Hiring an Interpreter? Smart move! Here’s how to get the most value out of the relationship.
Hiring an interpreter may seem like a luxury when you have family or friends who may be capable of the job. However, there is much more at stake than a language barrier. When you hire an interpreter, you assure that the vital information you receive – at the doctor’s office, in your child’s classroom, or during an important meeting – is accurate and impartial. Just the facts, Ma’am.
Additionally, a professional interpreter can prepare for a session by researching the topic and pertinent terminology, increasing their accuracy and your understanding even more.
Now that you’ve made the decision to hire a pro, read on to learn how you can help the interpreter help you get the most out of the exchange.
Consider Demographic and Cultural Differences
If possible, ask for an interpreter of the same age range and gender as the Limited English Proficient (LEP) person. Make sure there are no dialect issues. Before the appointment, ask the interpreter about any social, cultural, or religious issues that might arise based on the five W’s listed below.
These steps will go a long way in making the LEP person feel more comfortable and at ease during what might be a stressful time.
Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How
Use this old journalist’s trick to cover the basics and prepare the interpreter for your appointment.
Who will you be seeing?
What is the purpose of the meeting, and what do you need to accomplish?
When and where will the meeting take place?
Why was the meeting proposed?
All this information helps your interpreter know how to provide the best service to you.
Allow for Extra Time
An appointment or meeting that includes an interpreter should not feel rushed. The translation process moves more slowly than a direct conversation, so request a longer time slot for your session.
Keep the Conversation Focused and Clear
Speaking in a normal tone and regular pace helps the interpreter convey what you say with accuracy. Pausing for a moment to collect thoughts before speaking is always a good idea. Blurting out comments or changing thoughts midstream makes it much more challenging for the interpreter to accurately convey what you’re trying to say. During the conversation, ask for clarification if needed, but don’t ask the interpreter for their opinion or commentary.
Respect the Process
Remember that the interpreter is a conduit of communication between the people in the room. It’s an important role that is vital to your understanding of facts and situations that affect you. Stay alert throughout the conversation and make sure you fully understand the outcome before ending your session with the interpreter. You can now feel confident you have the correct information to make knowledgeable decisions.
Hire a Certified Interpreter
To ensure highest accuracy in the healthcare setting, insist on a certified interpreter. Certified professionals have advanced training that translates to superior care for your loved one.
Saillant Language Consulting offers high quality certified translation, interpretation, and training services. Saillant creates communication and understanding… what we all need in any language!