Zahra Arsalani - M.A Graduate in Translation Studies Iran, Mashhad

Simultaneous interpreting is more widespread today than the consecutive one due to the much progress in technology in using booths and the importance of saving time. European Union also claims to be the world’s largest user of interpreter services. Many qualifications like complete first and second language competence, strong listening skills, multitasking etc. are needed for an accurate simultaneous interpretation. Among all, the article is mainly focused on multitasking. There is an assumption that women are better at multitasking and can be better simultaneous interpreters compared to men. Variable groups of socialists, scientists and psychologists believe in different reasons for the phenomena. It can be whether due to the larger corpus callusom (the nerve connections between the right and left hemispheres of the brain) in women’s brain (nature) or their routine exposure to the environment (nurture) which requires multitasking. Having considered either of the assumption as factual statement, the writer believes that women can simultaneously interpret more efficiently.

Simultaneous interpreting, Multitasking, Men and Women