Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: C Language • Zoom Interpretation • Passive Language

Floor Language

Term from Interpretation industry explained for recruiters

Floor Language refers to the original spoken language being used at a meeting, conference, or event before it gets interpreted into other languages. For example, if a speaker is giving a presentation in Spanish, Spanish would be the floor language, even if the audience is listening to it in English through interpreters. It's like the "main" or "source" language of an event. Understanding which language is the floor language is crucial for interpreters and event organizers because it determines which interpreters need to be hired and how interpretation equipment should be set up.

Examples in Resumes

Provided simultaneous interpretation from Floor Language (French) to English at UN sessions

Coordinated interpreter teams working with multiple Floor Languages during international conference

Experienced in handling complex meetings with changing Floor Language requirements

Typical job title: "Conference Interpreters"

Also try searching for:

Conference Interpreter Simultaneous Interpreter Professional Interpreter UN Interpreter International Meeting Interpreter Diplomatic Interpreter

Where to Find Conference Interpreters

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Online Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle situations where the floor language changes unexpectedly during a conference?

Expected Answer: A senior interpreter should explain their experience in quickly adapting to language changes, coordinating with other team members, and ensuring smooth transitions while maintaining interpretation quality.

Q: Describe your experience managing interpreter teams with multiple floor languages.

Expected Answer: Should discuss experience in team coordination, scheduling, backup plans, and ensuring coverage for all language combinations while maintaining professional standards.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you prepare when you know you'll be working with multiple floor languages in one event?

Expected Answer: Should explain their research process, terminology preparation, and strategies for switching between different language combinations efficiently.

Q: What challenges have you faced with floor language audio quality and how did you handle them?

Expected Answer: Should describe practical solutions for dealing with technical issues, poor audio, or unclear speakers while maintaining interpretation accuracy.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is floor language and why is it important in conference interpretation?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that floor language is the original spoken language at an event and why it's crucial for planning interpretation services.

Q: How do you ensure you're properly prepared for your floor language assignments?

Expected Answer: Should discuss basic preparation techniques like reviewing materials, researching terminology, and familiarizing themselves with the subject matter.