The origins of simultaneous interpretation

More than any other single event of the twentieth century, the Nuremberg Trial of Nazi war criminals set forth as a principle of international law that crimes of war and crimes against humanity would not go unpunished. The Nuremberg Trial was also the first official international gathering in which simultaneous interpretation was used. However, when 42 volumes of the transcripts containing an estimated six million words were published, not a single word was devoted to the role of interpretation.

This book offers the first complete analysis of the emergence of simultaneous interpretation and the individuals who made the process possible. Francesca Gaiba offers new insight into this monumental event based on extensive archival research and interviews with interpreters, who worked at the trial. This work provides an overview of the specific linguistic needs of the trial, and examines the recruiting of interpreters and the technical support available to them.

It focuses on the development and evolution of the technique of simultaneous interpretation as a response to the complex requirements of a multilingual trial. Discussion includes not only the impact of the interpretation on the trial itself, but also the impact of the interpreters' voice and personality on the proceedings.