Contrary to translation, which deals with a written message, Interpreting deals with a spoken message.
While some communication can be done in a form of letters, brochures, or financial statements translated in foreign languages, some situations would call for a spoken message, and the use of an interpreter. This is due partially to the influx of new languages being introduced constantly to our communities. Also, it is partially due to the sensitivity and complexity of certain situations where written message is no longer appropriate. Some examples would include a situation where a mother is giving a birth to a child, where an officer is “reading” Miranda Rights to a person being taken into custody, where a company is terminating an employee, or where a person is being examined or otherwise questioned.
We offer different kinds of interpreting services. Please click here or on the links below to learn more about each type.
Language screening and assessment are used to ensure the level of interpreter’s proficiency in all languages he or she speaks is to our standards. Fluency, and a rich vocabulary in both languages are necessary. We give a special attention to their communication and interpersonal skills too.
All our interpreters are bound to adhere to the following Code of Ethics
- Confidentiality
- Accuracy and Completeness
- Professional Demeanor
- Impartiality
- Professional Development
Ongoing quality control includes monitoring, and continuing education. Our program is designed to prevent troubling issues rather than just react to them.
Our experience in providing interpreters in health care, government settings, and legal proceedings assures that your clients, employees, or customers will receive the highest quality, and one of the most trusted services available in our area.
For tips on How to Work Effectively With an Interpreter CLICK HERE
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• When greeting your clients, talk to them directly. Even if they do not understand what you are saying, your body language and tone of voice will tell them that you care. This way you will establish bond and trust necessary for successful conversation.
• Be aware of the cultural differences. In some countries handshake is not appropriate, and the lack of eye contact actually shows respect.
• Speak directly to your clients as if the interpreter were not present. For example, instead of saying, “Ask her if she ate this morning,” you should ask your client directly “Have you eaten this morning?”
The most important relationship is that between you and your client.
• Speak at a moderate pace and pause frequently to not overwhelm interpreter with too much information.
• Avoid slang, professional jargon (highly technical terminology), and idioms. Many concepts in our language have no equivalency in other languages.
• Check for client’s understanding. Due to cultural or personal issues, sometimes your clients will feel intimidated and fail to ask questions even when not understanding everything clearly.
• Avoid side conversations with the interpreter in the presence of your client. If you need to address the interpreter, inform the client about it first.
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To learn how a Professional Interpreter will act CLICK HERE
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• Introduce him or herself to both you, and your client. He/she will inform you of his/her duties and/or expectations. He/she will tell you that everything will be interpreted accurately and completely (this means that even bad words would be interpreted), and that all information from the conversation will be kept confidential. He/she will ask you to speak slowly, make frequent pauses, and to avoid using slang and too technical vocabulary.
• Use first person speech when interpreting your word and the words of your client. For example, if your client says, “My stomach hurts,” he/she will interpret, “My stomach hurts,” (NOT “She said her stomach hurts.”). If you say, “I will order an Upper GI for you,” she might say, “The interpreter is not familiar with the term the doctor used. She will ask him to clarify it so she can interpret accurately.”
• Stand or sit in an unobtrusive place as much as the room setting allows if interpreting in person.
• Never offer advice or opinions related to anything else beside linguistic and cultural issues.
• Never get into a side conversation without notifying the other person about it. For example (as stated above), interpreter would notify the client first that she need to clarify something with you before starting to talk to you in his/her own words. This way the client is not left aside all confused and not knowing what is going on.
• Sometimes carry a dictionary and/or a notebook to jot down notes while interpreting.
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