Frequently Asked Questions

When you engage a lawyer, a doctor or a tradesman you have an expectation that the person doing the job is trained and qualified and has specialist expertise in their field. An interpreter is no different. Interpreting is a complex skill set and our interpreters have completed rigorous training and testing to ensure their skills are of the highest quality and standards. Interpreters are also required to abide by a code of ethics and are accountable for their actions and their interpretations.

Bilingualism does not mean that a person is able to interpret information. It can often be tempting to use someone’s friend or relative to interpret information but this should be avoided at all costs. A family member or friend may not have the necessary fluency in both languages, or the ability to interpret accurately. They are not bound by ethical constraints such as impartiality and confidentiality. Your client has a right to ethical, professional, accurate and confidential interpretation.

Positioning‍

• Where the interpreter sits or stands depends on the situation and the language being used. Sign language interpreters will usually sit beside the speaker and opposite the deaf person. This enables the deaf person and the interpreter to ‘read’ each others’ signs easily and also allows the deaf person to have eye contact with both the speaker and the interpreter at the same time. Let the client direct you as to where is best to sit. A sign language interpreter may also request a change of lighting – a curtain drawn or a light turned up to allow the deaf person and the interpreter to see each other clearly.
• Using Your Own Language Skills Many staff and providers speak some words of another language. It is fine to use your skills to greet a person and to establish rapport, such as admiring the baby or expressing pleasure at seeing someone again.

‍When meeting with the person for whom you have booked an interpreter:‍

• ‍Address the person, not the interpreter
• Maintain primary eye contact with your client
• An interpreter will continue to interpret at all times, ethically they are not allowed to stop. If you wish to have a private conversation with another person in the room, step out and discuss the issue.

‍Important Points‍‍

• Speak normally, with the expectation that the interpreter will give you feedback if you are going too quickly or they need you to stop
• Spoken language interpreters may direct you when to stop and start speaking – allowing them time to interpret your message to the client
• Sign language interpreters generally interpret simultaneously, that is they will sign at the same time as you are speaking. Speak at your normal pace and allow for a few seconds lag time for the interpreter to relay the information back and forth
• Avoid excessive use of jargon and idiomatic expressionsListen without interrupting
• Allow a little more time for a meeting, adding 15 minutes for every hourDo NOT assume that nods on the client’s part indicate either understanding or acceptance of what you have said. It can merely indicate respect for you
• At times an interpreter will ask for clarification of a term, and at that point will address you directly
• The interpreter will at times take longer than you expect, and this is required when cultural explanation is required to give complete meaning to a situation
• Relax! Interpreters are professionals and the goal is to ensure that all parties understand each other clearly, if you are unsure, just ask

‍What the interpreter will NOT do

• The interpreter is an impartial professional who is there for the benefit of BOTH parties, not just the non-English speaking person.
• The interpreter will not interject or offer their own opinion.
• The interpreter will not enter into private discussion with either the client or the service provider and will interpret every word that is spoken (or signed).
• The interpreter will not act as a ‘witness’ to any forms or declarations.
• An interpreter can be a cultural aide to your service, and is able to give you cultural feedback that elevates your understanding of reactions and responses. You are entitled to cultural interpreting as a way of clearly understanding the interaction.

Call Professional Interpreters today to find out how your company could receive interpreting services at no cost or low cost. We provide exceptional service at an exceptional rate.

Usually, legal documents require a certified translation, this may include business contracts, court transcripts, immigration documents, adoption agreements, and birth, death, or marriage certificates.

A certified translation is usually done by a translator (or translation company), and will be signed, stamped and dated by the translator. This indicates that the document has been certified, and that it is a true representation of the original text.

USCIS in particular, requires submissions of certified translations for all documents containing foreign language. Fortunately, we can translate and certify these types of documents.

An interpreter translates orally, and is often times used to bridge the gap in communication between two parties. While a translator is someone who accurately expresses the sense of words in a document, in another language.

You can check out our email help page here: www.professionalinterpretersor.com