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If your business or organization works with non-English speaking or Limited English Proficient (LEP) customers or employees, you likely have a need for an interpreter. Interpretation involves the “rendering of spoken or signed information from a source language to a target language in oral or signed form, conveying both the register and meaning of the source language content,” according to the International Standards Organization (ISO). It is also important to note that interpretation is different from “translation,” which involves the conversion of written text from one language to another.

Here at Affordable Languages we’ve worked with numerous interpreters.  Over time we’ve identified the core skills that make a great interpreter.  Here they are:

I recently came across an article regarding the use of interpreters in the medical field and its impact on the patients’ well being. Sometimes when resources are not available or when medical providers are not aware of the services provided by their institutions, there is a misconception that anyone who is bilingual can render a faithful interpretation.

The need for professional interpreters is growing exponentially in today’s global marketplace. Whether you are a business owner who needs to speak with international investors, a clinician in an emergency room or urgent care setting, or an attorney who needs to communicate with witnesses who are not native English speakers, professional interpreters are an essential part of a successful business.

One might think that all it takes to be a sign language interpreter is the ability to sign. But what most people don’t realize is that American Sign Language (ASL) is a language all its own – not just a visual interpretation of English. Its grammar structure is different, and there are elements other than the signs themselves that are required for accurate sign language interpreting. For example, facial expressions, body language and even lip movements are integral parts of a professional sign language interpreter’s job.

Are You Bilingual? Use your skills to help people communicate!

Skype recently announced the first working approximation of Douglas Adams’s famous Babel fish:

On March 17th, 2014, twenty-four medical interpreters graduated from the Bridging the Gap Program. There were seven languages represented in the training: Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Turkish, Nepali, French, and Japanese. Bridging the Gap is a well-recognized medical interpreter education program with a presence in 31 states, the District of Columbia and Qatar.

What would you do if an individual walked into your place of work and did not speak English? Would you know if this person is legally entitled to an interpreter? Better yet, would you provide the individual an interpreter, or would you turn them away because you were not able to communicate with them? Many people do not know the answers to these questions and the consequences that are associated with them.

There are a myriad of questions you could ask to determine if a medical interpreter is capable of doing a good job.  During the patient encounter, of course, you can’t audit their performance because you don’t know the language—that’s why you need them in the first place!  So here are some straightforward questions you can ask before things begin to make sure you’ve got a competent professional to help you communicate with your patient: