Consecutive interpreters need more than vocabulary and fluency. They must understand meaning accurately and in context, often while dealing with unfamiliar accents, technical terminology and even speaker's emotions. They must handle cultural differences, ambiguity and communication styles of both speaker and audience.

For simultaneous interpreting, add an additional set of highly specialised skills. The interpreter must listen, process meaning and deliver in another language almost at the same time, that is, under considerable time pressure. Developing the concentration, memory, listening, anticipation and delivery skills required takes years of extensive training and practice.

Interpreting is a professional discipline with a set of established techniques, standards, ethics and practices that need to be learnt and applied well. At times, there is little latitude for error.

Mastering languages is only the starting point for anyone wanting to take on this highly essential role and, while solid language knowledge is essential, the real skill we offer at The B-Lab is in turning that knowledge into meaning.