Foreign-Language Interpreting Tips
Every interpreter we assign is a professional and has extensive experience working under difficult conditions. But a little TLC can provide big dividends. Here are some of our best practices for getting the most out of hiring an interpreter.
What Is an Onsite Interpreter For?
- Conferences and seminars
- Law courts, depositions and EBT
- Focus groups, special events, and VIP escort
- Negotiations and business meetings
- Training and HR
- Media, on-camera or off, live or feed
- Press conferences and public affairs
Working with Your Interpreter
After hiring the best interpreter, the second most important thing is to brief him. Lawyers preparing for a big case will hire interpreters days in advance to master the subject matter and to practice their presentation. A draft of your speech, a copy of the PowerPoint presentation or even a company brochure delivered an hour before the event can make a big difference in the quality of the interpretation.
When using a consecutive interpreter, you can improve communication by pausing often enough to allow your interpreter and your listener to follow the flow of your ideas. Look at your listener as you speak and listen, but watch your interpreter out of the corner of your eye so you can pick up her signals. If you have a few minutes, compare notes and warm up with the interpreter, before you are on the spot.
It always takes the simultaneous interpreter a bit longer to translate into another language, especially when working from English. English meaning is usually loaded in the middle of a sentence, while other languages, such as German and Japanese, carry most of their meaning at the end of the sentence. That makes it harder for interpreters to get all your points across if you are talking fast.
Jokes usually don’t translate well. (Try to vet them with the interpreter beforehand.) Baseball or football cultural references may be lost on a foreign audience. While professional interpreters should be studiously neutral, they can be a useful source of information in a debriefing.
Sometimes bad things happen. If you are unsatisfied with an interpreter for any reason, call us so we can replace the interpreter as soon as possible.
What Makes A Good Interpreter
Just because someone can speak two languages does not mean that person can interpret. It takes plenty of training and constant practice. Even many highly skilled translators are hopeless as interpreters. Bilingual employees function better as facilitators than as interpreters in important bilingual meetings. Interpreting can distract from their regular tasks and put their status in question in certain cultures.
Checking Interpreters
Take the time to check the qualifications of professional interpreters. If no one in your organization speaks both languages, an interview may not give you both sides of the story. You must rely on credentials and an assessment of the person’s knowledge of your field and the advice of those in the know. Get references and test if you can. Personality is also very important. A hard-nosed deposition interpreter, trained to be exacting and contentious, may not be the best fit when you want to show clients around town. Sometimes even a short phone chat is enough to save you from disaster.
Certification
There is no single certification process for interpreters in the United States. The federal government certifies interpreters in Spanish, Chinese and Navajo. Some hospitals, and state and local courts, have similar certification programs for a range of common immigrant languages. Unfortunately, the quality of these certified interpreters varies widely. The American Translators Association certifies only for written language skills, not for spoken. A few simultaneous interpreters are members of TAALS (The American Association of Language Specialists) and other organizations. Nomination is by existing members, which ensures that new members are equally skilled. Regardless of affiliation, experience is key.
Let us help you find the right interpreter for your next event or meeting. Get in touch at 1-800-872-6752 or [email protected].