The Floor Language (the main language spoken at a conference)

This is normally either used by a chairman or by main speakers. In simple format  or for small conferences there will only be one floor language with the occasional short intervention of another language, such as in Q&A sessions. The linguists often refer to the floor language as  the "active" language and all other languages used as "passive" languages.

In more multilingual conferences with a high number of speakers in multiple languages one will find multiple floor languages. It is important to ascertain  what are the floor languages as this will reflect on the selection of the interpreters you need. Bostico, based on this information will select a team.

Interpreters classify their languages according to active and passive languages. A linguist can be, say mother-tongue English and also be able to fluently speak other languages such as Italian or French. In this case the active language will be English and this interpreter will be interpreting from French or Italian into English. This interpreter will not be able to interpret from English into French or Italian as these are his passive languages.

Interpreters state their language knowledge in conference interpreting according to 'A', 'B' and 'C'. This means 'A' is their native language (active), 'B' is their language of habitual use (also active but not native) and 'C' language(s) is their passive language.

The positioning of interpreting booths is crucial to the smooth running of operations. The interpreter needs to be able to view all that is happening on the floor without any obstructions. If there are obstructions, video link may be needed

Furthermore Interpreters and technician should be able to have a discrete means of entering/leaving booths. The booths should be grouped together. The technician's control panel should be situated next to the booths.

Subject materials and information 
 
Conference interpreters take great pride in their work and because job of interpreting is so instant and unpredictable, it is good to make as predictable as possible by allowing them to get familiarised with the subject of the conference, aims and goals, possible speeches, or providing any material that could help them prepare.  The client needs to ensure that plenty of time is given to pass the necessary information to interpreters.

Reference materials interpreters usually ask for:

o The conference agenda and any  presentations/notes that speakers will use