oSIST ISO/DIS 23155:2021

Interpreting services -- Conference interpreting -- Requirements and recommendations

This document specifies requirements and recommendations for the provision of conference interpreting services. It is primarily addressed to conference interpreters and conference interpreting service providers. It also serves as reference for users of conference interpreting services.

Services d’Interprétation -- Interprétation de conférence -- Exigences et recommandations

Le présent document spécifie les exigences et les recommandations relatives à la prestation de services d’interprétation de conférence. Il s’adresse principalement aux interprètes de conférence et aux prestataires de services d’interprétation de conférence. Il sert également de référence aux utilisateurs de services d’interprétation de conférence.

Storitve tolmačenja - Konferenčno tolmačenje - Zahteve in priporočila

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 14-Mar-2021
• ICS: 01.020 - Terminology (principles and coordination)
• ICS: 03.080.99 - Other services
• Technical Committee: IDT - Information, documentation, language and terminology
• Current Stage: 4020 - Public enquire (PE) (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 01-Feb-2021
• Due Date: 21-Jun-2021
• Completion Date: 09-Apr-2021
• Ref Project: ISO 23155:2022 - Interpreting services — Conference interpreting — Requirements and recommendations

Standards Content (sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 23155
First edition
2022-01
Interpreting services — Conference
interpreting — Requirements and
recommendations
Services d’interprétation — Interprétation de conférence —
Exigences et recommandations
Reference number
ISO 23155:2022(E)
© ISO 2022
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ISO 23155:2022(E)
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2022

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may

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the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below

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Published in Switzerland
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ISO 23155:2022(E)
Contents Page

Foreword ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................v

Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. vi

1 Scope ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1

2 Normative references ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

3 Terms and definitions .................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

3.1 Concepts related to language .................................................................................................................................................... 1

3.2 Concepts related to parties involved in conference interpreting and to modes

of interpreting ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

3.3 Concepts related to conference interpreting equipment and settings ................................................. 6

4 General provisions about conference interpreting ........................................................................................................ 9

4.1 General ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9

4.2 Modes of interpreting ....................................................................................................................................................................... 9

4.3 Team strength and working hours in simultaneous interpreting ............................................................ 9

4.4 Teamwork between conference interpreters ........................................................................................................... 10

4.5 Code of ethics ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 10

5 Competences and qualifications of conference interpreters ............................................................................10

5.1 General ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 10

5.2 Competences ......... ............................................................. .................................................................................................................... 10

5.2.1 Intellectual competences ......................................................................................................................................... 10

5.2.2 Linguistic competences ............................................................................................................................................. 10

5.2.3 Interpreting competences ....................................................................................................................................... 11

5.2.4 Communicative competences .............................................................................................................................. 11

5.2.5 Intercultural competences ..................................................................................................................................... 11

5.2.6 Technical competences .............................................................................................................................................. 11

5.2.7 Interpersonal competences ................................................................................................................................... 11

5.2.8 Competences in research, information acquisition and knowledge

management ........................................................................................................................................................................ 11

5.2.9 Business competences ................................................................................................................................................ 11

5.2.10 Competences in the field of information security .............................................................................12

5.2.11 Stress management competences ....................................................................................................................12

5.3 Qualifications ........................................................................................................................................................................................12

6 Requirements and recommendations applicable to conference interpreters

in connection with conference interpreting assignments ...................................................................................12

6.1 Confidentiality .....................................................................................................................................................................................12

6.2 Requirements and recommendations before the conference interpreting

assignment ..............................................................................................................................................................................................12

6.2.1 General .....................................................................................................................................................................................12

6.2.2 Travel arrangements .................................................................................................................................................... 13

6.2.3 Preparation .......................................................................................................................................................................... 13

6.3 Requirements and recommendations during the conference interpreting

assignment .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 13

6.4 Requirements and recommendations after the conference interpreting assignment ........13

6.4.1 Conference information management .......................................................................................................... 13

6.4.2 Terminology management ...................................................................................................................................... 13

6.4.3 Ongoing quality assurance measures ........................................................................................................... 13

7 Requirements concerning the conference interpreting service provider (CISP) .......................14

7.1 General ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 14

7.2 General requirements ................................................................................................................................................................... 14

7.3 Requirements during the planning phase of a conference ........................................................................... 15

7.3.1 Requirements relating to the client ................................................................................................................ 15

7.3.2 Requirements relating to conference interpreters........................................................................... 15

7.3.3 Agreement with conference interpreters ................................................................................................. 16

iii
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ISO 23155:2022(E)

7.4 Requirements before the start of the conference................................................................................................. 16

7.5 Requirements after the conference .................................................................................................................................. 16

Annex A (informative) Conference interpreting workflow ......................................................................................................17

Annex B (informative) Example of a code of conduct for conference interpreters .........................................18

Annex C (informative) Content of assignment agreement .........................................................................................................20

Annex D (informative) Head of team ................................................................................................................................................................21

Annex E (informative) Team strength for simultaneous interpreting ........................................................................22

Annex F (informative) Customary practice when recruiting conference interpreters..............................25

Bibliography .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................26

Index .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................27

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ISO 23155:2022(E)
Foreword

ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards

bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out

through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical

committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International

organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.

ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of

electrotechnical standardization.

The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are

described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the

different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the

editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of

patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of

any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or

on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).

Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not

constitute an endorsement.

For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and

expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to

the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see

www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.

This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 37, Language and terminology,

Subcommittee SC 5, Translation, interpreting and related technology.

Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A

complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
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ISO 23155:2022(E)
Introduction

This document responds to the need for general requirements for the provision of quality conference

interpreting services. It also offers information and guidance to users of conference interpreting

services and to parties involved in conference interpreting. These include:
— conference interpreters;
— conference interpreting service providers;
— consultant interpreters;
— language service providers;
— international organizations;
— governments and their departments and agencies;
— conference organizers;
— conference centres;
— providers of conference interpreting equipment;
— educational institutions and research centres.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 23155:2022(E)
Interpreting services — Conference interpreting —
Requirements and recommendations
1 Scope

This document specifies requirements and recommendations for the provision of conference

interpreting services. It is primarily addressed to conference interpreters and conference interpreting

service providers. It also serves as reference for users of conference interpreting services.

2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.

ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:

— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1 Concepts related to language
3.1.1
language
systematic use of sounds, characters, symbols or signs by which to communicate
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.1]
3.1.2
spoken language
language (3.1.1) expressed orally
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.4]
3.1.3
signed language

language (3.1.1) which uses a combination of hand shapes, orientation and movement of the hands,

arms or body, and facial expressions
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.2.3]
3.1.4
source language

language (3.1.1) from which content (3.1.11) is translated (3.2.5) or interpreted (3.2.4)

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.3]
3.1.5
target language

language (3.1.1) into which content (3.1.11) is translated (3.2.5) or interpreted (3.2.4)

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.4]
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ISO 23155:2022(E)
3.1.6
‘A’ language

primary language (3.1.1) or its strict equivalent of which the interpreter (3.2.3) has complete command

and into which the interpreter interprets (3.2.4) from all their other ‘A’ languages, ‘B’ languages (3.1.7)

or ‘C’ languages (3.1.8)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.1]
3.1.7
‘B’ language

language (3.1.1) in which the interpreter (3.2.3) is proficient, but which is not their primary language or

its strict equivalent

Note 1 to entry: An interpreter interprets (3.2.4) into this language from one or more other languages.

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.2, modified — In Note 1 to entry, “works” has been changed to

“interprets”.]
3.1.8
‘C’ language

language (3.1.1) from which the interpreter (3.2.3) interprets (3.2.4) into their ‘A’ languages (3.1.6) or

‘B’ languages (3.1.7)

Note 1 to entry: An interpreter can have more than one ‘A’ language, ‘B’ language or ‘C’ language.

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.3, modified — In Note 1 to entry, “language” has been added after ‘A’ and

after ‘B’.]
3.1.9
working language

language (3.1.1) from or into which an interpreter (3.2.3) is qualified to interpret (3.2.4)

Note 1 to entry: An interpreter’s working languages are classified as ‘A’ languages (3.1.6), ‘B’ languages (3.1.7) or

‘C’ languages (3.1.8).
3.1.10
language register

language (3.1.1) variety used for a particular purpose or in an event of language use, depending on the

type of situation, especially its degree of formality

Note 1 to entry: Individuals usually have more than one language register in their linguistic repertoire and can

vary their use of language register according to their perception of what is appropriate for different purposes or

domains (3.1.14).
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.2.1]
3.1.11
content
information in any form
EXAMPLE Text, audio, video, etc.
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.2]
3.1.12
competence
ability to apply knowledge, experience and skills to achieve intended results
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.3.24]
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ISO 23155:2022(E)
3.1.13
qualification
demonstrated education, training, and work experience, where applicable
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 17024:2012, 3.7]
3.1.14
domain
sphere of knowledge or activity

Note 1 to entry: A domain can have its own culture, social context and linguistic characteristics.

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.2.4]
3.1.15
source language content
content (3.1.11) to be translated (3.2.5) or interpreted (3.2.4)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.5]
3.1.16
target language content

content (3.1.11) that has been translated (3.2.5) or interpreted (3.2.4) from a source language (3.1.4)

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.6]
3.2 Concepts related to parties involved in conference interpreting and to modes
of interpreting
3.2.1
speaker
person addressing others using spoken language (3.1.2)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.9]
3.2.2
signer
person addressing others using signed language (3.1.3)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.10]
3.2.3
interpreter
person who interprets (3.2.4)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.12]
3.2.4
interpret

render spoken or signed information from a source language (3.1.4) to a target language (3.1.5) in oral or

signed form, conveying both the meaning and language register (3.1.10) of the source language content

(3.1.15)

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.9, modified — The order of the wording “both the language register and

meaning” has been changed to “both the meaning and language register”.]
3.2.5
translate

render source language content (3.1.15) into target language content (3.1.16) in written form or signed

language (3.1.3)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.7]
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ISO 23155:2022(E)
3.2.6
interpreting
interpretation

rendering spoken or signed information from a source language (3.1.4) to a target language (3.1.5) in

oral or signed form, conveying both the meaning and language register (3.1.10) of the source language

content (3.1.15)

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.10, modified — The order of the wording “both the language register and

meaning” has been changed to “both the meaning and language register”.]
3.2.7
spoken language interpreting
interpreting (3.2.6) between two spoken languages (3.1.2)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.5]
3.2.8
signed language interpreting

interpreting (3.2.6) between two signed languages (3.1.3) or between a signed language and a spoken

language (3.1.2)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.6]
3.2.9
conference interpreter
interpreter (3.2.3) who is qualified to perform conference interpreting (3.2.10)
3.2.10
conference interpreting

interpreting (3.2.6) used for multilingual communication at technical, political, scientific and other

formal meetings
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.18]
3.2.11
conference interpreting service

series of processes required to deliver the services of conference interpreters (3.2.9) to a client (3.2.15)

3.2.12
conference interpreting service provider
CISP

person or organization making available conference interpreting services (3.2.11)

EXAMPLE Individual conference interpreter (3.2.9), consultant interpreter (3.2.13), government department,

international organization.
3.2.13
consultant interpreter

conference interpreter (3.2.9) who provides consultancy services in addition to working as a conference

interpreter
3.2.14
head of team

conference interpreter (3.2.9) acting as liaison between the team of conference interpreters and the

client (3.2.15), technicians, the conference interpreting service provider (3.2.12) and other parties

involved in the conference (3.3.1)
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ISO 23155:2022(E)
3.2.15
client
customer

person, or organization, who enters into a formal agreement for the provision of a service

Note 1 to entry: The formal agreement can, for example, take the form of a contract or an interdepartmental

service agreement between units of an organization.

Note 2 to entry: The client can be the end user, but this does not have to be the case.

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.2.5]
3.2.16
mode

established method for the delivery of spoken language interpreting (3.2.7) and signed language

interpreting (3.2.8)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.11]
3.2.17
consecutive interpreting

mode (3.2.16) of interpreting (3.2.6) performed after the speaker (3.2.1) or signer (3.2.2) pauses

Note 1 to entry: Interpreters (3.2.3) can use note-taking (3.2.21) to help in rendering lengthy passages.

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.13]
3.2.18
simultaneous interpreting

mode (3.2.16) of interpreting (3.2.6) performed while a speaker (3.2.1) or signer (3.2.2) is still speaking

or signing
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.12]
3.2.19
whispered interpreting
chuchotage

simultaneous interpreting (3.2.18) where the interpreter (3.2.3) interprets (3.2.4) very quietly, in close

proximity to the listeners without using a microphone

Note 1 to entry: Whispered interpreting is used for interpreting (3.2.6) to a very small number of listeners, ideally

one or two.

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.17, modified — “whispered interpreting” has replaced “chuchotage” as

the preferred term, and the definition has been amended.]
3.2.20
sight translation
sight interpreting

rendering written source language content (3.1.15) to the target language (3.1.5) in the form of spoken

language (3.1.2) or signed language (3.1.3)

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.16, modified — The admitted term “sight interpreting” has been added.]

3.2.21
note-taking

technique in consecutive interpreting (3.2.17) used by interpreters (3.2.3) for remembering,

conceptualizing and summarizing information

Note 1 to entry: Note-taking is highly individual and can involve a mixture of symbols, abbreviations, words and

diagrams.
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.29]
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ISO 23155:2022(E)
3.2.22
availability enquiry

request for information about whether an interpreter (3.2.3) is free to accept an assignment from a

client (3.2.15) on a specific date or dates
3.2.23
option
offer of an assignment to an interpreter (3.2.3) subject to confirmation
3.2.24
firm offer

proposal of an assignment which, when accepted, creates a binding commitment between the interpreter

(3.2.3) and the client (3.2.15)
3.2.25
cognitive load

amount of mental effort exerted by an interpreter (3.2.3) when interpreting (3.2.6) in a given

environment
3.3 Concepts related to conference interpreting equipment and settings
3.3.1
conference

structured formal meeting, or set of meetings, following an established agenda, in which issues, ideas

and policies are discussed
3.3.2
system
combination of interacting elements organized to achieve a given objective
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.5.2.6]
3.3.3
conference system

system (3.3.2) that controls technical equipment used to conduct a communicative event (3.3.20)

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.5.2.7, modified — “communicative” has been added.]
3.3.4
interpreting system

combination of interpreting (3.2.6) equipment and system (3.3.2) for language distribution

Note 1 to entry: An interpreting system can require the use of booths (3.3.5) compliant with ISO 2603 or ISO 4043,

equipped with hard consoles (3.3.6) compliant with ISO 20109, or a portable interpreting system (3.3.9), compliant

with ISO 20109.

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.5.2.12, modified — In Note 1 to entry, “hard consoles” has replaced

“interpreter consoles”.]
3.3.5
booth
simultaneous interpreting booth
self-contained unit enclosing the interpreter’s (3.2.3) workspace
Note 1 to entry: One of the purposes of booths is to provide sound insulation.

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.5.2.1, modified — In Note 1 to entry, the text after “insulation” has been

deleted.]
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ISO 23155:2022(E)
3.3.6
hard console
interpreter console

interpreter interface (3.3.8) containing physical controls for listening and speaking

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.5.2.21, modified — “hard console” has been added as the preferred term;

the definition has been amended.]
3.3.7
soft console

interpreter interface (3.3.8) which runs on a computer or portable IT device and has onscreen controls

[SOURCE: ISO 24019:— , 3.3.5, modified — “type of” has been deleted.]
3.3.8
interpreter interface

equipment containing controls used by the interpreter (3.2.3) to facilitate simultaneous interpreting

(3.2.18)
EXAMPLE Controls for listening, viewing, speaking, signing.

[SOURCE: ISO 24019:—, 3.3.3, modified — “for listening, speaking or signing” has been deleted from

the definition and moved to an added example; “and viewing” has been added in the example.]

3.3.9
portable interpreting system

simultaneous interpreting (3.2.18) equipment, with battery-operated components, which is lightweight

and enables the interpreter (3.2.3) and the participants to move around
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.5.2.14]
3.3.10
webcasting
web streaming
transmitting video and audio data across a network to an audience
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.5.2.30]
3.3.11
incoming channel

electric circuit serving as a path for an audio or video signal to an interpreter interface (3.3.8)

[SOURCE: ISO 24019:—, 3.3.9]
3.3.12
outgoing channel

electric circuit serving as a path for an audio or video signal from an interpreter’s (3.2.3) microphone or

camera which, when activated by the interpreter, transmits the interpreter’s interpreting (3.2.6)

Note 1 to entry: Each language (3.1.1) in which interpreting is provided at a conference (3.3.1) is allocated an

outgoing channel.
[SOURCE: ISO 24019:—, 3.3.8]
3.3.13
relay interpreting
interpreting (3.2.6) of another interpreter’s (3.2.3) rendition

1) Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: ISO/DIS 24019:2021. (Revision of ISO/PAS 24019:2020.)

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ISO 23155:2022(E)
3.3.14
double relay interpreting

interpreting (3.2.6) in which the source language content (3.1.15) is relay interpreting (3.3.13)

3.3.15
relay status

indication of the source of an interpreter interface’s (3.3.8) incoming channel (3.3.11)

Note 1 to entry: This source can be the floor (3.3.18), interpreting (3.2.6) of the floor, or relay interpreting (3.3.13).

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.5.2.33, modified — “console” has been replaced by “interface”; Note 1 to

entry has been amended.]
3.3.16
retour
retour interpreting

interpreting (3.2.6) from an ‘A’ language (3.1.6) into another ‘A’ language or ‘B’ language (3.1.7)

3.3.17
pivot

conference interpreter (3.2.9) whose rendition other conference interpreters interpret (3.2.4)

Note 1 to entry: Conference interpreters who do not have a language (3.1.1) spoken at a meeting among their

working languages (3.1.9) can use a pivot to provide relay interpreting (3.3.13).

3.3.18
floor
floor channel

electric circuit serving as a path for information spoken, signed or otherwise presented in the course of

the proceedings of a conference (3.3.1) by participants other than conference interpreters (3.2.9)

3.3.19
communicative setting
environment where an interaction between interlocutors takes place
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.7]
3.3.20
communicative event
encounter between two or more parties during which information is transmitted
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.8]
3.3.21
distance interpreting
remote interpreting
interpreting (3.2.6) of a speaker (3.2.1) or signer
...

NORME ISO
INTERNATIONALE 23155
Première édition
2022-01
Services d’interprétation —
Interprétation de conférence —
Exigences et recommandations
Interpreting services — Conference interpreting — Requirements and
recommendations
Numéro de référence
ISO 23155:2022(F)
© ISO 2022
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ISO 23155:2022(F)
DOCUMENT PROTÉGÉ PAR COPYRIGHT
© ISO 2022

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ISO 23155:2022(F)
Sommaire Page

Avant-propos ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................v

Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. vi

1 Domaine d’application ................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

2 Références normatives ..................................................................................................................................................................................1

3 Termes et définitions ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

3.1 Concepts relatifs à la langue ....................................................................................................................................................... 1

3.2 Concepts relatifs aux parties impliquées dans l’interprétation de conférence et

aux modes d’interprétation ......................................................................................................................................................... 3

3.3 Concepts relatifs à l’équipement et aux contextes de l’interprétation de conférence ............. 6

4 Dispositions générales relatives à l’interprétation de conférence ................................................................9

4.1 Généralités ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9

4.2 Modes d’interprétation ................................................................................................................................................................... 9

4.3 Effectifs et temps de travail en interprétation simultanée ......................................................................... 10

4.4 Travail d’équipe entre les interprètes de conférence ........................................................................................ 10

4.5 Code de déontologie ........................................................................................................................................................................ 11

5 Compétences et qualifications des interprètes de conférence ........................................................................11

5.1 Généralités .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 11

5.2 Compétences ......... ............................................................. .................................................................................................................... 11

5.2.1 Compétences intellectuelles .................. ................................................................................................................ 11

5.2.2 Compétences linguistiques .................................................................................................................................... 11

5.2.3 Compétences en interprétation ......................................................................................................................... 11

5.2.4 Compétences en communication ...................................................................................................................... 11

5.2.5 Compétences interculturelles .............................................................................................................................. 11

5.2.6 Compétences techniques ..........................................................................................................................................12

5.2.7 Compétences interpersonnelles ........................................................................................................................12

5.2.8 Compétences en recherche documentaire, acquisition d’informations et

gestion des connaissances ......................................................................................................................................12

5.2.9 Compétences administratives .............................................................................................................................12

5.2.10 Compétences dans le domaine de la sécurité de l’information ..............................................12

5.2.11 Compétences en gestion du stress ...................................................................................................................12

5.3 Qualifications ........................................................................................................................................................................................12

6 Exigences et recommandations applicables aux interprètes de conférence dans le

cadre des missions d’interprétation de conférence ....................................................................................................13

6.1 Confidentialité .....................................................................................................................................................................................13

6.2 Exigences et recommandations avant la mission d’interprétation de conférence .................13

6.2.1 Généralités ............................................................................................................................................................................13

6.2.2 Conditions de déplacement .................................................................................................................................... 13

6.2.3 Préparation .......................................................................................................................................................................... 13

6.3 Exigences et recommandations pendant la mission d’interprétation de conférence ..........13

6.4 Exigences et recommandations après la mission d’interprétation de conférence ................. 14

6.4.1 Gestion des informations relatives à la conférence ......................................................................... 14

6.4.2 Gestion de la terminologie ...................................................................................................................................... 14

6.4.3 Mesures d’assurance de la qualité en routine ....................................................................................... 14

7 Exigences concernant le prestataire de services d’interprétation de conférence

(PSIC) .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................14

7.1 Généralités .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 14

7.2 Exigences générales ........................................................................................................................................................................15

7.3 Exigences pendant la phase de planification d’une conférence ............................................................... 16

7.3.1 Exigences relatives au client ................................................................................................................................. 16

7.3.2 Exigences relatives aux interprètes de conférence .......................................................................... 16

7.3.3 Accord avec les interprètes de conférence ............................................................................................... 17

7.4 Exigences avant le début de la conférence .................................................................................................................. 17

iii
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ISO 23155:2022(F)

7.5 Exigences après la conférence ............................................................................................................................................... 17

Annexe A (informative) Flux des tâches d’interprétation de conférence..................................................................18

Annexe B (informative) Exemple de code de conduite pour les interprètes de conférence ..................19

Annexe C (informative) Contenu de l’accord de mission .............................................................................................................21

Annexe D (informative) Chef d’équipe ............................................................................................................................................................22

Annexe E (informative) Effectifs en interprétation simultanée .........................................................................................23

Annexe F (informative) Pratiques habituelles de recrutement des interprètes de conférence .......26

Bibliographie ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................27

Index .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................28

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ISO 23155:2022(F)
Avant-propos

L'ISO (Organisation internationale de normalisation) est une fédération mondiale d'organismes

nationaux de normalisation (comités membres de l'ISO). L'élaboration des Normes internationales est

en général confiée aux comités techniques de l'ISO. Chaque comité membre intéressé par une étude

a le droit de faire partie du comité technique créé à cet effet. Les organisations internationales,

gouvernementales et non gouvernementales, en liaison avec l'ISO participent également aux travaux.

L'ISO collabore étroitement avec la Commission électrotechnique internationale (IEC) en ce qui

concerne la normalisation électrotechnique.

Les procédures utilisées pour élaborer le présent document et celles destinées à sa mise à jour sont

décrites dans les Directives ISO/IEC, Partie 1. Il convient, en particulier, de prendre note des différents

critères d'approbation requis pour les différents types de documents ISO. Le présent document a

été rédigé conformément aux règles de rédaction données dans les Directives ISO/IEC, Partie 2 (voir

www.iso.org/directives).

L'attention est attirée sur le fait que certains des éléments du présent document peuvent faire l'objet de

droits de propriété intellectuelle ou de droits analogues. L'ISO ne saurait être tenue pour responsable

de ne pas avoir identifié de tels droits de propriété et averti de leur existence. Les détails concernant

les références aux droits de propriété intellectuelle ou autres droits analogues identifiés lors de

l'élaboration du document sont indiqués dans l'Introduction et/ou dans la liste des déclarations de

brevets reçues par l'ISO (voir www.iso.org/brevets).

Les appellations commerciales éventuellement mentionnées dans le présent document sont données

pour information, par souci de commodité, à l’intention des utilisateurs et ne sauraient constituer un

engagement.

Pour une explication de la nature volontaire des normes, la signification des termes et expressions

spécifiques de l'ISO liés à l'évaluation de la conformité, ou pour toute information au sujet de l'adhésion

de l'ISO aux principes de l’Organisation mondiale du commerce (OMC) concernant les obstacles

techniques au commerce (OTC), voir www.iso.org/avant-propos.

Le présent document a été élaboré par le comité technique ISO/TC 37, Langage et terminologie, sous-

comité SC 5, Traduction, interprétation et technologies apparentées.

Il convient que l’utilisateur adresse tout retour d’information ou toute question concernant le présent

document à l’organisme national de normalisation de son pays. Une liste exhaustive desdits organismes

se trouve à l’adresse www.iso.org/fr/members.html.
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ISO 23155:2022(F)
Introduction

Le présent document répond à la nécessité de disposer d’exigences générales pour la prestation

de services d’interprétation de conférence de qualité. Il offre également des informations et des

recommandations aux utilisateurs de services d’interprétation de conférence et aux parties impliquées

dans l’interprétation de conférence. Ceux-ci comprennent:
— les interprètes de conférence;
— les prestataires de services d’interprétation de conférence;
— les interprètes-consultants;
— les prestataires de services linguistiques;
— les organisations internationales;
— les gouvernements et leurs ministères et agences;
— les organisateurs de conférences;
— les centres de conférence;
— les fournisseurs d’équipement d’interprétation de conférence;
— les établissements d’enseignement et les centres de recherche.
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NORME INTERNATIONALE ISO 23155:2022(F)
Services d’interprétation — Interprétation de conférence
— Exigences et recommandations
1 Domaine d’application

Le présent document spécifie les exigences et les recommandations relatives à la prestation de services

d’interprétation de conférence. Il s’adresse principalement aux interprètes de conférence et aux

prestataires de services d’interprétation de conférence. Il sert également de référence aux utilisateurs

de services d’interprétation de conférence.
2 Références normatives
Le présent document ne contient aucune référence normative.
3 Termes et définitions

Pour les besoins du présent document, les termes et définitions suivants s’appliquent.

L’ISO et l’IEC tiennent à jour des bases de données terminologiques destinées à être utilisées en

normalisation, consultables aux adresses suivantes:

— ISO Online browsing platform: disponible à l’adresse https:// www .iso .org/ obp

— IEC Electropedia: disponible à l’adresse https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1 Concepts relatifs à la langue
3.1.1
langue

utilisation systématique de sons, caractères, symboles ou signes pour communiquer

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.1]
3.1.2
langue orale
langue (3.1.1) exprimée oralement
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.4]
3.1.3
langue des signes

langue (3.1.1) qui utilise une combinaison de formes des mains, d’orientation et de mouvement des

mains, des bras ou du corps, et d’expressions faciales
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.2.3]
3.1.4
langue source

langue (3.1.1) à partir de laquelle du contenu (3.1.11) est traduit (3.2.5) ou interprété (3.2.4)

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.3]
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ISO 23155:2022(F)
3.1.5
langue cible

langue (3.1.1) dans laquelle du contenu (3.1.11) est traduit (3.2.5) ou interprété (3.2.4)

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.4]
3.1.6
langue «A»

langue (3.1.1) maternelle ou son strict équivalent, entièrement maîtrisée par l’interprète (3.2.3) ou dans

laquelle l’interprète interprète (3.2.4) à partir de toutes ses autres langues «A», langues «B» (3.1.7) ou

langues «C» (3.1.8)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.1]
3.1.7
langue «B»

langue (3.1.1) maîtrisée par l’interprète (3.2.3) mais qui n’est pas sa langue maternelle ou son strict

équivalent

Note 1 à l'article: Un interprète interprète (3.2.4) dans cette langue à partir d’une ou plusieurs autres langues.

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.2, modifié — Dans la Note 1 à l’article, «travaille» a été remplacé par

«interprète».]
3.1.8
langue «C»

langue (3.1.1) à partir de laquelle l’interprète (3.2.3) interprète (3.2.4) dans ses langues «A» (3.1.6) ou

langues «B» (3.1.7)

Note 1 à l'article: Un interprète peut avoir plusieurs langues «A», langues «B» ou langues «C».

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.3, modifié — Dans la Note 1 à l’article, «langues» a été ajouté devant «B»

et «C».]
3.1.9
langue de travail

langue (3.1.1) à partir de laquelle ou vers laquelle un interprète (3.2.3) est qualifié pour interpréter

(3.2.4)

Note 1 à l'article: Les langues de travail d’un interprète sont classées comme langues «A» (3.1.6), langues «B»

(3.1.7) ou langues «C» (3.1.8).
3.1.10
registre de langue

variété d'une langue (3.1.1) utilisée dans un but particulier ou dans le cadre d’une utilisation particulière

de la langue en fonction du type de situation, notamment du degré de formalité

Note 1 à l'article: Les individus ont en général plusieurs registres de langue dans leur répertoire linguistique et

peuvent adapter le registre de langue qu’ils utilisent en fonction de leur perception de ce qui est approprié pour

différents objectifs ou dans différents domaines (3.1.14).
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.2.1]
3.1.11
contenu
information sous quelque forme que ce soit
EXEMPLE Texte, audio, vidéo, etc.
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.2]
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ISO 23155:2022(F)
3.1.12
compétence

aptitude à utiliser ses connaissances, son expérience et ses compétences pour atteindre des résultats

prévus
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.3.24]
3.1.13
qualification

enseignement, formation et expérience professionnelle, démontrés, lorsque applicable

[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 17024:2012, 3.7]
3.1.14
domaine
sphère de connaissance ou d’activité

Note 1 à l'article: Un domaine peut avoir sa propre culture, son propre contexte social et ses propres

caractéristiques linguistiques.
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.2.4]
3.1.15
contenu dans la langue source
contenu (3.1.11) à traduire (3.2.5) ou à interpréter (3.2.4)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.5]
3.1.16
contenu dans la langue cible

contenu (3.1.11) qui a été traduit (3.2.5) ou interprété (3.2.4) à partir d’une langue source (3.1.4)

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.6]

3.2 Concepts relatifs aux parties impliquées dans l’interprétation de conférence et aux

modes d’interprétation
3.2.1
orateur
personne s’adressant à d’autres en langue orale (3.1.2)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.9]
3.2.2
signeur
personne s’adressant à d’autres en langue des signes (3.1.3)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.10]
3.2.3
interprète
personne qui interprète (3.2.4)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.12]
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ISO 23155:2022(F)
3.2.4
interpréter

restituer des informations parlées ou signées d’une langue source (3.1.4) dans une langue cible (3.1.5)

sous forme orale ou signée, en transmettant à la fois la signification et le registre de langue (3.1.10) du

contenu dans la langue source (3.1.15)

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.9, modifié — L’ordre des mots «à la fois le registre de langue et la

signification» a été modifié par «à la fois la signification et le registre de langue».]

3.2.5
traduire

restituer un contenu dans la langue source (3.1.15) en un contenu dans la langue cible (3.1.16) sous forme

écrite ou en langue des signes (3.1.3)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.7]
3.2.6
interprétation

restitution d’informations parlées ou signées d’une langue source (3.1.4) dans une langue cible (3.1.5)

sous forme orale ou signée, en transmettant à la fois la signification et le registre de langue (3.1.10) du

contenu dans la langue source (3.1.15)

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.10, modifié — L’ordre des mots «à la fois le registre de langue et la

signification» a été modifié par «à la fois la signification et le registre de langue».]

3.2.7
interprétation en langue orale
interprétation (3.2.6) entre deux langues orales (3.1.2)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.5]
3.2.8
interprétation en langue des signes

interprétation (3.2.6) entre deux langues des signes (3.1.3) ou entre une langue des signes et une langue

orale (3.1.2)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.6]
3.2.9
interprète de conférence

interprète (3.2.3) qui est qualifié pour pratiquer l’interprétation de conférence (3.2.10)

3.2.10
interprétation de conférence

interprétation (3.2.6) utilisée pour la communication multilingue lors de réunions formelles techniques,

politiques, scientifiques et autres
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.18]
3.2.11
service d’interprétation de conférence

série de processus nécessaires pour fournir les services d’interprètes de conférence (3.2.9) à un client

(3.2.15)
3.2.12
prestataire de services d’interprétation de conférence
PSIC

personne physique ou morale mettant à disposition des services d’interprétation de conférence (3.2.11)

EXEMPLE Interprète de conférence (3.2.9) individuel, interprète-consultant (3.2.13), ministère, organisation

internationale.
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ISO 23155:2022(F)
3.2.13
interprète-consultant

interprète de conférence (3.2.9) qui fournit des services de conseil en plus de son activité d’interprète de

conférence
3.2.14
chef d’équipe

interprète de conférence (3.2.9) assurant la liaison entre l’équipe d’interprètes de conférence et le client

(3.2.15), les techniciens, le prestataire de services d’interprétation de conférence (3.2.12) et les autres

parties impliquées dans la conférence (3.3.1)
3.2.15
client
client

personne ou organisation qui conclut un accord formel pour la prestation d’un service

Note 1 à l'article: L’accord formel peut, par exemple, prendre la forme d’un contrat ou d’un accord de service

interdépartemental entre les entités d’une organisation.

Note 2 à l'article: Le client peut être l’utilisateur final, mais cela n’est pas obligatoirement le cas.

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.2.5]
3.2.16
mode

méthode établie pour la fourniture d’une interprétation en langue orale (3.2.7) et d’une interprétation en

langue des signes (3.2.8)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.11]
3.2.17
interprétation consécutive

mode (3.2.16) d’interprétation (3.2.6) réalisé une fois que l’orateur (3.2.1) ou le signeur (3.2.2) s’est

arrêté

Note 1 à l'article: Les interprètes (3.2.3) peuvent utiliser la prise de notes (3.2.21) pour faciliter la restitution de

longs passages.
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.13]
3.2.18
interprétation simultanée

mode (3.2.16) d’interprétation (3.2.6) réalisé pendant qu’un orateur (3.2.1) ou un signeur (3.2.2) continue

de parler ou de signer
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.12]
3.2.19
interprétation chuchotée
chuchotage

interprétation simultanée (3.2.18) au cours de laquelle l’interprète (3.2.3) interprète (3.2.4) à voix basse,

à proximité physique directe des auditeurs, sans utiliser de microphone

Note 1 à l'article: L’interprétation chuchotée est employée pour une interprétation (3.2.6) destinée à un très petit

nombre d’auditeurs, idéalement un ou deux.

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.17, modifié — «interprétation chuchotée» a remplacé «chuchotage»

comme terme préféré, et la définition a été modifiée.]
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ISO 23155:2022(F)
3.2.20
traduction à vue
interprétation à vue

restitution d’un contenu écrit dans la langue source (3.1.15) dans la langue cible (3.1.5) en langue orale

(3.1.2) ou en langue des signes (3.1.3)

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.16, modifié — Le terme admis «interprétation à vue» a été ajouté.]

3.2.21
prise de notes

technique d’interprétation consécutive (3.2.17) employée par des interprètes (3.2.3) pour mémoriser,

conceptualiser et résumer des informations

Note 1 à l'article: La prise de notes est très personnelle et peut impliquer un mélange de symboles, d’abréviations,

de mots et de diagrammes.
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.29]
3.2.22
demande de disponibilité

demande d’informations sur la possibilité pour un interprète (3.2.3) d’accepter une mission d’un client

(3.2.15) à une ou des dates spécifiées
3.2.23
option
offre d’une mission à un interprète (3.2.3) sous réserve de confirmation
3.2.24
offre ferme

proposition d’une mission qui, une fois acceptée, crée un engagement contraignant entre l’interprète

(3.2.3) et le client (3.2.15)
3.2.25
charge cognitive

quantité d’effort mental déployé par un interprète (3.2.3) lors de l’interprétation (3.2.6) dans un

environnement donné

3.3 Concepts relatifs à l’équipement et aux contextes de l’interprétation de conférence

3.3.1
conférence

assemblée ou série d’assemblées formelles structurées, suivant un ordre du jour établi pour discuter de

problèmes, d’idées et d’orientations
3.3.2
système
combinaison d’éléments interactifs organisés pour atteindre un objectif donné
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.5.2.6]
3.3.3
système de conférence

système (3.3.2) qui contrôle l’équipement technique utilisé pour la conduite d’un événement de

communication (3.3.20)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.5.2.7, modifié — «de communication» a été ajouté.]
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ISO 23155:2022(F)
3.3.4
système d’interprétation

combinaison de l’équipement d’interprétation (3.2.6) et du système (3.3.2) pour la distribution

linguistique

Note 1 à l'article: Un système d’interprétation peut nécessiter l’utilisation de cabines (3.3.5) conformes à l’ISO 2603

ou l’ISO 4043, équipées de consoles matérielle (3.3.6) conformes à l’ISO 20109 ou d’un système d’interprétation

portable (3.3.9) conforme à l’ISO 20109.

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.5.2.12, modifié — Dans la Note 1 à l’article, «consoles matérielle» a

remplacé «console d’interprétation».]
3.3.5
cabine
cabine d’interprétation simultanée
unité autonome contenant l’espace de travail de l’interprète (3.2.3)

Note 1 à l'article: L’un des objectifs des cabines est de fournir une isolation acoustique.

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.5.2.1, modifié — Dans la Note 1 à l’article, le texte après «isolation

acoustique» a été supprimé.]
3.3.6
console matérielle
console d’interprétation

interface d’interprétation (3.3.8) contenant les éléments de contrôle physiques de l’écoute et de la parole

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.5.2.21, modifié — «console matérielle» a été ajouté comme terme privilégié;

la définition a été modifiée.]
3.3.7
console logicielle

interface d’interprétation (3.3.8) fonctionnant sur un ordinateur ou sur un équipement informatique

portable et disposant de commandes sur écran
[SOURCE: ISO 24019:— , 3.3.5, modifié — «type d’» a été supprimé.]
3.3.8
interface d’interprétation

équipement comprenant des commandes, utilisé par l’interprète (3.2.3) pour faciliter l’interprétation

simultanée (3.2.18)
EXEMPLE Commandes de l’écoute, de la vision, de la parole et des signes.

[SOURCE: ISO 24019:—, 3.3.3, modifié — «de l’écoute, de la parole ou des signes» a été supprimé de la

définition et déplacé dans un exemple qui a été ajouté; «de la vision» a été ajouté dans l’exemple.]

3.3.9
système d’interprétation portable

équipement d’interprétation simultanée (3.2.18), avec des composants fonctionnant sur accumulateurs,

qui est léger et permet à l’interprète (3.2.3) et aux participants de se déplacer

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.5.2.14]
3.3.10
webdiffusion
diffusion web
transmission de données vidéo et audio à une audience via un réseau
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.5.2.30]

1) En préparation. Stade au moment de la publication: ISO/DIS 24019:2021. (Révision de l’ISO/PAS 24019:2020.)

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ISO 23155:2022(F)
3.3.11
canal d’entrée

circuit électrique servant de chemin à un signal audio ou vidéo vers une interface d’interprétation (3.3.8)

[SOURCE: ISO 24019:—, 3.3.9]
3.3.12
canal de sortie

circuit électrique servant de chemin à un signal audio ou vidéo provenant du microphone ou de la

caméra d’un interprète (3.2.3) qui, lorsqu’il est activé par l’interprète, transmet l’interprétation (3.2.6)

réalisée par celui-ci

Note 1 à l'article: Chaque langue (3.1.1) dans laquelle l’interprétation est assurée lors d’une conférence (3.3.1) se

voit attribuer un canal de sortie.
[SOURCE: ISO 24019:—, 3.3.8]
3.3.13
interprétation en relais
interprétation (3.2.6) de la restitution effectuée par un autr
...

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST ISO/DIS 23155:2021
01-marec-2021
Storitve tolmačenja - Konferenčno tolmačenje - Zahteve in priporočila

Interpreting services -- Conference interpreting -- Requirements and recommendations

Services d’Interprétation -- Interprétation de conférence -- Exigences et
recommandations
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: ISO/DIS 23155
ICS:
01.020 Terminologija (načela in Terminology (principles and
koordinacija) coordination)
03.080.99 Druge storitve Other services
oSIST ISO/DIS 23155:2021 en,fr

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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oSIST ISO/DIS 23155:2021
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oSIST ISO/DIS 23155:2021
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD
ISO/DIS 23155
ISO/TC 37/SC 5 Secretariat: DIN
Voting begins on: Voting terminates on:
2021-01-13 2021-04-07
Interpreting services — Conference interpreting —
Requirements and recommendations

Services d’Interprétation — Interprétation de conférence — Exigences et recommandations

ICS: 01.020; 03.080.99
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENT AND APPROVAL. IT IS
THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY
NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD UNTIL PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
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STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
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NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO/DIS 23155:2021(E)
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
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PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION. ISO 2021
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oSIST ISO/DIS 23155:2021
ISO/DIS 23155:2021(E)
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2021

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may

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ii © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
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oSIST ISO/DIS 23155:2021
ISO/DIS 23155:2021(E)
Contents Page

Foreword ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................v

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................vi

1 Scope ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1

2 Normative references ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

3 Terms and definitions ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

3.1 Concepts related to language...................................................................................................................................................... 1

3.2 Concepts related to parties involved in conference interpreting and to modes

of interpreting.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

3.3 Concepts related to conference interpreting equipment and settings ................................................... 6

4 Basic facts about conference interpreting ................................................................................................................................. 8

4.1 General ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

4.2 Modes of interpreting ....................................................................................................................................................................... 9

4.3 Team strength and working hours in simultaneous interpreting ............................................................... 9

4.4 Teamwork between conference interpreters ............................................................................................................10

4.5 Code of ethics ........................................................................................................................................................................................10

5 Competences and qualifications of conference interpreters ..............................................................................10

5.1 General ........................................................................................................................................................................................................10

5.2 Competences ..........................................................................................................................................................................................10

5.2.1 Intellectual competences .......................................................................................................................................10

5.2.2 Linguistic competences ...........................................................................................................................................10

5.2.3 Interpreting competences ....................................................................................................................................11

5.2.4 Communicative competences ............................................................................................................................11

5.2.5 Intercultural competences ...................................................................................................................................11

5.2.6 Technical competences ........................................................................................................................................... .11

5.2.7 Interpersonal competences .................................................................................................................................11

5.2.8 Competences in research, information acquisition and knowledge

management .....................................................................................................................................................................11

5.2.9 Business competences .............................................................................................................................................11

5.2.10 Competences in the field of information security ............................................................................11

5.2.11 Stress management competences ..................................................................................................................12

5.3 Qualifications .........................................................................................................................................................................................12

6 Requirements and recommendations applicable to conference interpreters

in connection with conference interpreting assignments .....................................................................................12

6.1 Confidentiality ......................................................................................................................................................................................12

6.2 Requirements and recommendations before the conference interpreting assignment.......12

6.2.1 General...................................................................................................................................................................................12

6.2.2 Travel arrangements .................................................................................................................................................12

6.2.3 Preparation ........................................................................................................................................................................12

6.3 Requirements and recommendations during the conference interpreting assignment ......13

6.4 Requirements and recommendations after the conference interpreting assignment ...........13

6.4.1 Conference information management .......................................................................................................13

6.4.2 Terminology management ...................................................................................................................................13

6.4.3 Ongoing quality assurance measures .........................................................................................................13

7 Requirements concerning the conference interpreting service provider (CISP) ..........................13

7.1 General ........................................................................................................................................................................................................13

7.2 General requirements ....................................................................................................................................................................14

7.3 Requirements during the planning phase of a conference ............................................................................15

7.3.1 Requirements relating to the client requesting the conference

interpreting service ....................................................................................................................................................15

7.3.2 Requirements relating to conference interpreters ..........................................................................15

7.3.3 Agreement with conference interpreters ................................................................................................16

7.4 Requirements before the start of the conference ..................................................................................................16

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7.5 Requirements after the conference ....................................................................................................................................16

Annex A (informative) Conference Interpreting Workflow .......................................................................................................17

Annex B (informative) Example of a code of conduct for conference interpreters ...........................................18

Annex C (informative) Content of assignment agreement ..........................................................................................................20

Annex D (informative) Head of team .................................................................................................................................................................21

Annex E (informative) Team Strength ..............................................................................................................................................................22

Annex F (informative) Customary conference interpreters’ recruitment practices ........................................23

Bibliography .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................24

Index .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................25

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oSIST ISO/DIS 23155:2021
ISO/DIS 23155:2021(E)
Foreword

ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards

bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out

through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical

committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International

organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.

ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of

electrotechnical standardization.

The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are

described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the

different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the

editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of

patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of

any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or

on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).

Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not

constitute an endorsement.

For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and

expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the

World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/

iso/ foreword .html.

This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 37, Language and terminology,

Subcommittee SC 5, Translation, interpreting and related technology.

Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A

complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
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ISO/DIS 23155:2021(E)
Introduction

This document responds to the need to provide general service requirements for the provision of

quality conference interpreting services. It also offers information and guidance to users of conference

interpreting services and to parties involved in conference interpreting. These include:

— conference interpreters;
— consultant interpreters;
— language service providers;
— international organizations;
— governments and their departments and agencies;
— conference organizers;
— conference centres;
— providers of conference interpreting equipment;
— teaching and research centres.
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oSIST ISO/DIS 23155:2021
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/DIS 23155:2021(E)
Interpreting services — Conference interpreting —
Requirements and recommendations
1 Scope

This document sets requirements and recommendations for the provision of conference interpreting

services. It is primarily addressed to conference interpreters and conference interpreting service

providers. It also offers guidance and assistance to users of conference interpreting services.

2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.

ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:

— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1 Concepts related to language
3.1.1
language
systematic use of sounds, characters, symbols or signs by which to communicate
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.1]
3.1.2
spoken language
language (3.1.1) expressed orally
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.4]
3.1.3
signed language

language (3.1.1) which uses a combination of hand shapes, orientation and movement of the hands,

arms or body, and facial expressions
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.2.3]
3.1.4
source language

language (3.1.1) from which content (3.1.11) is translated (3.2.5) or interpreted (3.2.4)

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.3]
3.1.5
target language

language (3.1.1) into which content (3.1.11) is translated (3.2.5) or interpreted (3.2.4)

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.4]
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3.1.6
‘A’ language

primary language (3.1.1) or its strict equivalent of which the interpreter (3.2.3) has complete command

and into which the interpreter interprets (3.2.4) from all their other ‘A’ languages, ‘B’ languages (3.1.7)

or ‘C’ languages (3.1.8)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.1]
3.1.7
‘B’ language

language (3.1.1) in which the interpreter (3.2.3) is proficient, but which is not their primary language or

its strict equivalent

Note 1 to entry: An interpreter interprets (3.2.4) into this language from one or more other languages.

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.2.4, modified – The word “works” has been changed to “interprets”.]

3.1.8
‘C’ language

language (3.1.1) from which the interpreter (3.2.3) interprets (3.2.4) into their ‘A’ languages (3.1.6) or

‘B’ languages (3.1.7)

Note 1 to entry: An interpreter can have more than one ‘A’ language, ‘B’ language or ‘C’ language.

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.3, modified — In Note 1 to entry, “language” has been added after ‘A’ and

‘B’ and “languages” has been changed to the singular after ‘C’.]
3.1.9
working language

language (3.1.1) from or into which an interpreter (3.2.3) is qualified to interpret (3.2.4)

Note 1 to entry: An interpreter’s working languages are classified as ‘A’ languages (3.1.6), ‘B’ languages (3.1.7) or

‘C’ languages (3.1.8).
3.1.10
language register

language (3.1.1) variety used for a particular purpose or in an event of language use depending on the

type of situation, especially its degree of formality

Note 1 to entry: Individuals usually have more than one language register in their linguistic repertoire and can

vary their use of language register according to their perception of what is appropriate for different purposes or

domains (3.1.14).
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.2.1]
3.1.11
content
information in any form
EXAMPLE Text, audio, video, etc.
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.2]
3.1.12
competence
ability to apply knowledge, experience and skills to achieve intended results
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.3.24]
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3.1.13
qualification
demonstrated education, training, and work experience, where applicable
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 17024:2012, 3.7]
3.1.14
domain
sphere of knowledge or activity

Note 1 to entry: A domain can have its own culture, social context and linguistic characteristics.

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.2.4]
3.1.15
source language content
content (3.1.11) to be translated (3.2.5) or interpreted (3.2.4)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.5]
3.1.16
target language content

content (3.1.11) that has been translated (3.2.5) or interpreted (3.2.4) from a source language (3.1.4)

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.6]
3.2 Concepts related to parties involved in conference interpreting and to modes
of interpreting
3.2.1
speaker
person addressing others using spoken language (3.1.2)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.9]
3.2.2
signer
person addressing others using signed language (3.1.3)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.10]
3.2.3
interpreter
person who interprets (3.2.4)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.12]
3.2.4
interpret

render spoken or signed information from a source language (3.1.4) to a target language (3.1.5) in oral or

signed form, conveying both the meaning and language register (3.1.10) of the source language content

(3.1.15)

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.9, modified — The order of the wording “both the language register and

meaning” has been changed to “both the meaning and language register”.]
3.2.5
translate

render source language content (3.1.15) into target language content (3.1.16) in written form or signed

language (3.1.3)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.7]
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3.2.6
interpreting
interpretation

rendering spoken or signed information from a source language (3.1.4) to a target language (3.1.5) in

oral or signed form, conveying both the meaning and language register (3.1.10) of the source language

content (3.1.15)

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.1.10, modified — The order of the wording “both the language register and

meaning” has been changed to “both the meaning and language register”.]
3.2.7
spoken language interpreting
interpreting (3.2.5) between two spoken languages (3.1.2)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.5]
3.2.8
signed language interpreting

interpreting (3.2.5) between two signed languages (3.1.3) or between a signed language and a spoken

language (3.1.2)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.6]
3.2.9
conference interpreter
interpreter (3.2.3) who is qualified to perform conference interpreting (3.2.10)
3.2.10
conference interpreting

interpreting (3.2.6) used for multilingual communication at technical, political, scientific, and other

formal meetings
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.18]
3.2.11
conference interpreting service

implementation of processes required to deliver conference interpreting (3.2.10) to a client (3.2.15)

3.2.12
conference interpreting service provider
CISP

person or organization making a conference interpreting service (3.2.11) available to a client (3.2.15)

EXAMPLE Individual conference interpreters (3.2.9), consultant interpreters (3.2.13), government

departments, international organizations.
3.2.13
consultant interpreter

conference interpreter (3.2.9) who provides consultancy services in addition to working as a conference

interpreter
3.2.14
head of team

conference interpreter (3.2.9) acting as liaison between the team of conference interpreters and the

client (3.2.15), technicians, the conference interpreting service provider (3.2.12) and other parties

involved in the conference (3.3.1)
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3.2.15
client
customer

person, or organization, who enters into a formal agreement for the provision of a service

Note 1 to entry: The formal agreement can, for example, take the form of a contract or an interdepartmental

service agreement between units of an organization.

Note 2 to entry: The client can be the end user, but this does not have to be the case.

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.2.5]
3.2.16
mode

established method for the delivery of spoken language interpreting (3.2.7) and signed language

interpreting (3.2.8)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.11]
3.2.17
consecutive interpreting

mode (3.2.16) of interpreting (3.2.6) performed after the speaker (3.2.1) or signer (3.2.2) pauses

Note 1 to entry: Interpreters (3.2.3) can use note-taking (3.2.21) to help in rendering lengthy passages.

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.13]
3.2.18
simultaneous interpreting

mode (3.2.16) of interpreting (3.2.4) performed while a speaker (3.2.1) or signer (3.2.2) is still speaking

or signing
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.12]
3.2.19
whispered interpreting
chuchotage

simultaneous interpreting (3.2.18) where the interpreter (3.2.3) interprets (3.2.4) very quietly, in close

proximity to the listeners without using a booth or a microphone

Note 1 to entry: Whispered interpreting is used for interpreting to a very small number of listeners, ideally

one or two.

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.17, modified — The order of preferred and admitted terms has been

reversed. In the definition, “speaks” has been changed to “interprets”, the words “sits or stands” have

been removed, and the phrase “and uses no interpreting equipment” has been changed to “without

using a booth or a microphone”.]
3.2.20
sight translation
sight interpreting

rendering written source language content (3.1.15) into the target language (3.1.5) in the form of spoken

language (3.1.2) or signed language (3.1.3)
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.16, modified — An admitted term has been added.]
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3.2.21
note-taking

technique in consecutive interpreting (3.2.17) used by conference interpreters (3.2.3) for remembering,

conceptualizing and summarizing information

Note 1 to entry: Note-taking is highly individual and can involve a mixture of symbols, abbreviations, words and

diagrams.
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.4.29]
3.2.22
availability enquiry

request for information about whether a conference interpreter (3.2.9) is free to accept interpreting

(3.2.4) assignments from a client (3.2.15) or a conference interpreting service provider (3.2.12) on

specific dates
3.2.23
option

offer of a conference interpreting (3.2.10) assignment to a conference interpreter (3.2.9) subject to

confirmation
3.2.24
firm offer

proposal of a conference interpreting (3.2.10) assignment which, when accepted, creates a binding

commitment between the conference interpreter (3.2.9) and the client (3.2.15) or the conference

interpreting service provider (3.2.12)
3.3 Concepts related to conference interpreting equipment and settings
3.3.1
conference

structured formal meeting, or set of meetings, following an established agenda in which issues, ideas

and policies are discussed
3.3.2
system
combination of interacting elements organized to achieve a given objective
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.5.2.6]
3.3.3
conference system
system (3.3.2) that controls technical equipment used to conduct an event
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.5.2.7]
3.3.4
interpreting system

combination of interpreting (3.2.4) equipment and system (3.3.2) for language distribution

Note 1 to entry: An interpreting system can require the use of booths (3.3.5) compliant with ISO 2603 or ISO 4043,

equipped with interpreter consoles (3.3.6) compliant with ISO 20109, or a portable interpreting system (3.3.9),

compliant with ISO 20109.
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.5.2.12]
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3.3.5
booth
simultaneous interpreting booth
self-contained unit enclosing the interpreter’s (3.2.3) workspace

Note 1 to entry: One of the purposes of booths is to provide sound insulation, both from the noise transmitted

from the booth’s external environment into the booth itself and vice versa, and from noise passing from one

booth to another.
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.5.2.1]
3.3.6
interpreter console

individual electronic unit containing controls for listening, speaking and viewing that facilitates

simultaneous interpreting (3.2.18)

[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.5.2.21, modified — The word “workstation” has been changed to “electronic

unit”, the words “and speaking” have been changed to “speaking and viewing”, and “enable” has been

changed to “facilitates”.]
3.3.7
soft console

type of interpreter interface (3.3.8) which runs on an ordinary IT device and has onscreen controls

Note 1 to entry: Soft consoles can run on mobile phones, computers or tablets.
[SOURCE: ISO/PAS 24019:2020, 3.8]
3.3.8
interpreter interface

equipment containing controls for listening, speaking and viewing used by the interpreter (3.2.3) to

facilitate simultaneous interpreting (3.2.18)

[SOURCE: ISO/PAS 24019:2020, 3.6, modified -The words “and viewing” have been added.]

3.3.9
portable interpreting system

simultaneous interpreting (3.2.18) equipment, with battery-operated components, which is lightweight

and enables the interpreter (3.2.3) and the participants to move around
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.5.2.14]
3.3.10
webcasting
web streaming
transmitting video and audio data across a network to an audience
[SOURCE: ISO 20539:2019, 3.5.2.30]
3.3.11
incoming channel

electric circuit serving as a path for an audio or video signal to an interpreter interface (3.3.8)

3.3.12
outgoing channel

electric circuit serving as a path for an audio or video signal from an interpreter’s (3.2.3) microphone or

camera which, when activated by the interpreter, transmits the interpreter’s interpreting (3

...