Southeast Regional
Economic Justice Network
Resisting Rivalry: African American/Latino Relationship Building
TIPS FOR USING TRANSLATION
Purpose of Providing Translation
Communication for mutual understanding and benefit.
Types of Interpretation
Simultaneous Translation
 Interpreter translates verbatim while speaker is speaking
 Requires at least two interpreters, either to trade off, or work at the same time,
dividing the work, one doing English to Spanish (for example), the other, Spanish to
English
 Use equipment: transmitter with microphone or body pack with headset, receivers,
earphones
 Puts everyone on equal footing, with information equally accessible
 Interpreters need a break every 20-30 minutes
Parallel Interpretation
 Interpreter translates after the speaker has paused, usually a few sentences or an idea.
 Can be one interpreter, but ideally should be two.
 Interpreters need a break every hour
Selection of Interpreters
Interview interpreters. Make sure they have done simultaneous translation, are familiar with
the issues you will be discussing, know the vernacular of the people who will be in the meeting.
Find out what needs and concerns they have, particularly regarding the site, and their fees, of
course. Specify your expectations and theirs and write them up in a memo of understanding
(or contract), especially if you haven't worked with them before. Be sure the interpreter
understands her/his role is not to be a participant. (This is where using professionals makes a
big difference.) Most interpreters will expect you to provide the equipment, unless they work
with a translation services company. Find out what equipment they are familiar with.
Preparation with Interpreters
Meet to review agenda. Make sure the interpreters understand the purpose of your meeting.
They usually are quite helpful in assuring the audience is engaged, i.e. noticing if they are not and
some adjustment needs to be made.
Set up a time for interpreters to test equipment to make sure it is in working order.
Equipment
Translation equipment needs careful care. It is delicate and expensive. Always take extra
receivers, earphones and batteries in case some are not working. When handing out
equipment, it is best to ask for a photo id, or a credit card, in exchange for the receivers and
earphones, to make sure they will return to you.
[Over]
Southeast Regional
Economic Justice Network
Resisting Rivalry: African American/Latino Relationship Building
The Setting
If interpreters are using body packs (portable transmitters) they will move around the room.
Usually they stand near whomever is speaking. If a transmitter is being used with a mike, they
will need a table and chairs. Sometimes (for large events) they prefer to be in booths.
Speakers will have to talk into a microphone, so you may need a microphone that can be
passed around, or mike stand(s) that people can go to when they wish to speak. When you
arrange the seating of your room, place the interpreters at a place where the speaker can have
eye contact with them.
The Agenda
Allow time on the agenda for people to get the translation equipment they need and for the
interpreters to give instructions to the group. Ask for the group's patience and, if it's a long
meeting, you might forewarn them that listening through earphones takes a lot of
concentration. Both the audience and interpreters will need ample breaks. Most important,
ask people to speak slowly and clearly. The facilitator and speakers should regularly make eye
contact with the interpreters to make sure they are hearing and can keep up. If interpretation
is taking place, remind the speaker to pause so that the interpreter can translate.
Documentation
If you plan to record the meeting, make sure you arrange to record all the English translation,
so that whomever transcribes the event can write up complete notes. If you are scribing points
on a flip chart, make sure you have two charts, one for each language.