WORKING WITH AN
INTERPRETER
What you need to know to achieve effective
communication
OVERVIEW
 What
is an Interpreter?
 Types
of Interpreters
 Ethical
 Who
Principles
is a Qualified Interpreter?
 Using
an Interpreter Effectively
WHAT IS AN
INTERPRETER?
WHAT IS AN INTERPRETER?


An interpreter is 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, the 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
 Multi-language requirements
 American Sign Language

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
 Acting in a professional and ethical manner

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?
The 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 qualified interpreter is a person who is
linguistically and culturally competent in at least two
languages and knowledgeable about the topic to be
interpreted
 A qualified interpreter may hold various
accreditations/certifications.


There is currently no national certification.
WHY USE A QUALIFIED INTERPRETER?

It’s not just about the language
In addition to speaking the languages fluently,
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 county.
 Arabs and Latinos stand much closer during conversation
than Americans.
 Japanese keep a greater distance that Americans.
 Understanding this helps the interpreter to 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 industry’s 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.


Make eye contact with the client and speak in the
first person, using “I.”


Do not direct your questions or statements to the
interpreter.
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.


At times an interpreter may need clarification of a
term.


If common acronyms are used, clarify each one the first
time you say it to ensure the other person understands.
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.
 Don’t say anything you don’t 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 coworkers.
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.

USING AN INTERPRETER EFFECTIVELY

If you have further questions on using
professional interpretation services, or
would like to schedule an interpreter for
your meeting, please contact us:
www.indytranslations.com
 (317) 566.8200 or (800) 695.8772

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Business Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Afterhours interpretation: (317) 775-2867