government
Conference Room booths, which have no direct view of the hall; the TICC Plenary
Hall booths, which are located too steeply above the hall to provide a good viewing
angle; and the Howard International House Taipei Conference Room booths, whose
view is often blocked by the last rows of the audience, as provided by Subject A.
Examples given of halls with good visibility include Room 102 and 401 of the TICC,
as given by Subjects B and F.
z Windows
Interviewees’ comments regarding booth windows can be summarized as
follows:
1. Interpreters should be able to see while comfortably seated;
2. Windows should not produce glare, should be untinted, and clean enough to
see out of; and
3. Side windows are important during relay interpretation.
Windows are an essential and basic requirement to interpretation booths,
according to Subjects A, B, and C. Subject B noted that it was most important that
windows conform to requirements, stating that windows should allow interpreters not
only to see, but to see comfortably. In addition, Subject B also noted that the size of
the window did not matter as much as its height, or placement. The height of the table,
chairs, and working surface should allow the interpreter to see while comfortably
seated, without contorting into strange positions, according to both Subjects A and B.
The booths of GIS and Howard Conference Room are examples of windows set too
high for interpreters to see out of. In addition, the placement of the windows in
conjunction with the ceiling structure cause the interpreter’s view of the projection
screen to be cut off at the top, which is usually where the title and most important
information is located. Subject H added that although new and often frequented, the
National Taiwan University International Convention Center is fitted with booth
windows that are much too high. Another example is the Liberty Square Convention
Center booth, which is perfectly located just above the hall, if only there were
windows to see out of!
The main function of booth windows is to allow interpreters to see conference
proceedings; this function would be greatly hampered if the interpreters are
confronted with glare, tinted glass, or unclean windows, as noted by Subjects A, B,
and C. An example of glare-producing windows is the booths of TICC; Subject A
remarks that “Most of the time, I’m interpreting while staring at a reflection of my
own face. It’s very distracting, especially when I’m trying to read what’s on the
screen.” Booth windows should be untinted, according to both ISO 2603 and Subject
B. Booths that use tinted windows, such as those in the Civil Aeronautics
Administration, National Defense University, and National Central Library, make it
difficult for interpreters to see out of. Subject C emphasizes that windows have to
clean enough to see out of. Subject B recalls an incident, in which one of the TICC
booths was covered with dust, even the windows. He comments, “It is really hard to
see anything when there is a layer of dust covering the window.”
Side windows are considered to be an important factor, especially during relay
interpretation when many languages are used and interpreters are not sure which
channels to use, according to Subjects B and F, although Subject C deems it
unnecessary to see other interpreters. Subject F adds that side windows should not be
overly large, since the habits and behavior of interpreters in other booths may pose as
a distraction during the interpretation process.
Recommendations include enlarging overly small windows and replacing tinted
windows with untinted glass, as offered by Subjects A and B. In addition, Subject B
recommended that booths which can be viewed by audience members passing by,
such as those of Howard Conference Room and GIS, be fitted with window curtains,
so that interpreters may rest during the breaks.
z Ventilation and Air Quality
The interview findings with regard to this factor are as follows:
1. Ventilation is one of the most important booth factors;
2. Lack of oxygen and excess CO2 levels can have adverse effect on
interpretation quality; and
3. Extreme booth temperatures and odors can be a source of discomfort and
distraction.
The importance of ventilation in booths was noted by Subjects A, B, D, E, F, and
H; Subjects A and D go as far as to rate it as the most important requirement. This is
unsurprising, since interpreters have to sit in booths for six to eight hours a day, and
the effects of poor ventilation are especially noticeable in late afternoon, after a whole
day in the booth. Subject A remarks that “An interpreter can’t function with bad
ventilation. You can’t think. The oxygen levels fall and your brain turns to mush.”
Subject F concurs with Subject A, saying that she can’t think with low oxygen levels.
Subject D mentions that the buildup of carbon dioxide has a distinct smell, and some
interpreters leave the booth door open, sacrificing the privacy and quiet of the booth
for some fresh air.
Booths temperature is also important, according to Subjects A, B, E, F, and G.
Booths should be neither too cold nor too hot, and booth temperature should be
individually regulated by the interpreters, remarked Subject B. Booths which are too
cold, such as the ones at the Grand Hotel and TICC, may cause the interpreters’ voice
to shiver or runny noses, according to Subjects A and B. Subjects A, E, and F
comment that they often have to bring extra clothing to prepare for extreme
temperatures. Booths which are too hot cause interpreters to sweat, smell, and
generally feel uncomfortable, since it is a small enclosed space shared by two people,
as mentioned by Subjects A, B, and D. One interesting example is the booths of
National Central Library, which have one temperature regulator per two booths.
Subject B remarks that while working, the booth in which he and his partner were
working in remained hot and stuffy no matter what they did, while the other empty
booth became freezing cold.
Booth odors are also a source of discomfort and distraction. The booths of GIS
were noted as an example by Subject A, who stated that “It stinks in there, it smells
like the bathroom, like the booth was built above the septic tanks. Something like that
would really distract me from my work.” Subject B noted that when he was working
at NCL, the smell of cigarette smoke wafted through the ventilation shaft and into the
booth, discomforting him and his partner.
Interviewees suggest that improvements should be made with regard to
ventilation and booth temperature to create a more pleasant working environment;
Subjects A and B recommend at least the use of air purifiers. Subject A also
commented that she uses aromatherapy to make a more comfortable working
environment, but adds that this is also dependent on the partner’s preference and
whether they are allergic to certain scents. Subject D remarks that some interpreters
ask that a fan be brought in to improve air flow; however, she feels that fans are too
noisy and can be distracting. Subject E feels that the only thing interpreters can do is
to spread the word about the extreme temperatures in certain booths and prepare
themselves by bringing extra clothing.
z Acoustics
Interviewees’ comments regarding booth acoustics can be summarized as
follows:
1. Acoustics is one of the most important booth factors;
2. Sound transmission is the main factor which may negatively affect
interpretation quality; and
3. Poor soundproofing or acoustic separation can also adversely affect
interpretation quality.
Acoustics is one of, if not the most important factor in a booth, as remarked on
by Subject D; however, it is also often overlooked since it seems so basic a
requirement, accounting for two of the three main requirements of ISO 2603.
According to both Subjects G and H, it is one of the primary concerns for PCO
companies and their clients when choosing whether to use fixed or mobile booths.
The quality of sound transmission was given as the most important factor which
may negatively affect interpretation quality by Subjects C, D, and E, which concurs
with the results of the questionnaire. As Subject D succinctly puts it, “If I can’t hear, I
can’t interpret properly.” According to Subject A, the sound transmission quality of
booths in the TICC is largely dependent on the technician’s ability; when a technician
of insufficient skills is assigned, the interpreter is often left hearing a lot of static in
the headsets, or the sound is not loud enough, even when the volume is turned all the
way up.
Poor acoustic separation and background noise are also possible factors affecting
interpretation quality, as cited by Subjects A, F, and H. Examples of booths with poor
or nonexistent acoustic separation include the Grand Hotel and the National Taiwan
University of Arts, the latter being not separate from the sound control booth,
meaning that interpreters are distracted by the sounds and movements of the
technicians.
z Lighting
The interview findings pertaining to this factor are as follows:
1. Independent booth lighting is important;
2. Work lights, though important, can cause glare on booth windows; and
3. Dimmer switches should be added to lights.
Unsurprisingly, Subjects A, E, F, and H noted that independent lighting is one of
the basic requirements for booths, especially since the conference hall lights often
have to be dimmed for slides.
Work lights are essential for interpreters to read documents while working;
Subject E notes that for booths with no independent lighting, she usually requests that
work lights be brought into the booth. However, work lights can also be a significant
source of glare, as commented by Subject B, causing the interpreters to either “bend
the lights really close to the table to prevent glare, or work in the dark.” Subject D
mentioned that at times, her partner would request that she turn her light off or
position it really close to the table. Hence, Subject B recommends that work lights
should be adjustable in all directions and be aimed wherever the interpreter chooses,
in order to avoid glare.
Dimmer switches should be added to lights, as recommended by Subject B, since
different interpreters or conferences call for varying degrees of illumination.
Unfortunately, according to Subject B, no booths in Taipei are fitted with dimmer
switches, which is something that should be easily improved.
z Working Space and Seating
Interviewees’ comments with regard to working space and seating are as follows:
1. Sufficient working space is important;
2. Chairs should be comfortable and adjustable; and
3. The height of tables and chairs should allow interpreters to see out of the
booth window.
Sufficient working space is one of the concerns for interpreters, as mentioned by
Subjects B, C, and F. Subject F noted that the working surface must be uncluttered
and large enough to read documents. She also mentioned that the table should be free
of any drawers beneath, as they may hamper the interpreters’ leg room.
Booth chairs should also be comfortable and adjustable, according to Subjects B,
C, and F. One example of poor seating is the chairs in TICC, which have some kind of
C, and F. One example of poor seating is the chairs in TICC, which have some kind of