Short definition
Whispered interpreting is simultaneous, quiet interpreting for one or a few listeners – either directly into the ear or via a whisper system.
Detailed explanation
In whispered interpreting (French "chuchotage"), the interpreter interprets simultaneously in a lowered voice for very few listeners – classically directly into the ear, sitting beside or behind the listener. It's a special form of simultaneous interpreting without a booth, suitable for at most one or two people, such as a single foreign guest in an otherwise monolingual group.
Once more than two people need to listen, pure whispering reaches its limits – the voice then disturbs the room and becomes unintelligible. This is where the whisper system or portable guide system comes in, technically distributing the quiet speech to multiple receivers. Whispered interpreting is very demanding (no booth, no sound protection, divided attention) and is therefore usually chosen only for short assignments or small settings.
Relevance in this subject area
Whispered interpreting is the leanest form of simultaneous interpreting – possible without equipment, but only for very small groups. It bridges liaison and full simultaneous interpreting.
Practical example
At a supervisory board meeting, one member doesn't understand German. An interpreter sits next to them and whispers the interpretation simultaneously – the rest of the meeting continues undisturbed in German.
Related terms
Whisper interpreting system, Portable guide system (PGS), Simultaneous interpreting, Liaison interpreting, Pocket transmitter / pocket receiver