TS ISO 23155

TS ISO 23155 is a standard for conference interpreting services, focusing on how this specialised language service is defined, delivered and evaluated. Within the broader field of translation services, conference interpreting has its own operational demands because real-time spoken communication requires rapid processing, terminology control and careful coordination that differ from written translation and from other interpreting settings.

What conference interpreting services cover

The standard specifies requirements and recommendations for the provision of conference interpreting services. In practical terms, that means attention is not limited to the interpreter’s linguistic performance; it also extends to service planning, assignment, preparation, team organisation and interaction with the client. It is intended as a reference for conference interpreters, conference interpreting service providers and users of these services.

In general technical context, conference interpreting is the live transfer of speech in multilingual meetings, congresses, seminars and similar events. Common working modes include simultaneous, consecutive and whispered interpreting, with the choice depending on event format, pace, participant numbers and technical setup. Quality in this field is associated not only with accuracy, but also with meaning preservation, consistency, confidentiality, preparation and suitable working conditions.

Key service elements in conference settings

• Advance preparation of terminology and subject matter
• Assignment of interpreters suited to the event format and language combination
• Team organisation, shift planning and working conditions
• Technical equipment and communication arrangements appropriate to the venue
• Clear expectations and responsibilities between provider and user