Working With Interpreters

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO ACHIEVE

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Overview
What is an Interpreter

Types of Interpreters

Ethical Principles

Who is a Qualified Interpreter

Using an Interpreter Effectively

WHAT IS AN INTERPRETER?
WHAT IS AN INTERPRETER
An individual fluent in two or more languages
Capable of providing a verbal link to facilitate communication
between two parties without a common language

An interpreter is a crucial element to effective communication when

dealing with people different languages and cultures backgrounds,
and/or limited English proficiency.
WHAT IS AN INTERPRETER?
An interpreter is not the same as a translator.

Though the job titles are often mixed up

or used interchangeably, these two professionals
have uniquely different skill sets.
WHAT IS AN INTERPRETER?
Differences between interpreters and translators
Translators take written words and translate them into another language.
Interpreters take spoken words and interpret them into another language.
Translators typically translate only into their native language,
with notable exceptions.
Most interpreters must interpret in both directions.
Not all interpreters translate, and vice versa.
TYPES OF INTERPRETERS
TYPES OF INTERPRETERS
There are two main types of interpretation:
Simultaneous Interpretation
Consecutive Interpretation

A language service provider can help you determine which type of

interpretation is right for your needs.
TYPES OF INTERPRETERS
Simultaneous Interpretation
The interpreter repeats the message while the speaker is talking.
There is no pause to allow for interpretation.
Requires at least two interpreters (so that one each may rest)
Used for:
Large conferences
Multilingual requirements
American Sign Language (ASL)
TYPES OF INTERPRETERS
Consecutive Interpretation
The interpreter repeats the message after the speaker has finished.
Used for:
Small group conferences
Telephonic interpreting
Court cases

A note about time:

Meetings with consecutive interpretation generally last twice as long as a
meeting without interpretation.
It is important to plan accordingly, to make sure there is adequate time to
cover all necessary topics.
TYPES OF INTERPRETERS

A language service provider can help you determine

which type of interpretation is right for your needs.
KEY ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
FOR INTERPRETERS
Key ethical principles
for interpreters
Accuracy
Confidentiality
Impartiality
Professionalism
Ethics

National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, 2004

www.ncihc.org
Key ethical principles
for interpreters

Using a qualified interpreter, such as those who work with your

language service provider, ensures that you will be working with a
professional who follows these ethical guidelines.
WHY USE A QUALIFIED
INTERPRETER?
 Why Use a Qualified Interpreter?

To protect yourself and your institution against liability

The client has a right to ethical, professional, accurate and confidential
interpretation.
Being bilingual does not mean that a person is able to interpret or
translate information.
Why Use a Qualified Interpreter?

What is a qualified interpreter?

In the US, federal regulations define qualified interpreter as an
interpreter who is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and
impartially both receptively and expressively, using any necessary
specialized vocabulary.
A person who is linguistically and culturally competent in at least two
languages and knowledgeable about the topic to be interpreted.
May hold various accreditations/certifications.
There is currently no national certification.
Why Use a Qualified Interpreter?

Its not just about the language

In addition to speaking the languages fluently, a qualified interpreter
must also be fluent in the culture of both parties involved in the
interpretation.
This allows them to overcome and accommodate cultural differences
between speakers.
Why Use a Qualified Interpreter?

Some common cultural differences:

Personal space
This varies from country to country.
Arabs and Latinos stand much closer during conversation than Americans.
Japanese keep a greater distance than Americans.
Understanding this helps the interpreter accommodate both parties and create a
comfortable environment.
Nodding and shaking the head
Some people may nod or shake their head while listening, even though this does
not indicate any understanding of or disagreement with the topic at hand.
Understanding this allows the interpreter to make sure both the company and
their client completely understand the conversation.
Why Use a Qualified Interpreter?

Some common cultural differences:

Disclosing personal information
Some cultures are reluctant to offer personal information.
Understanding this allows the interpreter to phrase questions appropriately to stress
the importance of the required information.
Handshakes
Handshakes may last much longer in some cultures.
In others, they are omitted altogether or replaced by a different form of greeting.
Understanding this allows the interpreter to make sure the comfort levels of
everyone involved are satisfied.
Why Use a Qualified Interpreter?

What is a qualified interpreter?

A qualified interpreter :
Repeats the original message accurately and completely in another
language without adding, omitting, or changing key information or
intended meaning
Is knowledgeable about the culture of the speaker
Understands that the purpose of the interpreter is to be a voice for the
client
Follows the industrys professional Code of Ethics, HIPAA regulations,
etc.
USING AN INTERPRETER
EFFECTIVELY
Using An Interpreter Effectively

Tips for Working with Interpreters

Always face and speak directly to the client in a normal tone of voice.
Do not direct your questions or statements to the interpreter.
Make eye contact with the client and speak in the first person, using
I.
Professional interpreters will also respond in I, not he/she says.
Remember to speak slowly and in a normal tone of voice, pausing after each
complete thought and/or when the interpreter signals.
This will ensure that the interpreter can repeat your message within its stated
context.
Using An Interpreter Effectively

Tips for Working with Interpreters

Speak in short, clear phrases.
Try to avoid slang or jargon.
Avoid acronyms.
If common acronyms are used, clarify each one the first time you say it to ensure the
other person understands.
At times an interpreter may need clarification of a term.
If this is the case, he or she will address you directly.
Ask only one question at a time.
Wait for the interpreter to finish giving the answer before you ask the next question.
Using An Interpreter Effectively

Tips for Working with Interpreters

Confirm understanding by asking for important information to be
repeated back.
Be aware that a smile or nod may not indicate total agreement or understanding.
Many clients will understand some English, so some answers may be partially
or completely in English.
Dont say anything you dont want interpreted.
Remember that the interpreter is required to interpret everything that is said.
This includes curse words, side conversations and irrelevant chat.
Using An Interpreter Effectively

Tips for Working with Interpreters

Avoid using bilingual family members, friends or co-workers.
They are not qualified interpreters.
They are not bound by ethical constraints such as impartiality and confidentiality.
Furthermore, they are personally invested in the outcome of the interpretation, and may not
convey the message as clearly as possible.
Never use children to interpret for legal and ethical reasons.
Using An Interpreter Effectively

Following these tips will help make the interpretation process

run more smoothly and make communication easier.
Using An Interpreter Effectively

Remember that a qualified interpreter:

Is an impartial professional who is there for the benefit of both parties
Will not offer his/her own opinion
Will not enter into private discussion with either the client or the service
provider and will interpret every word that is spoken