Simultaneity and Dynamic Equivalence in Interpreting: Developing Clear, Meaning-Focused Interpretations

This session looks at two areas of interpreting that can make a genuine difference to the clarity and accuracy of your work: simultaneity and dynamic equivalence. We’ll spend time unpacking the ideas behind both, but we’ll also focus on how they show up in real interpreting situations and how you can bring them into your practice with confidence.

Interpreters often feel pulled towards English patterns or a more linear approach, even when the source message is doing something very different. This session gives space to step back, look at why that happens, and develop strategies that support more natural, meaning-driven interpretations.

Whether you work in community settings, conferences, ATW appointments, performance interpreting, or a mix of domains, these concepts can support clearer decision-making and a stronger match to the source message.

What We’ll Cover

• Simultaneity: What it means in practice and how to use it to represent several layers of meaning at once. We’ll look at how space, classifiers and non-manual features can work together to create a more accurate and coherent interpretation.

• Dynamic Equivalence: Moving away from word-for-word decisions and focusing instead on the purpose and effect of the message. We’ll explore how this shift can help you produce interpretations that feel more natural and make better sense to the audience.

• Practical Activities: Throughout the session, you’ll have time to apply the ideas in short, focused activities. These are designed to help you try out new approaches, work with other interpreters, and reflect on the choices you make.

Who Is This For?

This session is suitable for interpreters at any stage who want to deepen their understanding of meaning-based work and improve how they manage more complex or layered messages.

What You’ll Gain

• A clearer grasp of how simultaneity and dynamic equivalence operate in real interpreting scenarios• Strategies that support more accurate, message-focused decision-making• Time to reflect on your own practice in a supportive and interactive environment

If you’re looking for a session that strengthens your analysis, builds confidence in your decision-making, and helps you move towards more meaning-focused interpretations, this course will be a good fit.

Details:

Trainer: Stephen Ellis-Menton

Duration: 7 hours

CPD Points: 6.5 Structured

Language: English

Participation: Active

Recording: Not available