Planning an Event in Africa? How to Meet Translation and Interpretation Needs

Planning an event comes with a host of considerations and moving parts, but organizing an event in Africa poses some unique challenges for meeting translation and interpretation needs across multiple languages. With over 2,000 languages spoken across Africa’s 54 countries, ensuring seamless communication at your pan-African event requires careful preparation and renting the proper interpretation equipment. This guide covers key areas to address when planning an event in Africa to facilitate understanding between all attendees.

Assessing Interpretation Needs

The first step is evaluating interpretation needs across the many languages your event’s attendees speak. Though English and French serve as common tongues across much of Africa, interpreting into various local languages will be essential for inclusivity. Conference interpretation equipment rental companies can advise on the right mix of gear, from wireless headsets to booths, but be sure to research the demographics of your expected audience during the planning phase.

Hiring Proficient Interpreters

Identifying the proficiency level and communication style of the interpreters you hire heavily impacts the success of multilingual event delivery. Seek out professionals with strong listening and memory skills who handle rapid speaker transitions smoothly. Look for interpreters fluent in the relevant languages for your event with subject matter expertise and experience interpreting similar conferences. Allow ample time to source skilled professionals for less common African languages like Swahili, Amharic or Shona. You’ll want your team translation-ready by confirming terminology familiarity for industry events focusing on niche fields.

Utilizing Translation Services

Even with live interpretation, providing printed or digital materials translated into multiple languages will facilitate participation. Translation revision services can refine initial draft translations into error-free documents. Have your interpreter review the final translated content for accuracy as well.

Incorporating Interpretation Services Seamlessly

Your attendees’ experience hinges on the seamless integration of interpretation services into the event proceedings. That means sound-checking equipment beforehand and anticipating transitions between speakers of different languages. Inform the presenter’s interpretation will be occurring to pause periodically for smooth transitions between tongues.

Navigating Event Venues and Vendors

Event management in Africa poses unique challenges in scoping venues, securing vendors, and handling day-of coordination. Local event planners provide invaluable insights on venue options, vendor reputability, local payment processes, and even unexpected circumstances that can arise like power outages. Lean on their expertise.

Navigating Logistics for Rental Equipment

Work closely with your conference interpretation equipment rental partner to map out audio distribution for the venue space, arrange deliveries/pick-ups, and train staff to operate equipment properly. Confirm technical specs and availability of power outlets/wi-fi for equipment. Handle customs clearances and arrange secure storage if rental gear will be kept on-site overnight.

Conclusion

Weaving language interpretation and translation into any event boosts accessibility for those speaking Africa’s myriad languages. By researching your attendees’ needs, hiring skilled interpreters and translators, seamlessly integrating services, and handling logistics for renting audio gear, your event will facilitate engaging discussion across languages. With preparation, you can overcome language barriers to foster an inclusive experience in this linguistically diverse region of the world.